The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
The daughter of a woman killed in a fire caused by illegal cigarettes is calling for harsher sentences for those who sell them.
Julie Grant’s mum June Buffham died at her home in Stonegate, Spalding, in April 2012 after she fell asleep and dropped a lit Jin Ling cigarette in her chair.
The illegal cigarette continued to burn, quickly releasing fumes, including cyanide, which would have killed her within a minute.
Now Julie, who owned Butters outdoor shop in Spalding’s New Road until she retired last year, has launched an online petition calling for the Government to impose tougher sentences on those who peddle illegal cigarettes and alcohol.
If the petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government is duty bound to respond to it, and if it reaches 100,000 it will be considered for debate in Parliament.
Julie said: “The sale of illegal alcohol and cigarettes is a problem in our area, so the more support I can get the nearer I will get to my aim of getting the Government to listen and debate.
“Something has to be done and my thoughts are that harsher sentences could deter sales.
“When you hear that children are being sold both alcohol and tobacco products it makes you realise that we have to do more – they are the next generation and this has to be stopped.
“Illicit cigarettes and alcohol are potential killers.
“The sale of these items is unregulated.
“They have a higher health risk and are being sold to children at pocket money prices.
“The fire safety regarding the cigarettes is unregulated and has already caused deaths, including my mum.”
Julie’s petition will be available to sign until July.
To add your signature go to www.petition.parliament.uk/petitions/117209
