Over 90% of councils are unprepared for the licensing scheme introduced in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, research conducted by the Express found.
Under the new scheme, retailers selling tobacco, vapes, and nicotine products would need to obtain a license from their council, similar to the existing alcohol licensing process.
The new regulation aims to combat rogue traders and could generate around £50m in revenue, which could be used to support enforcement measures, according to Evapo.
The Express sent Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to 60 councils identified as hotspots for illicit tobacco to assess their readiness for the changes.
Of the 27 councils that responded to the FOI, 92% said they had not begun preparing despite the issues faced by the illicit trade, the Express reported.
Only one council was able to provide their budget for alcohol licensing, and none, at the time of asking, had set aside a dedicated budget for enforcing the new tobacco licensing regime, said the Express.
Andrew Boff, Conservative member of the Londonwide Assembly, told the Express that additional legislation could be the “nail in the coffin” for local shops.
He raised concerns about the impact on small businesses, councils and consumers, all for the government to “earn a health brownie point”.
Boff said a licensing scheme for private landlords led to a “massive drop” in private landlords, as it became unprofitable for some to continue operating.
Despite the costs associated with the new legislation, it has gained support from retailers who believe it will tackle rogue traders and ensure compliance.
No comments yet