Cory Holland, owner of the Oyama General in Oyama, B.C. store kicked off the Save Our Stores campaign on November 17, 2022.

Cory has been a convenience store operator for over 20 years and has noticed the significant damage contraband tobacco has done to his business.

“'Basically, our tobacco sales dropped 50 cent in the last 3 years. British Columbians and store owners are suffering over the loss of tax dollars. The only guys who are winning are the organized crime gangs.”

“Illegal tobacco is a creating a snowballing effect. A lot of bad things are happening to good people and it’s piling up. The law abiding citizens are losing, the small business owners are losing, and the government is losing. “

The Save our Stores campaign will continue to rally until the B.C. government hears their concerns.

If you or someone you know would like to share your story about how contraband tobacco has negatively impacted your business or community, email info@retailers4safecommunities.ca.

Cory Holland and Cory George, B.C. convenience store operators at the Save Our Stores campaign launch in Oyama, B.C.