Amanda Martin MP has backed the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently working its way through Parliament, which will go some way in addressing the challenges in our city’s high streets with the appearance of “dodgy shops”.
Ms Martin has reiterated her support for this bill following on from her “Stop Dodgy Shops” campaign, intended to build community support to crack down on rogue traders and protect Portsmouth’s shopping streets.
This landmark bill will see a series of measures implemented that will address the recent rise in illicit practices concerning the sale of tobacco and vape products, including the sale of illegal products and the sale of products to children, in Portsmouth.
Although selling nicotine vapes to under 18s is illegal, illicit businesses across Britain have contributed to a doubling in youth vaping in the last five years by choosing to sell to children.
As part of this campaign, she is calling on local people and businesses to sign a petition expressing support for action on dodgy shops, including vape shops.
To add your name to Amanda’s petition and share suggestions for further action to prohibit and prosecute illicit activity across Portsmouth’s shopping streets, click here.
Crucial measures within the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will support Ms Martin’s crackdown on dodgy shops, including:
- Enabling trading standards to issue fixed penalty notices to businesses for breaches of restrictions.
- Banning all vaping and nicotine products from being sold to under 18s, closing loopholes on non-nicotine vapes and nicotine pouches.
Commenting, Amanda Martin, MP for Portsmouth North, said: “Too many rogue traders have been able to operate unchecked in recent years, exploiting gaps in enforcement and putting our communities at risk. In Portsmouth, this has included illegal vape shops selling unsafe products, sometimes directly to young people.
That’s why I launched my ‘Stop Dodgy Shops’ campaign to crack down on these practices, protect our High Streets and break the cycle of harm and addiction they create.
I’m proud to support the Government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which will introduce tougher measures to clamp down on illegal sales and ensure businesses are properly held to account. This is a vital step in safeguarding young people and cleaning up our high streets.”
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting, said: “No child in a playground or hospital patient should suffer because someone else chooses to smoke.
“Second-hand smoke increases the risk of heart disease and lung cancer and we want to protect children and the sick from harm.
“Prevention is better than cure, so this government is taking pressure off the NHS and building a healthier Britain where everyone lives well for longer.”
