On This Day, 21 January 1916

Birmingham Mail

Friday 21st January 1916

TOBACCO TRADE AND THE WAR
QUESTION OF EARLIER CLOSING IN BIRMINGHAM

In the annual report of the Birmingham and District Tobacconists’ Association on the committee state that the trade – always a valuable financial prop to the State –had been called upon once more to help provide the sinews of war. The committee met after the introduction of the supplementary Budget, under which the duty was increased, and recommended an advanced scale of prices which erred on the side of moderation, but which had to be increased in accordance with the new minimum fixed by manufacturers. In Birmingham and district the sweeping changes created by the increase were surmounted with a minimum of friction and disorder; traders everywhere faced the situation as patriots, and no grumbling or complaints were hear. The times demanded the utmost vigilance on the part of all traders if they were to hold their own in the struggle for existence.

On the subject of the earlier closing, the report states that a postal vote was taken to ascertain the feeling of the trade. The replies made it clear that most tobacconists would welcome some reduction in hours; others, whose opinions carry weight, affirmed that the question would settle itself in time, as tobacconists, in common with other shopkeepers, found that late hours did not pay. Under the circumstances the committee felt it would be unwise to commit the association to a definite closing hour, but asked traders to carefully note the business done during the last hours of the day, and consider whether “the game is worth the candle.” The report adds that there has been no falling off in membership, and no reduction of income. As a matter of fact, the membership has increased by five. A balance of £150 is carried forward to next year’s account.