C‑stores dismiss £156 cost estimate for vape ban

By Stephanie Brooks 31/07/2026 2 min read 3 views

The government’s estimate that a vape display ban would cost convenience stores about £156 per outlet has been challenged as a serious underestimate by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS).

Government figures clash with retailer concerns

The Department of Health and Social Care launched a 12‑week consultation earlier this month, proposing restrictions on how vaping and nicotine products are displayed. Its impact assessment assumes retailers will switch to smaller under‑counter storage or drawer units, rather than adding new display cabinets.

The calculation also allows for possible funding from manufacturers, similar to earlier tobacco‑display rules. Based on those assumptions, the government projects an average cost of £156.20 per store, amounting to roughly £6.6 million for the 43,940 convenience outlets in England. ACS external affairs director Chris Noice called the figure “a serious underestimate,” saying actual expenses could easily reach four figures per outlet.

Retailers outline operational challenges

Neil Godhania, a retailer with the Nisa group, warned that small stores lack dedicated compliance teams. “Every new regulation means more staff training, store refits, changing fixtures, updating procedures and time taken away from serving customers,” he said. He estimates that nearly 70 employees would need retraining to meet the new standards.

At a Londis shop, Nishi Patel explained that vape products currently occupy five metres of shelf space on the shop floor, accounting for about 15 % of his turnover. Moving those items behind the gantry would require replacing that space with spirits, which could cut sales in both categories.

Kay Patel of Best‑one highlighted the timing issue, noting that a six‑month notice period is insufficient for the extensive store modifications needed. “We’re stretched and short‑staffed enough as it is because we can’t afford it,” he said.

While the government also proposes plain white packaging and limits on flavour names, retailers say these measures will compound the operational burden.

Industry groups say the proposed measures could turn routine shopping trips into a “nightmare” for both staff and customers. They contend that moving vapes behind a gantry will not only slow checkout lines but also diminish the in‑store experience that many shoppers expect.

Despite the pushback, the consultation remains open, and the government has indicated a six‑month minimum notice period for compliance. The final decision will hinge on the evidence that retailers plan to submit in the coming weeks, which could reshape how nicotine products are presented in the country’s convenience sector.