A Coventry shopkeeper, Paul Cheema, is voicing deep anxieties regarding escalating tax burdens and the apparent inadequacy of efforts to combat illicit vaping and tobacco sales. For over four decades, his family has operated convenience stores within the city, a period marked by increasingly challenging competition stemming from vendors offering unregulated products.
A pivotal date looms – June 1st – with the enforcement of a ban on disposable vapes. Simultaneously, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is progressing through Parliament, aiming to establish a “smoke-free generation.” These developments, coupled with rising employer National Insurance contributions and elevated business rates, are fueling significant worries for Mr. Cheema’s business.
“The trajectory suggests widespread job losses and store closures,” he stated emphatically during an interview with GB News. “We’re seriously considering reducing our operating hours due to the combined pressures of increased wages, National Insurance, and the impending Tobacco and Vapes bill. This will inevitably lead to reductions in staff hours and, consequently, a loss of employment opportunities – not just within our shop, but across the United Kingdom.”
Driven by this sense of injustice, Mr. Cheema has initiated a campaign designed to bring the government’s attention to the severity of the situation. He is appealing to fellow independent retailers nationwide to join his effort and directly communicate with Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
As Chairman of C-Talk – a network of independent retail businesses – Mr. Cheema argues for a more effective approach. “The fundamental question is: why not address the root cause? If the goal is to prevent underage smoking, we need targeted interventions rather than simply imposing new legislation,” he argued. “Where are these young people obtaining tobacco? It’s from these emerging, smaller stores that are proliferating across the country.”
The impact of illicit sales is substantial; Mr. Cheema estimates his business loses tens of thousands of pounds annually due to this trade. He demonstrated how readily consumers can acquire cheaper products – “sample” packs of tobacco at a quarter of the price, considering taxes – through online channels facilitated by social media advertising. A website he regularly consulted offered these discounted options.
Local authorities are actively combating the problem. Coventry City Council recently conducted an operation involving tobacco detection dogs across five city centre locations, uncovering illicit goods concealed behind walls, within furniture, and even inside vehicles. Furthermore, Mr. Cheema’s staff have faced escalating issues including shoplifting and violent incidents, as evidenced by CCTV footage showing a customer absconding with multiple items and another attempting to forcibly open the till for theft.
In response to Mr. Cheema’s concerns, a government representative offered assurances: “We are delivering the world-leading Tobacco and Vapes Bill to create the first smoke-free generation and ultimately break free from the cycle of addiction and disadvantage.” The spokesperson also highlighted support measures for local retailers, including 40% business rates relief next year and a permanent lower rate from 2026, alongside planned consultations regarding licensing regulations.
