Retailers in the constituency of the health secretary Wes Streeting have criticized new Vape laws – because a shock survey shows that 95 percent of British traders are of the opinion that they will harm small companies.
About 80 percent also believe that shopkeepers will continue to sell illegal vapen after the prohibition on disposable items has been enforced on 1 June and certain flavors are prohibited as part of the tobacco and vapor accounts that parliament is currently held up.
The survey showed that 98 percent did not support e-liquid's prohibition, while 57 percent were aware of stores that already sold illegal products.
Business owners were asked 'with the introduction of a VAPE tax and proposed taste restrictions, do you think there are fewer people who visit your store to buy Vapes?', Ans 'yes' with 93 percent.
The survey, commissioned by Campaign Group WE VAPE, focused on more than 800 independent traders and franchises through industrial and trade fair groups to collect their opinion about the upcoming Tabak and Vapes Bill and its implications for small companies.
With 167 business reactions, the data is considered the most extensive research into retailer of its kind into government plans to create a smoke -free generation.
It comes as traders in the constituency of Wes Streeting by Ilford North – where illegal vapen and cigarettes remain easily available – said that the bill would harm trade and force many people to force black market cigarettes.
Gurdeep Chahal, owner of Somerville Convenience Store, said the bill could force his store to close.
Retailers in the constituency of the health secretary Wes Streeting have criticized new Vape laws – since a shock survey shows that 95 percent of British traders are of the opinion that they will harm small companies
About 80 percent are of the opinion that retailers will continue to sell illegal vapen after the prohibition on disposable items were enforced on 1 June and certain flavors are prohibited as part of the tobacco and vapor account that currently works by parliament (stock image) (stock image)
Illegal Vapen – A lot about the 3 percent Nicotinelimiet – purchased by researchers in ILFORD -Swinkels
He added: 'The bill will only make the problem of illegal products worse here and I cannot believe that my own MP pushes something that can give me bankrupt. It hands over the sale of cigarettes to criminals and makes it more difficult for my customers to move to smoke -free products. '
Megavarnan Pirathepan, 46, traded in the neighborhood and moved to the UK to set up things from Sri Lanka 21 years ago and now has three stores, with nine employees.
Speaking outside his partnership NISA store, he said that a flurry of new laws, including the bill and an increase in the contributions of national insurance, would become the most difficult traders.
He said: “The government never listens to us or asks about laws that are suddenly on you. Where are the government? Laws are made that have our effect and we are the last to know.
'There is no profit margin in tobacco, but I make about £ 2.50 per unit on vapen and if they stop smoking people, that's good. But with new laws and the increase in the contributions of national insurance, which cost me hundreds of pounds per year, small companies must find a way to survive. '
He said it meant that traders had no choice but to pass on the costs to customers.
Mr. Pirathepan added: 'It means that a bar with chocolate with £ 1 is now £ 1.60, because this is what retailers have to do to stay in business.
“I've been in the UK for more than 20 years, but it is becoming more and more expensive to keep this.”
About 80 percent are of the opinion that retailers will continue to sell illegal vapen after the prohibition on disposable items were enforced on 1 June and certain flavors are prohibited as part of the tobacco and vapor accounts currently working by parliament
Researchers in Ilford were offered to buy packages of twenty cigarettes for just £ 5
The traders' study also showed that 95% believed that a taste ban 'would decrease in sales', while 50 percent thought it would ensure that Vapers return to smoking. Furthermore, 49 percent believe that customers would buy tastes of the black market.
In ILFORD, researchers bought dozens of illegal vapors – much more than twice the legal limit of nicotine estate of 2 percent – and were offered packages of twenty cigarettes for £ 5. The average costs of a standard package are more than £ 16.
In the survey, when asked: “How do you look at what the government is doing in the tobacco and vapen law?”, 80 percent of traders said 'negative', neutral was 15 percent and only 4 percent.
About 97 percent thought that the government should concentrate on 'maintaining current laws' instead of prohibiting products.
Measures in the new account will also prohibit advertisements for all Nicotine replacement products, “Despite the fact that Vapen is distributed by the NHS.” Trade standards will also be charged with handing out £ 200 on site fines for retailers who cross new laws.
However, the poll showed that 78 percent of the respondents did not think this was enough to deter Rogue traders.
We Vape founder Mark Oates said: 'The results of our research and opinions of our retailer are shocking, but of little surprise given the impact that some areas of the bill will have.
'Children may not be sold vapes, which are already age limited to older than 18, and rogue traders need good deterrent with closure for repeated perpetrators. But this plan to make flavors in broad lines to protect children will stop adult smokers that switch to a much safer nicotine option with a much more attractive taste than tobacco.
'Those who already vape courses will either be looking for black market options to meet the demand or even worse, return to smoking, while the small retailer loses the sale, draining and the accompanying profit. They can't even advertise that they sell a damage limiting product, even though Vapen is handed over to smokers trying to stop by the NHS. That makes no sense.
'If the government wants growth and a smoke -free generation, the attacking of independent companies that generate wealth and the safer nicotine alternatives for smokers are reducing a serious error. Instead, and as the survey shows, they must enforce the current laws for access to Vapen, which are illegal for younger than 18 years, and allow the education of the public about vapen through responsible advertisements. '
The prohibition on the Vape -road items will come into effect on 1 June. However, the poll revealed that 97 percent thought that limiting vapen would lead to an increase in the use of cigarettes.
A calling card given to researchers in Ilford who advertises the illegal sale of cheap cigarettes
Last month, Paul Cheema, director of the Malcolm stores in Coventry, wrote an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer (photo), arguing for the future of small retailers and an overview of the bill
When asked whether 'Vapers will try to find illegal vapen as a result of the proposed limitations?', Said 96 percent yes.
Last month, Paul Cheema, director of the Malcolm stores in Coventry, wrote an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer, argue for the future of small retailers and an assessment of the bill.
He wrote: 'Local stores are the foundation of cities and villages throughout the country, but we are confronted with an unprecedented threat.
'Tobacco and nicotine products are important for our company, they make more than 15 percent of our sales – often much more. It is clear that the earlier smokers switch to safer alternatives, the better. So why would you make that transition more difficult? And why do local stores pay the price for poorly thought out legislation?
'The government must understand the pressure we are under. They should concentrate on the illegal stores that bloom in the past year by selling illegal tobacco and vapen to people of all ages. This is a problem that can be solved by retailers and local officials who work together, instead of dealing with the distraction of this bill.
'By pushing it, although the parliament, stores will be abused even more than we do today, the black market will continue to thrive and local stores with close, costs that cost local jobs. Please prime minister, our community of retailers to survive, not to disappear. '
A spokesperson for the health care and social care department said: 'The health advice is clear: Vapes can help adult smokers to stop, but children and adults who have never smoked are never allowed courses.
'We act on our promise to put an end to Vapes advertisements to prevent future generations from becoming addicted to nicotine and will produce guidance to support retailers through these changes.
'It is absolutely of vital importance that we support local retailers and again let the High Street of Great Britain bloom. This government strives to do this – starting with 40 percent business rates lighting next year and a new permanently lower business rate from 2026. '
The Tobacco and Vapenwet is currently in the phase of the Commission's phase, before going to the House of Lords.
