Korean convenience stores applaud anti-contraband initiative

TORONTO, May 28 /CNW/ - Ontario's 2,300 Korean corner store owners are delighted with the federal government's announcement today to combat illegal cigarettes.

"The Conservative government has listened to our community's cry for help to protect us against criminal smugglers," said Kenneth Kim, spokesman for the grassroots campaign. "Today's announcement is a concrete step that will make our communities safer from organized crime, protect our youth from predators, and give our law-abiding, tax-paying, ID-checking corner stores a level playing field."

"We are grateful that the government listened so attentively to our concerns, and will follow the implementation of their plans with great interest," concluded Mr. Kim.

For further information: about Ontario's 2,300 Korean corner stores, visit www.KoreanConvenienceStores.ca

Korean convenience stores launch campaign against contraband cigarettes

Ottawa -- Your Korean convenience store owners are launching a campaign against contraband cigarettes today, with a multimedia ad blitz and a visit to Parliament Hill.

The campaign includes national TV ads as well as Korean-language radio and print ads. The campaign website, www.KoreanConvenienceStores.ca features tools for grassroots activists, including Facebook and Twitter sites, a YouTube speakers corner, and a call-your-MP dialer.

"There are 2,300 Korean corner stores in Ontario," said Kenneth Kim, spokesman for the campaign. "We are tax-paying, law-abiding citizens. Illegal cigarette smugglers are driving us out of business -- and it’s time for the federal government to do something about it."

The RCMP estimates that over $2.4 billion a year in taxes is lost to cigarette smugglers, and more than 100 criminal gangs are involved in the illegal trade. Studies show that 30% of cigarettes in high schools are bought from illegal smugglers.

"Through our media campaign, our website and our visits to Ottawa, we hope to convince the government to uphold the law, and stand with law-abiding Canadians against these criminals who are targeting our youth," concluded Mr. Kim.

For more information, including to watch the TV ad, visit www.KoreanConvenienceStores.ca.

Contact: Kenneth Kim at kenkim@koreanconveniencestores.ca