Key points:
A number of small business owners in the UK have jointly signed a petition opposing the proposed advertising restrictions in the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill.
Merchants are concerned that the increase in national insurance fees will raise operating costs.
Merchants are requesting the government to collaborate with small businesses to develop more balanced economic policies.
According to a report by Talkingretail on March 27th, a joint letter released by several small retailers across the UK expresses concerns about the upcoming spring forecast by the UK Labour government and the advertising restrictions in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, both of which will be debated in Parliament on the same day.
A joint letter signed by several small business owners points out that the spring forecast has failed to ease the financial pressure faced by small businesses, which are now facing difficulties due to inflation, rising operating costs, and a decline in consumer spending.
Furthermore, they are concerned about the proposed strict advertising restrictions in the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which would limit retailers from communicating with adult consumers about safer nicotine products, directly impacting their sales revenue. They support limiting youth access to these products, but believe that overly restrictive advertising rules will hurt legitimate small businesses and instead fuel the growth of the illegal market.
Merchants emphasize that the dual impact of economic and regulatory pressures has seriously threatened the livelihood of small retailers, who are an important part of the community and provide services that cannot be replaced by large corporations. They are calling on the government to recognize these challenges and work with small businesses to develop public health policies that will not harm their livelihoods.
Mark Oates, founder of We Vape, also stated that measures such as banning advertisements and increasing e-cigarette taxes could weaken the declining smoking rates in the UK.
He added that the current dissemination of anti e-cigarette information has led 57% of smokers to mistakenly believe that e-cigarettes are as harmful as traditional cigarettes. This misunderstanding is further exacerbated by advertising bans. However, the UK National Health Service (NHS) and Cancer Research UK both see e-cigarettes as an important tool for achieving a smoke-free society and should not be overlooked in current efforts to eliminate cigarette consumption.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
