A letter-writing campaign highlighting the risk posed by the proposed Tobacco and Vapes Bill for the convenience sector has received support from more than 1,000 retailers.
Created by independent retailer Paul Cheema, ‘Protect Your Store, Have Your Say’ urges retailers to send letters to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds calling on him to support small businesses, as they fight against the negative implications of the Bill.
The campaign highlights that with over 437,000 staff employed in convenience stores in the UK, and the industry projected to contribute £50bn+ annually to the economy by 2026, convenience stores are an essential service, and that a poor impact assessment conducted and a clear lack of understanding of the convenience sector in Government has “sentenced the sector to an uncertain future”.
Commenting on the support the campaign has received so far, Paul Cheema said: “Retailers are stepping up because this Bill poses a real threat to our livelihoods and the communities we serve. This isn’t just bad policy, it’s dangerous. We all want to help reduce smoking, but the expense of our staff safety or livelihoods. And the reality is the responsible retailers who’ll be hit hardest by this Bill aren’t those already selling to minors. It’s unthinkable that the government is contemplating new laws when existing age-of-sale enforcement by thousands of illicit shops is so woeful.
“The convenience trade is already under immense pressure from rising costs, the growing illicit tobacco trade and an epidemic of shopworker abuse. That’s why we’re calling on everyone who works in a convenience store to join this campaign and make sure our voices are heard before it’s too late.”
Cheema called on more retailers to add their voice to the campaign. “With over 50,000 convenience stores in the UK, 70% of which are independently run, the campaign is calling for more retailers to act now and put pressure on Mr Reynolds to represent their views at Cabinet.”
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