MP calls on the government to listen to tobacco retailers

Bob Blackman, chairman of the APPG, has secured the first backbench debate under the new government on November 3, 2022, and plans to raise the findings of the survey in the debate.

Bob said, “The main argument used by tobacco manufacturers’ against tobacco laws with politicians like me is that they harm small shops. What this survey of nearly 1,000 shopkeepers published today shows is that shopkeepers don’t think that’s true. The majority support existing regulations and want the government to go further including by raising the age of sale for tobacco to 21.

“On November 3, 2022, in a debate in the main chamber, I will be calling on the government to publish a Tobacco Control Plan to deliver the smokefree 2030 ambition without further delay. I’ll be urging the government to listen to retailers who want the government to implement tougher regulations, that’s what they think will be good for business, not de-regulation.”