24 UK Shopkeepers Plead for Talks Over ‘Suffocating’ Tobacco and Vapes Bill
A coalition representing 24 shopkeepers from major UK convenience groups like Premier, Londis, and Nisa has issued an urgent public appeal for talks with the government, warning the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill could force them to “close for good.” They argue the legislation risks “suffocating the backbone of the local community” if implemented without considering its real-world impact on small businesses.
In their joint statement, the shopkeepers contend that the bill’s measures, including a generational tobacco sales ban and planned advertising/display restrictions, compound existing economic hardships. “We are being hit with higher taxes, more red tape, and policies that ignore the realities of running a local shop,” the statement reads, referencing pressures like increased Employers’ National Insurance Contributions (costing roughly £1000 per staff member), high energy prices, and inflation.
The appeal echoes findings from a recent report by Dr. Maged Ali (University of Essex) which predicted 7,700 corner shops could close and 70,000 jobs could be lost if the bill proceeds unchanged. Retailers fear cutting off tobacco sales, a key revenue stream, will push many struggling independent stores over the brink.
Beyond financial concerns, the shopkeepers raise serious alarms about staff safety. They argue that stricter ID enforcement measures required under the bill will inevitably lead to increased abuse, harassment, and intimidation directed at frontline workers. “Shopworkers should not have to fear for their safety simply for doing their jobs,” the statement warns, fearing the bill exacerbates an already difficult situation.
The coalition warns that without meaningful government engagement before the bill receives Royal Assent, many retailers will face cutting staff hours, freezing investments, or shutting down entirely. They are calling for urgent discussions before the bill’s upcoming hearing in the House of Lords this Wednesday (April 23, 2025).
Separately, concerns about potential restrictions on specific vape flavors have prompted a petition with 12,000 signatures, urging the government not to ban flavors popular with adults switching from smoking. The government responded by stating further consultation will occur before any flavor restrictions are introduced, acknowledging the need to avoid unintended consequences on smoking rates.
- Read the Small Retailers Statement In Full: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14629753/Shopkeepers-Government-meet-vaping-smoking-crackdown.html
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