27/07/2026
MINI RANT..Give me your time and have a read ❤️
On the 23rd July, the Government announced a 20% business rate reduction for pubs, clubs and live music venues, estimated to be around 32,000 businesses, worth roughly £100 million a year - we do not begrudge this decision. But … Who will pay the price for the lost 20%?
The government stated that it will be paid for by businesses which do not positively contribute to communities, the bold example given was “anti-social businesses, such as v**e shops”.
Those 6 detrimental words were not accompanied by evidence or definition and did not give any distinction between specialist retailers and rogue, unregistered shops flouting rules and law.
On average smoking accounts for 61,439 deaths a year in England, from the Government’s own figures (1). Specialist v**e shops ( like us ) aim to meet each persons’ needs by asking a range of questions, by matching ni****ne strengths to level of dependancy, by helping find a device to suit preferences and giving free professional advice and support that is available week after week. Quitting smoking is rarely a single transaction, it is a process which specialist shops are built around. The NHS informs smokers they can seek advice on eliquids and models from specialist v**e shops and states expert support gives the best chance of success (2).
Specialist v**e shops have and continue to deliver measurable public health outcomes. The Isle of Wight Council commissioned us to deliver a structured stop-smoking scheme with carbon monoxide verification across 3 stores. Hundreds if not thousands of people had a successful 4-week quit outcome with CO verification. Additionally, another 300+ kits were distributed amongst the community through a swap to stop scheme.
But we are the anti social business 🤷♂️ I’ve popped some links below to reference some of the things I’ve said however the third link is from ASH, a public health charity focused on eliminating harm caused by to***co which is definitely worth a read 🫡
(1) https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/smoking-profile-july-2026-update/smoking-profile-statistical-commentary-july-2026
(2) https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/using-e-cigarettes-to-stop-smoking/
(3) https://ash.org.uk/media-centre/news/blog/if-andy-burnham-is-looking-to-tax-businesses-that-do-not-make-a-positive-contribution-to-society-he-should-start-with-big-to***co
