I propose to take Questions Nos. 666 and 669 together.
The current General Scheme for a Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill provides for the introduction of a licensing system for the retail sale of tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products (including electronic cigarettes). Under the proposed system, an annual licence will be required for each outlet where tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products are sold. Separate licenses will be required for the retail sale of tobacco products and for the retail sale of nicotine inhaling products. The proposed annual fees are yet to be determined.
It is not possible to estimate the number of retail outlets that would opt to sell or continue to sell tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products following the introduction of a requirement for an annual licence and fee.