HUNDREDS of retailers fear they could go out of business over enforcing age bans on smoking and vape sales.
Campaigning shopkeeper Paul Cheema says new laws could be the “final straw” as they deal with aggressive customers when asked for identification.
5
5
5
The move comes after the hard-pressed firms are already dealing with a hike in rising business rates and feel shoplifting in their stores is going unpunished.
He has joined forces with 700 fellow shopkeepers amid fears asking for ID could lead to more violence in the shops.
On-the-spot fines of £200 will be handed out by trading standards inspectors for selling tobacco, vape and nicotine products to underage customers.
Anyone born after January 1, 2009 will not be able to buy tobacco as Ministers aim for the first smoke-free generation.
The retailers have written to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds demanding more support for independent stores.
Mr Cheema said: “The proposed laws will do nothing to stop the illicit trade, but will put us in the firing line when enforcement falls on shop staff. It’ll be the final straw.
“We all want to protect young people from smoking.
“But badly thought-through laws won’t do that – they’ll just drive more sales underground, where nobody checks ID.
“We’re not asking for handouts. We’re asking to be heard. The government is piling pressure on our sector from every direction:”
“I’ve seen the government move mountains to protect 2,700 jobs in the steel industry – and rightly so.
“But there are 445,000 jobs in UK convenience stores, and we’re being ignored.”
“Local shops like mine are part of the fabric of British life. We’re open early, open late, and we’re there for people when no one else is.
“But there comes a point where enough is enough.”
There are also fears that adults will go to illicit stores to buy tobacco which will reduce the income for smaller stores.
Tobacco sales account for 15 per cent of the sales with six million people who see smoking as a way of life.
A government spokesperson said: “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our high streets, and our Plan for Change will help ensure they thrive.
“We’re taking tough action on shoplifters, and worked with retailers to help them get ready for the ban on single use vapes.”
5
5
