For the Atlantic Convenience Stores Association, the biggest issue in the current times is over the contraband tobacco. Due to the lethargic economy, mounting costs, stern rules and regulations, and prohibited tobacco, the convenience stores are in a threat of closing.

A survey unveiled that the region around the University of New Brunswick's Student Union Building has the uppermost rate of illegal cigarettes in the city. The area saw 27.5% of cigarette butts deemed illegal.

The markings on the filter of these cigarettes help distinguish them. A company label is found on the legal ones, whereas no such mark or a fleur-de-lis is expected on the illegal cigarettes.

These illegal cigarettes are usually vended from street corners, parking lots and out of cars, by those people who are involved in organized crime.

Jerry Scholten, Owner of Scholten's Groceries, said, "These butt study numbers come as a shock to people in the industry. Around here, we know that contraband cigarettes are five times cheaper than legal cigarettes and there is no question this is undermining government and health group anti-smoking efforts, not to mention crippling convenience store employees, shop owners and other people of the community”.