Labour urged to launch major crackdown on high street shops making ‘mockery of the law’
Labour is calling for stricter regulations to combat illegal activity and exploitation linked to vape shops and other businesses on UK high streets.Summary
A recent analysis reveals a concerning trend: while pubs are closing across the UK, the number of vape and tobacco shops is increasing. The Centre for Social Justice reports that nearly 1,800 pubs and bars have closed since 2016, while the number of vape and tobacco shops has risen by 245. Ministers are worried that many of these shops are involved in money laundering, illegal work, and the sale of illicit products. Labour MP Connor Naismith argues that these “dodgy” shops are “making a mockery of the law” and are fronts for exploitation and organized crime. He urges stronger powers for trading standards to shut down these criminal enterprises. The government is addressing the issue with the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will introduce a licensing scheme and regulations for the retail sale of these products.
(Source：Daily Express)
