Vape shops have flourished while traditional high street mainstays have vanished (Image: Getty)
The profusion of vape shops is seen as one of the biggest problems facing Britain’s struggling high streets, according to new research lays bare concern about the decline of local shops. Nearly seven in 10 people (68%) say their local high street is worse than it was a decade ago. The polling commissioned by Whitestone Insight for the Freedom Association found just 11% believe it has improved.
When asked to name the biggest problems facing high streets, nearly half of people (47%) said there are too many vape shops – second only to empty and boarded-up premises (50%). In comparison, only 34% were concerned about crime rates and anti-social behaviour; 27% said there are too many barbers while 18% complained of too many nail bars and beauty salons
David Campbell Bannerman, chairman of the Freedom Association, said: “For many people, vape shops have become a visible symbol of what has gone wrong on Britain’s high streets.”
He cited concern about the “unique character” of communities being lost and the potential for “money laundering” on the high street.
“The public increasingly believes that thriving local businesses have been replaced by a growing number of outlets which add little to the wider health and prosperity of the high street,” he said, adding: “People want bustling town centres with a diverse range of shops, cafés and independent retailers. Instead, many feel they are witnessing a gradual decline marked by shuttered premises and the relentless spread of vape shops. The message from this poll is clear. Voters want councils given the powers to protect the character of their high streets before more damage is done.”
Nearly nine out of 10 (87%) wanted local councils to have the power to cap the number of vape shops on a high street with just seven per cent opposied.
David Campbell Bannerman chairs the Freedom Association (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said: “Councils are right to demand action. These shops are spreading across our high streets like a rash, hollowing out the independent retailers and family businesses that give town centres their character.”
He pledged a Tory Government would crack down on “loopholes” which are exploited by organised crime groups and “give police the powers and funding to intervene”.
Gary Grant of the Institute of Licensing, said: “Public concern about the rapid growth of vape shops reflects a wider need for stronger local oversight. While the Government is proposing to implement a new licensing regime for vape premises, there is currently no clear timetable for delivery. Introducing targeted licensing controls will give councils the ability to manage compliance, address unlicensed activities and better ensure high streets serve local communities. This would support legitimate businesses, protect consumers, and help restore confidence in town centres.”
A Government spokesperson said: “High streets are the beating heart of our economy and the centre of our communities, which is why we’re backing them. To help them flourish we’re investing £5.8billion across England to revitalise communities and prevent the spread of eyesore shops, including tougher rules to give local leaders more control over vape stores in their area.”
New High Street Innovation Partnerships are backed by £301million in funding.
