The Fed backs government crackdown on dodgy shops

(The Fed’s National President, Hemanshu Patel, pictured above) 

The Fed has welcomed the continued commitment of the government to crack down on rogue traders, whilst continuing its call to back responsible retailers.

The Fed has said it will monitor plans to reform planning rules around businesses selling vapes, emphasising the need for regulations to be focused on those who deal in illicit goods.

In June, the Fed welcomed proposals to extend closure orders for premises linked to criminal activity. This followed months of lobbying on behalf of its members.

The Government has also now confirmed a string of planning controls that would mean new shops who sell vapes would need planning permission. It has also said it is seeking to extend the definition of a vape shop to any business that sells vapes or electronic cigarettes, even if it describes itself as a convenience retailer.

The Fed’s National President Hemanshu Patel said: “We are monitoring the announcement on planning carefully, as this is often a complex area of policy making.

“We welcome the recognition that rogue businesses and the illicit trade are not simply a nuisance – they can undermine legitimate businesses and damage the high streets and communities that independent retailers work so hard to support.

“This is an issue the Fed has been pushing for consistently. We have been making the case to government and enforcement agencies that councils and trading standards need the resources and powers to act against businesses that repeatedly break the rules.

“Those businesses that have been caught breaking the law should be closed down swiftly and permanently, so there is a real deterrent for doing this.”