Retailers Write to Government
Small business owners and shopkeepers want to meet with the Government, as they say the Tobacco & Vapes Bill could force them to “close for good”, says leading retailer Vape Club https://www.vapeclub.co.uk/
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by Dave Cross
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A group of small retailers and corner shop owners have written to the government about the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently passing through Parliament. The business owners believe that measures contained within the Bill will add additional constraints, making it harder for them to survive at a time of economic difficulty.
A recent joint public appeal has seen shopkeepers operating under household names demand policymakers to consider the impact the Tobacco & Vapes Bill will have on their ability to stay open and provide jobs.
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has spotlighted that under Schedule One of the Bill, a license to sell vape products could potentially be refused based on location, ultimately restricting market access for entirely legitimate businesses. They have long supported the implementation of a vaping licensing scheme that will promote and enforce responsible sales without posing a threat to the UK convenience store sector.
Vape Club’s Dan Marchant, a founding member of UKVIA - the UK’s leading vape industry trade association, has previously stated: “This framework would equip Trading Standards with the necessary tools and authority to take decisive action, ensuring that unscrupulous traders face significant penalties.”
The Small Retailers letter says: “As small retailers and corner shop owners, we are the backbone of our communities, providing essential goods and services while serving as trusted, local businesses. Today, we stand united in calling for an urgent consultation with the government regarding the profound impact the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill will have on our businesses, livelihoods, and the safety of our staff.
“We recognise the importance of responsible retailing and the need to protect public health, but the measures outlined in this Bill risk suffocating small businesses like ours. The proposed restrictions on advertising and displaying products will limit our ability to operate competitively and communicate legally available goods to adult consumers. At a time when we are already grappling with economic pressures, including rising rent and energy costs, these additional constraints will make it even harder for us to survive.
“Moreover, this Bill adds to the mounting financial burden on small retailers. The recent rise in Employers' National Insurance contributions has already stretched our resources, and now we are being asked to shoulder even more regulatory and financial pressures. For many of us, this could mean cutting staff hours, reducing investment in our stores, or, in some cases, closing our doors for good.
“There is also a growing concern for the safety of our workers. The proposed enforcement of stricter ID checks will put staff in an increasingly difficult position, exacerbating the already rising levels of abuse and intimidation from individuals seeking age-restricted products. Shopworkers should not have to fear for their safety simply for doing their jobs. The government must acknowledge the real-world implications of these measures and work with us to find a solution that balances public health objectives with the viability and security of independent retailers.
“We urge policymakers to engage with us directly, to listen to our concerns, and to work collaboratively to ensure that any new regulations are fair, proportionate, and workable. Small retailers are more than just businesses - we are community hubs, local employers, and a vital part of Britain's high streets.
“If the government does not hear our voices now, it risks leaving thousands of independent retailers behind.
“We call on the government to immediately consult with small retailers and corner shop owners before proceeding further with this legislation. Our livelihoods, our staff, and our communities depend on it.”
The letter was signed by:
- Anand Cheema, Costcutter, Falkirk
- Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo, Glasgow
- Sukh Gill, Nisa Local, Burton on Trent
- Barry Patel, Nisa Local, Luton
- Amanpreet Samra, Jai Convenience, Stirling
- Jaspreet Khaira, Premier Medwyn Stores, Alloa
- Gurpreet Sidhu, Shopsmart, Glasgow
- Sukhdev Sindhar, Premier, Airdrie
- Lakhvir Sidhu, Sidhu Off Sale, Airdrie
- PJN Limited, Morrisons Daily, Wilmcote, Mickleton, and Winchcombe
- Bay Bashir, Go Local, Middlesbrough
- Sunder Sandher, One Stop, Leamington Spa
- Sunita Aggarwal, Spar, Wigston
- Chaz Chahal, owner of several Costcutter and Morrisons Daily stores
- Harj Dhasee, Nisa Local, Gloucester
- Neil Godhania, Neil’s Premier, South Bretton
- Avtar Sidhu, St John's Budgens, Kenilworth
- Sukhjit Sidhu, Londis Abbey End, Kenilworth
- Surjeet Notay, Notay convenience stores, West Yorkshire
- Mike Lakhani, St Marys Supermarket, Southampton
- Dee Sedai, One Stop, Stoke-on-Trent
- Sandeep Bains, Welcome Coop Faversham
Photo Credit:
Letter Photo by Lucas George Wendt on Unsplash, background removed, Parliament Photo by Heidi Fin on Unsplash
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
