Vapour Central owner shares concerns over new vape tax
A vape shop owner fears a new government tax on vaping products will harm businesses, cost jobs, and increase black market activity.Summary
Sam Bignell, owner of Vapour Central, a south Essex vape retailer, has voiced concerns about the government's planned October tax on vaping products. He believes the 22p per millilitre duty, regardless of nicotine strength, will threaten jobs, harm local businesses like his three stores in Westcliff, Rayleigh, and Leigh, and drive consumers towards the unregulated black market. Bignell argues the tax is unfair to smokers using vaping as a harm-reduction tool and disproportionately impacts small, locally owned businesses. He also highlights a 'double VAT hit' – VAT paid on the duty when purchasing stock and again when selling to customers – adding to existing financial pressures like increased National Insurance and supplier prices. Bignell has contacted his MP and local councillors, advocating for a more proportionate tax system that considers nicotine strength, protects jobs, and avoids bolstering the illicit market, emphasizing the role independent vape shops play in helping people quit smoking.
(Source：Southend Echo)
