The Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) has called on the government to make the wholesale sector exempt from legislation that would introduce a generational smoking ban.
Expected to be part of the King’s Speech, due to take place Tuesday 7 November, the proposed generational smoking ban would increase the legal age to buy cigarettes in England by one year every year meaning anyone born after January 2009 will never be able to legally buy tobacco. It was announced as priority for the government by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at the recent Conservative Party Conference.
Chief executive of FWD, James Bielby, said: “There must be an exemption to allow retailers to purchase tobacco from their wholesalers, whatever their age. There is a precedent for a wholesale exemption on displays and packaging – both of which are permitted in wholesale depots. These successes on tobacco policy, won by FWD, need to be replicated in the legislation.”
The FWD also expressed concern over potential increases in the illicit trade. “This policy must not lead to an increase in the illicit market controlled by organised crime gangs, hitting our members’ legitimate sales, tax revenues, and driving unregulated youth access to tobacco,” added Bielby.
Restrictions on the purchase of tobacco could lead to increased crimes against wholesalers.
The trade body recently called for wholesale to be included in the Crime Bill, which is also likely to be laid out in the Speech, urging improved police prioritisation of theft and robbery from customers at cash and carry premises, and delivery vehicles in transit.
“Our recent Crime Forum meeting identified an increase in thefts of tobacco from wholesale vehicles in transit, with limited police response,” he said. “Funding for law enforcement measures in this area must continue. It is vital for the wholesale industry to be considered and represented in these plans to tackle crime. Incorporating wholesale in the Crime Bill will help support both individuals and businesses in the wholesale sector.”
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