Member

Such an approach could see responsible, law-abiding traders be denied or refused licence renewals through no fault of their own, even if they are already operating. In some cases, it might even operate retrospectively, making lawful businesses unlawful overnight because they happen to sit within a newly designated area. That cannot be right; I cannot believe that it is what the Government intend. I can think of few things more certain to undermine confidence in the system. This would risk driving smaller legitimate retailers out of business. I ask the Minister to reassure the Committee that fairness will guide the implementation of these powers; that the guidance will spell this out; that existing businesses will be grandfathered into the new regime; and that no one will be penalised simply for operating lawfully today.