With the Generational Smoking Ban still on course to come into effect under the new Labour Government, two convenience store retailers explain the problems it would present to them and the huge impact it would have on their businesses.
The Generational Smoking Ban is back on the table after the new Labour Government reintroduced The Tobacco and Vapes Bill in the King’s Speech in July.
The proposed legislation would see the minimum age at which a person can be sold tobacco products – including cigarettes, cigars and heated tobacco – increase each year by one year, starting in 2027. Therefore, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be allowed to be sold tobacco products.
The legislation would dramatically impact how tobacco can be sold and will affect all retailers that sell tobacco products in the UK.
Two retailers, Avtar Sidhu and Trudy Davies, share their views on how the proposed Generational Ban could impact their stores:
Avtar Sidhu, Budgens, Kenilworth:
“Tobacco remains a very important category to retailers. So, it’s shame that as it currently stands, the Generational Smoking Ban would be a bit of a nightmare for retailers.
“An increase in ID checks for older adults would certainly cause friction points and incendiary moments at the checkouts.
“If not amended, the bill would put a lot of pressures on shopkeepers up and down the country and put retailers at risk of harm.
‘The Generational Ban would be a nightmare for retailers’
“The age of 18 is currently enforced across a range of age-restricted items – whether that’s tobacco, knives or BBQs – with this viewed as an age where adults can make informed decisions for themselves. Introducing a Generational Ban brings inconsistency to the table and will upset many customers. It could also set a precedent for other categories – what is the Government going to move on to next?
“People will still want access to tobacco, so a Generational Ban is likely going to open the flood gates to the black market, helping criminals to make money, and reducing revenue for honest retailers and HMRC.”
Trudy Davies, Woosnam and Davies News in Llanidloes:
“Responsible retailers will always adhere to any legislation brought in by the Government. Unfortunately, the proposed Generational Ban needs work as it would be impractical to enforce in its current form. Retailers are getting frustrated on the uncertainty and hopefully the new Government will take on board retailers’ views, as this didn’t seem to be the case previously.
“Without a doubt, this Generational Ban will lead to an increase in illicit activity – meaning more unregulated and dangerous products will be available on our streets. It’s already a major problem and the Government already has a job on its hands to clamp down on those selling illicit products, whether that’s retailers, barbers or burger joints.
‘A lot of small businesses will struggle with the Generational Ban’
“The ban will also see much aggravation directed towards shopkeepers and their staff from customers, as well as leading to longer queues at the counter because of increased ID checks.
“We’re in danger of becoming a ‘nanny state’ with this type of legislation. Increasing the age of purchase to 21 would be an easier alternative for retailers to implement.
“I think the Government has underestimated the support it will need to provide retailers, as well as the education that the public will need in order for this legislation to be enforced. It’s going to be costly for retailers who will need to retrain staff and who will take a hit on sales in the long run – it could impact many smaller businesses.”
Retailers can raise concerns about the proposed Generational Smoking Ban with their local MP - https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP.
