New licences 'will stub out corner shops'

NEW laws forcing retailers to buy a licence to sell tobacco and vapes pose a threat to the future of the country's corner shops, a shadow minister has warned.

- By Jonathan Walker WHITEHALL EDITOR

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, being debated in the House of Lords this week, aims to stop smoking by gradually raising the legal age for buying nicotine products.

However ministers added an amendment last month that would also create a licensing regime, so only shops paying a fee could sell nicotine products.

Councils would be able to charge for licences, and to refuse them in certain areas, which could mean a ban for shops near schools or hospitals.