The UK government's 'Tobacco and vapes: packaging, appearance and display' consultation will close on 2 October. BAT's UK & Ireland commercial director, Tolga Kilic, is urging retailers to respond to the consultation to ensure their voices are heard as the government looks to introduce changes which may directly impact their revenue.
Retailers' experience should shape regulations
Kilic said: "Retailers understand the reality of how nicotine pouches, vaping products and other nicotine products are sold better than anyone, and their experience should play a central role in shaping the final regulations. Their input into how regulations work in practice is invaluable."
"As the deadline for the consultation on the Tobacco and Vapes Act approaches, we are urging retailers to have their say and help ensure that future measures are sensible, pragmatic and avoid unintended consequences."
Potential financial impact on retailers
Kilic highlighted that measures under consideration, including display bans, packaging restrictions and limits on product communications, could significantly change how retailers operate. He noted the potential financial implications are also notable.
"The government's own impact assessment suggests that, by 2036, vape retailers alone could face profit losses of more than £420m linked to proposed changes to point-of-sale displays," he said.
"For many retailers that rely on nicotine products as part of a balanced product mix, this highlights the real and material impact these decisions could have at store level and reinforces the importance of retailers engaging with the consultation process."
Call for workable regulations
Kilic added: "Retailers deserve regulations that are workable, proportionate and deliver their intended objectives without creating unnecessary financial and operational burdens."
"That's why we encourage every retailer to take the opportunity to make their voice heard through the consultation process before the government takes final decisions."
