The Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists (AITS) is a trade association representing independent tobacco retailers primarily in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Established as an advocacy and support body, AITS focuses on looking after the interests of specialist tobacconists, providing members with commercial support, guidance, and access to legal expertise related to the tobacco retail sector. The association actively engages in lobbying activities within the EU framework, particularly concerning tobacco-related regulations and policies. It organizes events such as the annual IGNITE Conference & Show, underscoring its role as a key player in the independent tobacco retail industry. Since its registration with the EU Transparency Register, AITS has aimed to influence tobacco product directives, regulatory frameworks, and commercial conditions affecting its members, emphasizing expertise, quality, and good service within the independent tobacconist community. It networks with various industry stakeholders to promote the interests of independent tobacco retailers at the EU level while maintaining compliance with transparency and lobbying regulations. AITS operates in a complex regulatory environment shaped by EU tobacco control legislation and related trade policies, contributing perspectives from the independent retail sector to EU institutional discussions and public health policy forums.
