UK MPs Call for Increased Fines for Illegal Tobacco and E-Cigarette Sellers
According to a recent report by British media outlet Betterretailing, Members of Parliament in the UK are urging for an increase in fines imposed on retailers who sell illegal tobacco and e-cigarettes, with the proposed amount potentially rising to £10,000.
Dame Andrea Leadsom has praised the government for allocating £3 million to the Trading Standards department in its efforts to tackle illegal sellers. However, she has emphasized the need for stricter punitive measures. Currently, the Trading Standards department has the authority to issue on-the-spot fines to violators. Leadsom is calling for an increase in the fine amount from £2,500 to £10,000 in order to significantly deter such misconduct.
"Let's face it, these individuals profit from it, and that's why they do it," she said. "They make money by selling harmful illegal goods to children."
Last year, the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) also emphasized the need to raise the fines to £10,000 and impose severe punishment on individuals evading criminal activities. Leeds added, "We cannot take this lightly. The additional funds will provide organizations with sufficient resources to apprehend criminals and crackdown on unauthorized sellers. I remain highly vigilant about the situation in the e-cigarette industry.
Conservative MP Peter Gibson has consistently supported the above proposal, stressing the detrimental impact of illicit vendors on independent retailers and claiming that sales have been declining steadily. He asserts that these vendors are stealing business from "law-abiding traders" like us.
Other lawmakers present called for a direct ban on the sale of disposable products and advocated for "stricter regulations" on advertisements and marketing of e-cigarette products.
Conservative MP Caroline Johnson has emphasized the importance of limiting the variety of flavors and colors in products, suggesting that "all colors, except for one, should be banned" in order to ensure product uniformity.
Popular e-cigarette brands, including Lost Mary and ELFBAR, have recently removed "dessert" flavors from their lineup at a time when concerns from the public have been raised.
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