{
  "$type": "site.standard.document",
  "bskyPostRef": {
    "cid": "bafyreibgn4c247odomvccrrlxyll6cyeohxabj43q7ad7gppxnbjfh4rya",
    "uri": "at://did:plc:oznbnvgr7dmvddiyvr7dih52/app.bsky.feed.post/3mfc32g4t6c62"
  },
  "coverImage": {
    "$type": "blob",
    "ref": {
      "$link": "bafkreicea26zvkyazhqy56dv4vasswmg3ijd7i44eoen63pms6zpstmony"
    },
    "mimeType": "image/jpeg",
    "size": 84573
  },
  "path": "/money/tobacco-vape-ban-decimate-convenience-stores-keir-starmer",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-20T11:42:51.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Labour's tax and wage policies blamed for youth unemployment crisis: 'It's self-inflicted!’",
    "Keir Starmer misled Parliament over Chagos 'surrender' deal, claims Tory MP",
    "Sadiq Khan set to rake in £1million from London pubs amid business rates raid",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nIndependent corner shop owners across Britain have urged ministers to rethink Labour’s proposed tobacco and vape prohibition, warning that an outright ban would threaten thousands of small businesses.\n\nRetailers have called on the Government to raise the legal age for purchasing all nicotine products to 21 rather than proceed with plans for a generational ban.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe intervention comes shortly after ministers adjusted policy on business rates for pubs, with shopkeepers arguing that small retailers are facing mounting financial pressure.\n\nThe tobacco and vape category remains a key revenue stream for around 44,000 independent convenience stores nationwide, many of which are already contending with higher employer National Insurance contributions and increased business rates.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nStore owners argue that further restrictions could place additional strain on already narrow margins.\n\nPaul Cheema, owner of Malcolm’s Stores in Coventry, told GB News: \"A complete ban isn't the answer – raising the legal age to 21 for all nicotine products is a sensible compromise that protects young people while keeping legitimate businesses viable.\n\n\"The real problem is the rogue traders and illicit market flooding our communities with unregulated vapes.\"\n\nRetailers also said they have invested heavily in compliance systems, staff training and age verification technology in recent years.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDee Sedani, who operates a One Stop franchise in Derbyshire, said she had spent thousands of pounds ensuring her store met regulatory requirements.\n\nShe said: \"Raising the age to 21 makes sense and we'd support that fully, but a total ban will decimate small retailers like mine while doing nothing to stop kids getting vapes from illegal sellers who don't care about age limits.\"\n\nNishi Patel, who runs a Londis outlet in Dartford, added that enforcement efforts should focus on tackling illicit operators rather than introducing new restrictions for compliant businesses.\n\nRetailers argue that unregulated products are being distributed through informal channels, including social media sellers and unmarked vehicles, bypassing established supply chains and safety standards.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Labour's tax and wage policies blamed for youth unemployment crisis: 'It's self-inflicted!’\n  * Keir Starmer misled Parliament over Chagos 'surrender' deal, claims Tory MP\n  * Sadiq Khan set to rake in £1million from London pubs amid business rates raid\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe debate has also drawn political attention from Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith.\n\nMr Griffith told The People's Channel: \"While we all agree children must be protected from harmful vapes, this Government is more interested in pandering to left-wing campaign groups than supporting the businesses trying to survive under their watch.\"\n\nHe also accused ministers of imposing additional regulatory burdens while high street businesses continue to face rising costs.\n\nThe Conservative frontbencher said the proposed generational ban risked harming legitimate traders without sufficiently addressing the illicit market.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nShop owners have proposed raising the minimum age for purchasing nicotine products to 21 and increasing enforcement resources aimed at dismantling criminal supply networks.\n\nThey argue that such an approach would align with public health objectives while limiting the impact on compliant retailers.\n\nRetailers also point to the role convenience stores play within local communities, particularly in areas where they provide essential services beyond retail.\n\nMr Patel said: \"In communities like ours, small shops are a lifeline, and tobacco and vape sales are a significant part of how we stay afloat.\"\n\nThe Government has previously said its tobacco and vaping legislation is designed to protect young people and reduce long-term health harms, while maintaining that enforcement action against illegal products remains a priority.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards:The GB News Editorial Charter **",
  "title": "Small businesses warn 44,000 corner shops face ‘decimation’ over Keir Starmer’s ‘crushing’ ban"
}