Vape shops in Ipswich could face higher costs after the Government confirmed vape retailers will be excluded from an expanded business rates relief scheme.
The move comes just weeks after a new tax on vaping liquid took effect.
Industry figures have warned the changes could push up prices and make illegal vapes more attractive.
There are 29 vape shops still trading across Suffolk, including six in Ipswich, according to an analysis of Google Maps listings by vaping retailer Ecigone.
Shane Margereson, founder of Ecigone, said: “Vapers have already seen prices go up since the new duty started on October 1, and losing rates relief adds another cost for high street vape shops on top of that.
“Most of these are small local businesses helping adults move away from cigarettes, so the worry is that higher costs for legal shops make illegal vapes look cheaper by comparison.”
Despite plans to expand business rates relief for thousands of small firms, vape shops and adult gaming centres have been excluded from the scheme.
Share