The proposed ‘Generational Ban’ has had the entirety of the convenience retail sector whispering in its midst; being a legislation that’ll affect all retailers selling tobacco products in the UK, it’s no wonder why.
For those who don’t know, the Generational Ban would see that the minimum age at which a person can be sold tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars and heated tobacco) increases each year, starting in 2027.
In short, this means that the minimum smoking age in 2027 would be 19 (rising to 20 in 2028) and that anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 will never legally be allowed to be sold tobacco products. Fast forward 10 years, in 2037, 28 year olds won’t be able to buy tobacco products but 29 year olds will!
It sounds difficult to pass and even more difficult to completely wrap our heads around, so we’ve asked some retailers for their point of view on this particular proposal.
Serge Notay, retailer of Notay Convenience states, “The proposal presents challenges for our business. Financially, it can impact our revenue since tobacco products contributes to a significant portion of our sales. As for our team, we will need to adapt and potentially explore new product offerings or services to replace the lost revenue.
“While it may be seen as limiting our public right to choose, it is essential to consider the long-term health implications and the government’s responsibility to protect public health. We understand the intention- but there’s a possibility that a generational ban on tobacco could lead to an increase in the black market. When legal avenues for obtaining tobacco products are restricted, some individuals may turn to illicit means to satisfy their demand.”
Jet Sunner, retailer at Michael’s Supermarket in Yardley Wood also notes, “The biggest problem is how we police it. Obviously, in the early stages of 18, 19, it’s okay- understandable why you’d be checking ID. But ten years down the line, how are you going to ask a 30 year old for ID?
If a 30 year old has no ID, he’ll start mouthing off at staff. The grief we get as shopworkers and retailers has already gotten so bad after covid, what happens when we restrict purchases?”
In addition to this, Jet makes a point of, “The other problem is that people go underground. Imported cigarettes will get even worse, and there are no health checks on those. Are the government going to do spot checks? Even if they do, it’ll be very difficult.”
“It just creates huge confusion for our customers and our Budgens colleagues,” Avtar Sidhu from Budgen’s Kenilworth adds, “The frictions created at till points, the challenges and potential abuse and harm to colleagues that will undoubtedly increase. What the government want to do is implement an experimental policy without foundation. There is no evidence or precedence that this will impact or tackle the intended government aim.
The adult smoker has the right to the freedom of choice. The government are pushing, encouraging the legitimate trade right into the black market. This, in turn fuels crime and the causes of crime in our communities. Driving consumers into the black market also puts consumers at health risks with the potential of illegal and harmful tobacco based products by unscrupulous organised gangs entering the UK market.”
All in all, we do agree that although the proposal has been created with good intentions, it still affects the convenience retail sector in a negative way.
Not only will shop owners and shopworkers suffer from this ban, but it will also stray a retailer from their community; when you are suddenly forced to become the gatekeeper of a product that’s always been so readily available, with it comes a very big cost.
