A generational smoking ban would “fuel the booming illicit tobacco trade”, according to One Stop retailer Dee Sedani.
It comes after the Tobacco and Vapes Bill completed its passage through the House of Lords on Monday.
The Bill will now return to the House of Commons for consideration of amendments before receiving royal assent and becoming law.
A landmark measure in the Bill aims to create a “smoke‑free generation” by banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. This would be achieved by increasing the legal age for buying tobacco by one year every year, starting in 2027.
Peers in the House of Lords attempted to derail the measure with an alternative proposal to raise the legal age for tobacco and vape sales to 21. However, this was defeated by 246 votes to 78.
Dee criticised the legislation, describing it as “nanny state meddling” and “another stab in the back” for independent retailers.
“I support the fact we want to be a healthier country, but the policy just doesn’t make sense. We’re responsible adults and we can decide what we want to eat, drink and smoke,” he said.
Banning future generations from buying tobacco would “push them towards rogue traders” and “drive the market further underground”, warned Dee.
“There’s a crazy amount of money going into illicit trade,” he said. “The government is losing taxes and we’re losing customers. When you say no, they’re just going to find illicit cigarettes elsewhere”.
Dee said shop workers would face the brunt of the legislation: “The cashiers will get the backlash from the public. We already face challenges when we ask for ID, what’s it going to be like every time someone comes in for tobacco.
“Whilst the government are trying to get policies across to make themselves look good, it’s not helping us.”
Effective enforcement is critical
Vape retailer VPZ welcomed the passage of the Bill but said it overlooked “big puff” disposable vapes, which often exceed legal limits or are designed to dodge them.
“These devices are frequently linked to the illicit market and risk undermining consumer protections, responsible retailers and wider confidence in regulated vaping products,” said Jamie Strachan, VPZ’s operations director.
The company said the next phase of policymaking must focus on “robust enforcement, stricter product testing and tougher action against non‑compliant imports”.
Strachan added: ”As the government now develops the detailed regulations that will implement the legislation, strong enforcement and clear product standards will be critical. The success of the new framework will depend on strong enforcement against non-compliant products and clear regulatory standards that support responsible retailers.”
You can now secure your tickets to the National Convenience Show!
Join us on 15 April in Birmingham to find out what the future holds for vapes.
Check out sessions and book your ticket here.
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