Local shops at risk from cigarette and vape licensing rules

LABOUR has been accused of delivering the “nail in the coffin” for local shops with a crackdown on tobacco and vape sales.

- By Richard Ashmore

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of the products in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

It would likely require an initial application cost, an annual charge — similar to alcohol licensing — as well as staff and enforcement schemes. But Andrew Boff, Conservative London-wide Assembly Member, said the move would hit struggling local shops.

The Treasury is already facing a £2.6billion black hole from tobacco sales revenue as increasing enforcement around the habit has led to illicit sales soaring. Figures show that at least 14.5% of tobacco sales are now on the black market.