‘As small retailers and corner shop owners, we are the backbone of our communities, providing essential goods and services while serving as trusted, local businesses. Today, we stand united in calling for an urgent consultation with the government regarding the profound impact the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill will have on our businesses, livelihoods, and the safety of our staff.
‘We recognise the importance of responsible retailing and the need to protect public health, but the measures outlined in this Bill risk suffocating small businesses like ours. The proposed restrictions on advertising and displaying products will limit our ability to operate competitively and communicate legally available goods to adult consumers. At a time when we are already grappling with economic pressures, including rising rent and energy costs, these additional constraints will make it even harder for us to survive.
‘Moreover, this Bill adds to the mounting financial burden on small retailers. The recent rise in Employers’ National Insurance contributions has already stretched our resources, and now we are being asked to shoulder even more regulatory and financial pressures. For many of us, this could mean cutting staff hours, reducing investment in our stores, or, in some cases, closing our doors for good.
‘There is also a growing concern for the safety of our workers. The proposed enforcement of stricter ID checks will put staff in an increasingly difficult position, exacerbating the already rising levels of abuse and intimidation from individuals seeking age-restricted products. Shopworkers should not have to fear for their safety simply for doing their jobs. The government must acknowledge the real-world implications of these measures and work with us to find a solution that balances public health objectives with the viability and security of independent retailers.
‘We urge policymakers to engage with us directly, to listen to our concerns, and to work collaboratively to ensure that any new regulations are fair, proportionate, and workable. Small retailers are more than just businesses – we are community hubs, local employers, and a vital part of Britain’s high streets.
‘If the government does not hear our voices now, it risks leaving thousands of independent retailers behind.
‘We call on the government to immediately consult with small retailers and corner shop owners before proceeding further with this legislation. Our livelihoods, our staff, and our communities depend on it.’
Signed by:
• Anand Cheema, Costcutter – Fresh in Falkirk, Falkirk
• Natalie Lightfoot, Londis Solo Convenience, Glasgow
• Sukh Gill, Nisa Local, Burton on Trent
• Barry Patel, Nisa Local, Luton
• Amanpreet Samra, Premier – Jai Convenience, Stirling
• Jaspreet Khaira, Premier Medwyn Stores, Alloa
• Gurpreet Sidhu, Shopsmart, Glasgow/Coatbridge
• Sukhdev Sindhar, Premier, Airdrie
• Lakhvir Sidhu, Sidhu Off Sale, Airdrie
• PJN Limited, Morrisons Daily, Wilmcote
• PJN Limited, Morrisons Daily, Mickleton
• PJN Limited, Morrisons Daily, Winchcombe
• Bay Bashir, Go Local, Middlesbrough (five stores)
• Sunder Sandher, One Stop, Leamington Spa
• Sunita Aggarwal, Spar Wigston Leicester
• Chaz Chahal (a number of Costcutter and Morrisons Daily stores in Worcestershire)
• Harj Dhasee (Nisa Local), Gloucester
• Neil Godhania, Neil’s Premier, South Bretton
• Avtar Sidhu, St John’s Budgens, Kenilworth
• Sukhjit Sidhu, Londis Abbey End, Kenilworth
• Surjeet Notay, Notay convenience stores, West Yorkshire
• Mike Lakhani, Premier Stores, St Marys Supermarket, Southampton
• Dee Sedai, One Stop, Stoke-on-Trent
• Sandeep Bains, Welcome Coop Faversham, Kent
