UK Retailers Urge More Resources to Combat Illicit Vape and Tobacco Trade
UK retailers are calling on the government to provide more resources to Trading Standards departments to combat the growing illicit trade in tobacco and vapes. The National Deputy President of the Federation of Independent Retailers stated that without increased government investment, the current situation is unlikely to improve.
Key Points at a Glance
- UK retailers are urging the government to bolster resource allocation for Trading Standards departments to crack down on the illicit trade of tobacco and vapes.
- Hemanshu Patel, National Deputy President of the Federation of Independent Retailers, issued this appeal on April 15 during a discussion held at the National Convenience Show in Birmingham.
- The discussion focused on the future of vapes and the potential impact of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is nearing the completion of its parliamentary passage.
- Patel expressed that independent retailers feel they are being penalized, while illicit operators are not facing the same level of enforcement action.
- Patel further warned that without stronger support from Trading Standards. The licensing scheme, marketing restrictions, and “generational ban” measures outlined in the Bill could spark concerns and potentially drive some adult consumers toward the black market.
Retailers Call for Stronger Enforcement Support
April 21, 2026. According to Better Retailing, UK retailers are calling on the government to allocate additional resources to Trading Standards departments to combat the growing illicit trade in tobacco and vapes.
Industry Appeal Raised at National Convenience Show
Hemanshu Patel, National Deputy President of the Federation of Independent Retailers (Fed), issued this appeal during a panel discussion with retail industry experts at the National Convenience Show held in Birmingham.
Focus on the Tobacco and Vapes Bill Impact
The report notes that the discussion centered on the future of vapes and the broader implications of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill for the industry.
The Bill is expected to complete its parliamentary passage shortly and will introduce a “generational ban” on smoking, a licensing scheme for retailers, and stricter marketing restrictions for both vapes and tobacco products.
Retailers Say Law-Abiding Businesses Are Being Penalized
During the discussion, Patel stated, “It feels as though independent retailers are being penalized, while illicit operators are not.
Unless the government invests resources in this area, we will not see any change.”
He further noted that, although tobacco sales have declined in recent years, evidence suggests this is not solely due to reduced smoking rates but is also linked to the rise of illicit trade.
Concerns Over Licensing and Marketing Restrictions
According to reports, Patel indicated that without stronger Trading Standards enforcement. The industry remains concerned about the licensing regime, marketing restrictions, and generational smoking ban measures outlined in the Bill.
The Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) has previously stated that it remains open-minded regarding certain provisions of the legislation.
Warning: Stricter Rules May Fuel Black Market Growth
Following the event, Patel remarked that while preventing youth access to tobacco and vapes is a positive objective, some proposed measures could unintentionally push adult consumers toward the black market.
He added that he will continue urging the government to take further action in the coming months.
