The FWD has welcomed the government’s latest announcement to crack down on rogue operators, illicit tobacco and vapes, which it hopes will give local communities more control over their high streets.
The measures announced include stronger powers to tackle businesses linked to organised crime and greater local control over the opening of new vape shops.
In addition to this, planning changes to prevent unwanted clustering on high streets and longer closure orders for premises under investigation have also been announced by Andy Bunrham’s government.
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“For years, FWD has been calling for stronger action because illicit trade isn’t a victimless crime,” said a statement. From the FWDF. “It undermines responsible retailers and wholesalers who invest in their businesses, employ local people, pay their taxes and keep communities supplied every day.
“These changes are a step in the right direction. Giving power back to local communities and making it harder for organised criminal gangs to profit from illicit tobacco and vapes will help create a fairer environment for the thousands of responsible businesses that do things the right way.”
The FWD continues to expand on this, explaining that representing wholesale means making sure Government understands the real-world impact of policy on the businesses that supply Britain’s shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés. “We’ll continue pushing for action that protects responsible businesses and the communities they serve.”
