Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will meet tobacconists and small independent retailers who have been affected by violence, abuse and vandalism from those who refuse to show identification and proof of age when wishing to purchase tobacco and alcohol.

The Government is aware of the challenges faced by small businesses, including small independent retailers, and my department works closely with the Home Office’s National Retail Crime Steering Group. I also regularly meet many small businesses, including retailers and their representatives, to explore a wide range of issues affecting them.