24 Retailers In The UK Jointly Oppose New Tobacco Control Policies, Which Could Lead To 7700 Store Closures

According To Dailymail On April 20th, On The Eve Of The Tobacco And Vapes Bill Entering The House Of Lords In The UK, A Small Retailer Alliance Consisting Of 24 Convenience Store Operators Publicly Called For Urgent Talks With The Government On The Proposed Tobacco Control Policy. They Warned That If The Policy Is Implemented Without Sufficient Consultation, It May Force Them To 'permanently Shut Down'. The Open Letter Was Signed By Several Shop Owners Belonging To National Retail Networks Such As Premier, Londis, Nisa, Costcutter, Spar, And One Stop, Stating That The Bill Will "strangle The Pillars Of The Community," Particularly Expressing Concerns About The Implementation Of Advertising And Display Restrictions, The Increase In Employer National Insurance Premiums, And Strengthened Enforcement. The Statement Reads, "Several Measures In This Bill May Suffocate Small Businesses Like Ours. Despite The Labour Party's Claim To Support The Labor Force, The Reality Is That We Are Facing Higher Tax Burdens, More Complex Regulatory Processes, And Policies That Are Seriously Out Of Touch With Today's Economic Environment." The Call Cites A Previous Report That Stated That If The Bill Continues As Planned, It Is Expected That 77000 Street Convenience Stores And Liquor Retail Stores Will Close, Involving Approximately 70000 Jobs. Meanwhile, Under The Dual Pressure Of Energy Prices And Inflation, Retailers Also Face The Risk Of Reducing Employee Schedules, Suspending Investments, And Even Closing Stores Due To Budget Constraints. In Addition, The Merchant Alliance Has Also Issued Warnings About Potential Employee Safety Hazards That The Bill May Bring. The Statement Stated That Although Strengthening Age Checks Aims To Protect Teenagers From The Effects Of Nicotine, It May Also Lead To Store Employees Facing More Insults, Harassment, And Even Threats. Employees Should Not Be Afraid Just Because Of Enforcing The Law. There Are Already Many Sources Of Pressure, And This Bill Will Only Make The Situation More Severe. At The Same Time, The Public Will Also Rebound Against The Proposed Restrictions On E-cigarette Flavors That Attract Children, Such As Bubble Gum And Marshmallows. A Joint Petition Has Received 12000 Signatures And Prompted The Government To Respond, Stating That Further Consultations Will Be Conducted On Relevant Measures.

"In Order To Avoid Unexpected Consequences On Smoking Rates, Any Restrictions Will Be Carefully Considered."

Mark Oates, Founder Of We Vape, Pointed Out That "taste Is Crucial For Smokers To Switch To E-cigarettes, So It Must Be Protected. Children Should Not Be Exposed To E-cigarettes, And The Solution Is To Enforce Strict Age Restrictions And Impose Severe Penalties On Violators."

The Bill Will Be Reviewed In The House Of Lords This Wednesday (23rd).