On the eve of the Tobacco and Vape Act entering the House of Lords for review in the UK. 24 convenience store operators under the well-known brand system jointly spoke out, warning the government that if it does not intervene in the consultation in time, the new regulations will deal a “devastating blow” to small retail businesses. They pointed out that restrictions on advertising and display. The increase in national insurance and the strengthening of law enforcement might trigger economic pressure and employee safety risks, and called on policymakers to fully consider the reality of the industry.
Key points:
- Twenty-four retailers jointly called on the British government to engage in dialogue: opposing the discouraging measures brought about by the Tobacco and vape Act, fearing that stores will be “permanently closed”.
- The concerns include: restrictions on advertising display, mandatory ID verification, employee safety risks, and the increase in national insurance contributions, which may lead to the closure of 7,700 convenience stores and the unemployment of 70,000 people.
- Regarding the proposal to restrict the flavors of vapes: 12,000 people have petitioned against it, fearing that consumers will return to cigarettes or turn to the black market.
- The government responded that further consultations would be held: The government responded that it would further negotiate and promised to consider carefully to avoid counterproductive effects on smoking cessation behavior. It will be reviewed in the House of Lords on the 23rd.
24 UK retailers join forces to oppose vape bill
According to a report by The Daily Mail on April 20th, on the eve of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being reviewed by the House of Lords in the UK. A coalition of small retailers consisting of 24 convenience store operators publicly called on the government to hold emergency talks on the proposed tobacco control policy. They warned that if the policy was implemented without adequate consultation, it might force them to “permanently close down”.
The open letter, signed by several shopkeepers affiliated with national retail networks such as Premier, Londis, Nisa, Costcutter, Spar and One Stop, pointed out that the bill would “strangle the pillars of the community”, especially expressing concerns over the implementation of advertising and display restrictions, the increase in employers’ national insurance benefits and the strengthening of law enforcement.
The statement reads,
- Several measures in this bill are likely to suffocate small businesses like ours. Although the Labour Party claims to support the working group, the reality is that we are facing higher tax burdens, more complex regulatory processes, and policies that are seriously out of step with the current economic environment.
Proposed restrictions may cause 7,700 store closures
The appeal, citing a previous report, pointed out that if the original bill proceeds as planned, it is expected that 7,700 street convenience stores and alcohol retail stores will close down, involving approximately 70,000 jobs. Meanwhile, under the dual pressure of energy prices and inflation, retailers also face the risks of reducing employee schedules, suspending investments and even closing stores due to budget constraints.
In addition, the business alliance also issued a warning about the potential employee safety hazards that the bill might bring. The statement said that although the strengthened age verification is aimed at protecting teenagers from nicotine, it may also lead to store employees facing more abuse, harassment and even threats.
- Employees should not be afraid merely because of the enforcement of the law. There are already many sources of pressure at present, and this bill will only make the situation more severe.
Meanwhile, the public will also rebel against the proposed provisions to restrict the flavors of vapes that attract children, such as bubble gum and marshmallows. A joint petition has received 12,000 signatures and prompted the government to respond, which said it would conduct further consultations on relevant measures.
- To avoid unexpected consequences for the smoking rate, any restrictions will be carefully considered.
Mark Oates, the founder of the We Vape organization, pointed out
- Taste is crucial for smokers to switch to vapes and, therefore, must be protected. Children should not be exposed to vapes. The solution is to enforce strict age limits and impose severe penalties on sellers who violate the rules.
The bill will be reviewed in the House of Lords this Wednesday (the 23rd).
