Concerns retailers may face ‘flashpoints of abuse’ under new smoking legislation

THE idea of eradicating smoking is “laudable” but must come with a strategy that safeguards the shopkeepers tasked with upholding the regulations, retailers have warned.

The British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), which works with more than 6,000 businesses across the UK, said the potential pressures of enforcing the smoking ban being placed on retailers could lead to “flashpoints of abuse to people who work in the shops – a worrying trend that is already on the rise”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s proposal to ban young people from ever being able to legally smoke tobacco cleared its first Commons hurdle on Tuesday.

MPS voted 383 to 67, majority

316, to give the Tobacco and Vapes Bill a second reading.

The legislation, seen by the Prime Minister as a key part of his longterm legacy, would make it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after January 1 2009, with the aim of creating a “smoke-free” generation.

Bira chief executive Andrew Goodacre said: “Placing the responsibility of verifying customers’ ages squarely on shopkeepers could potentially lead to several challenges. In addition to concerns about retail crime and the potential for increased abuse from customers who are reluctant to be ID’D, this policy may inadvertently contribute to a rise in shoplifting cases.

“The idea of eradicating smoking in years to come is laudable and hard to disagree with. All we ask is that the regulations are communicated very clearly and when it is implemented.

“We are also concerned about the pressures of enforcement being placed on retailers.

“In the longer term, we will see retailers stop selling cigarettes as demand falls, and there must be concerns that the black market will expand, and may well lead to even more retail crime.

“We firmly believe that the onus of enforcing smoking regulations should not solely fall on the shoulders of shopkeepers. It is essential to consider additional measures and resources to support retailers.”