Heavily criticising the upcoming disposable vape ban, traders in Wes Streeting's constituency of Ilford North have raised the concern that the new law will hurt small businesses and will backfire badly as the product will be available illegally even after the ban.
According to a recent survey by We Vape, 95 per cent of UK traders believe the ban will hurt small businesses.
Some 80 per cent also believe shopkeepers will continue to sell illegal vapes after the disposables ban is enforced on June 1 and certain flavours are prohibited as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently working its way through parliament.
The survey, commissioned by campaign group We Vape, targeted over 800 independent traders and franchises via industry and trade fair WhatsApp groups to gather their views on the forthcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill and its implications for small businesses.
The poll showed 98 per cent did not support a ban on e-liquid flavours, while 57 per cent knew of shops already selling illegal products.
Business owners were asked 'with the introduction of a vape tax and proposed flavour restrictions, do you think there will be less people visiting your shop to buy vapes?', with 93 per cent answering 'yes'.
The poll also revealed 97 per cent thought restricting vapes would lead to an increase in cigarette use. When asked if 'vapers will try and source illegal vapes as a result of the proposed restrictions?', 96 per cent said yes.
With 167 company responses, the data is considered the most comprehensive retailer research of its kind into government plans to create a smoke-free generation.
Gurdeep Chahal, owner of Somerville Convenience Store, said the disposable vape ban could force his shop to close.
"The bill is only going to make the problem of illicit products worse here and I can't believe my own MP is pushing something that could put me out of business," reported quoted Chahal as saying.
"It's handing the sale of cigarettes to criminals and is going to make it harder for my customers to move to smoke-free products.'
