Australia announced a sweeping crackdown on vaping Tuesday, accusing tobacco companies of hooking the next "generation of nicotine addicts" by deliberately targeting teenagers.
Billed as the country's largest anti-smoking reforms in a decade, Australia will ban single-use disposable vapes, halt imports of non-prescription versions, and restrict how much nicotine e-cigarettes may contain.
Australia has long been at the vanguard of attempts to stamp out smoking, and in 2012 became the first country to introduce "plain packaging" laws for cigarettes - a policy since copied by Britain, France and others.
But in recent years, Australia has struggled to contain the explosion in recreational vaping, particularly among teenagers.
"Vaping has become the number one behavioural issue in high schools. And it's becoming widespread in primary schools," Health Minister Mark Butler said.
"Just like they did with smoking, Big Tobacco has taken another addictive product, wrapped it in shiny packaging and added flavours to create a new generation of nicotine addicts."
People will still be allowed to use vapes, with a prescription, as a tool to help them quit cigarettes.
"Vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit," Butler said.
"It was not sold as a recreational product - especially not one for our kids."
A man is seen vaping in Sydney, Australia. (Mark Evans/Getty Images/File Photo)
In theory, it is already illegal to buy nicotine e-cigarettes in Australia without a prescription.
But in practice, they are widely available in small convenience stores - a flourishing black market the government has struggled to contain.
Australia has one of the lowest daily smoking rates in the world, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, but has seen an increase in the number of under-25s taking up cigarettes.
The federal budget, due out next week, will include A$234 million for measures to protect against the harm caused by tobacco and vaping.
Butler said the government had no plan to follow neighbouring New Zealand in banning cigarette sales for future generations but said the tax on tobacco would be raised by 5 per cent a year over the next three years in a bid to curb sales.
Heavy taxes on tobacco mean Australia already has some of the most expensive cigarettes in the world - with a pack of 25 selling for around Aus$50 (£27).
Some countries have tried to restrict vaping and some see it as a good way to get smokers to kick the habit.
Britain said in April up to one million smokers would be encouraged to swap cigarettes for vapes, in what was a world first, offering financial incentives for pregnant women and providing e-cigarette starter kits to help.
High streets in the UK are collectively pay one third of all business rates while accounting for 9 per cent of the economy, British Retail Consortium (BRC) stated on Thursday (24), strengthening its call for a fairer level of business rates for hospitality and retail.
BRC and UKHospitalityare united in their call for the Chancellor to implement a fairer level of business rates for hospitality and retail at the Budget, which will rebalance a system that unfairly punishes our high streets and town centres. This was a manifesto pledge from Labour ahead of the election.
A lower rate for hospitality and retail, which together employ around six million people, would unlock investment in our high streets, while also stemming the loss of shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels, and the jobs that rely on them.
In 2023-24, retail and hospitality businesses combined to pay almost £9 billion in business rates, 34 per cent of the overall rates bill, while accounting for only 9 per cent of the overall economy.
Current business rates relief for retail and hospitality is set to end on 31 March, costing the sectors a combined £2.5bn. That would take their bill up to £11bn, accounting for 44 per cent of total rates.
Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, "Consumers want diverse and thriving high streets, but this is held back by the broken business rates system. It is the biggest barrier to local investment and prevents the creation of new shops and jobs.
"Already, the industry pays far more than its fair share – retail accounts for 5 per cent of the economy, but pays 7.4 per cent of all business taxes, and over 20 per cent of all business rates. The Budget is a great opportunity to right this imbalance, ensuring that retail pays a fairer level of business rates."
Kate Nicholls, Chief Executive of UKHospitality, said, "Hospitality is at the heart of our communities but the enormous value it delivers both socially and economically is under threat from the inflated business rates bill the sector has to foot.
"High street businesses paying one third of all business rates is absurd and one of the primary reasons why we see our businesses facing financial challenges – it makes running a pub, bar, café or restaurant, to name a few, incredibly expensive.
"Introducing a reduced level of business rates for the high street at the Budget can unlock millions in investment – from new venues to more jobs. Crucially, it would save our high street from countless closures if hospitality had to bear a billion pound business rates hike in April."
Northern Ireland family-run Nisa convenience store has come under Spar NI after 27 years following its acquisition by Henderson Retail. Nisa Circle K Silverwood store in Lurgan was operated by local retailer Patrick Hughes for the past 27 years.
Nisa Silverwood was acquired by Patrick Hughes in 1997. In the past 27 years the store has undergone significant developments due to Hughes' investments to help the business grow and provide more local jobs over the years.
Speaking of his decision to sell to Henderson Retail, Mr Hughes, said: “Henderson Retail taking over ownership and operations of the store is a great opportunity for the staff and the business itself.
“As a local grocer, I have seen how the company has accelerated the growth of convenience in Northern Ireland, investing in their properties to bring even more jobs, services and locally sourced products to communities.
"I have worked closely with the team to ensure the transition goes smoothly and our shoppers feel no disruption whatsoever. I have complete trust that the future of this store, future job creation for the local area and the opportunities surrounding that are vast and I’m delighted to leave this business in such capable hands.”
Under the new ownership, Henderson Retail will further develop and invest in the site, building on an already strong business model to enhance the services offered to shoppers in the local area. The company will soon submit a planning application that will further underpin their commitments towards improving the store for shoppers and staff through accessibility, sustainability, product range and modernisation of the store’s facilities.
Henderson Retail, which is part of the Mallusk-based Henderson Group, has invested £30 million in new stores, developments and renovations throughout its estate in 2024.
Henderson Retail now owns and operates 109 Spar and Eurospar stores in Northern Ireland. The company has recently opened an impressive new-build development at Eurospar Gilford and will open another at Eurospar Doury Road in Ballymena before the end of the year as part of the wider multi-million investment.
UK consumers are in a “despondent mood” as households brace for tax rises in the Budget next week, amid fears that Britain could be entering a “vibecession”, a situation of disconnect between the economy's performance and how people feel about their finances
Research firm GfK’s monthly survey of consumer morale shows confidence has slipped this month, to -21 points, the joint lowest this year. It found that households are gloomier about the general economic situation of the country during the last 12 months, and also over the next year.
Neil Bellamy, consumer insights director at GfK, reckons consumers are "holding their breath” ahead of next Wednesday’s budget statement.
He said, "The largest drop though was in our view of the general economic situation over the last 12 months, down five points to -42. On the plus side, the major purchase index rose two points and future personal financial expectations by one point. As the Budget statement looms, consumers are in a despondent mood despite a fall in the headline rate of inflation. This month’s Consumer Confidence Barometer paints a picture of people holding their breath to see what’s in store for them on 30th October.”
“Consumer confidence fell one point this month to -21, taking the score back down to the level last seen in March this year. Also falling one point are both personal financial situation over the last 12 months and general economic situation over the next 12 months.
Although Labour ruled out increasing taxes on “working people”, various revenue-raising measures could be in the chancellor’s sights, such as capital gains tax (CGT), inheritance tax, employer national insurance contributions, and fuel duty.
A similar picture was presented by PwC on Thursday (24), showing that consumer sentiment index dropped to the lowest level in 2024, led by “notable declines” among those over 65 and the lowest socioeconomic groups.
Over 70 per cent of people polled by PwC are planning to make short-term spending cutbacks, and more households plan to spend less on Christmas presents and celebrations than those who say they’ll spend more.
The drop in confidence comes despite the easing of cost of living pressures recently, with inflation dropping to 1.7 per cent last month.
Nick Gillett, Co-founder and Managing Director of successful spirits distributor Mangrove Global, celebrates India’s contribution to classic toasts with its wonderful and increasingly well-known whiskies
October is here, and our thoughts turn to many of the remaining celebrations of the year – and first up we have Diwali. A time for lavish decorations, food, sweets, and drinks, Diwali begs the question: what will you have in your glass for a toast? For me there’s one answer, and it’s whisky.
Whisky as a category is changing. Enthusiasts are exploring beyond the shores of Scotland and Ireland and buying “world whiskies" from all corners of the globe. North America and Japan have had their moment – and now it’s India’s turn.
Indian whiskies showcase Indian traditions of whisky distilling – with some added innovation. The humid Indian climate ages the spirit much faster, giving deep, complex flavours. But the nation’s distilleries are experimenting with different casks, strengths, and ingredients to bring us fascinating liquids that are now sought after, all over the world.
Nick Gillett
We launched Indri in the UK a few months ago – and it’s been a runaway success that even we couldn’t have predicted. Distilled in Rajasthan, Indri uses six-row barley that’s been grown in the region for thousands of years. The ageing process varies across the range, but let’s take a closer look at the brand’s aptly named, limited edition SKU – Diwali. Aged in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks this whisky is smooth, sweet, and smoky. No bones about it, this is a collector’s item – and there will be another limited release this year.
So, this Diwali, ensure you celebrate India’s whisky-fuelled success and stock a bottle or two of the nation’s favourite on your shelf. And if you celebrate it, have a very enjoyable Diwali.
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Huddersfield city centre (Photo by Ian Forsyth/Getty Images)
On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will deliver the Autumn Budget. Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre shares his thoughts on what independent retailers need and expect from this crucial fiscal announcement
With a new government at the helm, there's cautious optimism about fresh approaches to long-standing issues affecting our high streets. However, the challenges facing independent retailers remain formidable.
The Autumn Statement can have far-reaching implications for our sector. We're calling on the Chancellor to deliver certainty, clarity, and stability for independent traders – elements that have been in short supply recently.
A primary concern is business rates. For years, Bira has lobbied for a comprehensive review of this outdated system. Reducing business rates for all high streets would inject much-needed confidence and stability back into bricks-and-mortar retail, revitalising our town centres and communities.
Energy costs continue to be a burden for many of our members. While we welcomed previous support measures, we need a long-term strategy that addresses the unique needs of small businesses. We're hoping to see targeted support for those most affected, coupled with incentives for energy efficiency improvements.
The labour market presents another challenge. Many retailers are struggling with recruitment and retention. We're looking for measures that support skills development and make it easier for small businesses to invest in their workforce, including enhancements to apprenticeship schemes or tax incentives for training programmes.
Consumer confidence is crucial to our sector's success. We're hoping for policies that put more money in people's pockets, encouraging spending on our high streets. This could involve adjustments to income tax or National Insurance contributions.
We need policies that recognise and support the unique value of independent retail. This could include funding for high street regeneration projects, support for local business communities and “shop local" campaigns.
While many independents have made great strides in digital transformation, more support is needed – measures to help smaller retailers enhance their online presence and integrate digital technologies into their operations.
Sustainability: many of our members are keen to adopt environmentally friendly practices but find the initial costs prohibitive. Incentives or grants in this area could help accelerate the sector's green transition.
Bira CEO Andrew Goodacre
It's clear that the decisions made in the Autumn Statement will have a profound impact on the future of independent retail. At Bira, we remain committed to being a strong voice for our members, ensuring that the unique challenges and opportunities of our sector are understood and addressed at the highest levels of government.
Independent retailers are the backbone of our high streets and local communities. They bring diversity, character, and personal service that can't be replicated by large chains or online giants. As such, supporting them isn't just good economic policy – it's essential for maintaining the vibrancy and uniqueness of our towns and cities.
We look forward to analysing the Autumn Statement. Our sector's resilience has been tested time and again, but with the right support, I'm confident that we can not just survive, but thrive in the years to come.