'There are far too many' - Shoppers and traders sick of town centre vape shops

Traders and shoppers have said there are "too many" vape shops in Newcastle town centre. Action to tackle rogue traders who sell stock illegal vapes was welcomed however.

Newcastle Borough Council and Staffordshire County Council have worked together to secure three-month closures of two High Street premises - Simba's Shop and Cobra Vape Shop - after illegal vapes were seized. Once the shops are allowed to reopen, they will remain subject to further unannounced inspections and test purchases, Newcastle Borough Council has said.

Other town centre traders felt there remained too many vape shops in the town centre.

One said: "It's happening everywhere - it's bringing in the wrong people. I don't think the council are doing anything because they keep popping up - as soon as one goes another pops up."

Another said: "We should leave one or two open, but there's definitely too many - you can say the same about the charity shops. We need something to bring people into town."

Town centre visitor Chris Lees said: "I think there are far too many - it's encouraging people. The illegal vapes are concerning because you don't know what country they're coming from and they could contain anything.

"I think the councils ought to be taking action. You never know what these shops are selling and some of them sell other things."

Rosemary Waghorn said: "I've lived here for years and it's sad how it's gone. I've started going to Leek."

Chris Peat agreed that there were too many vape shops in the town centre, alongside hairdressers and barbers. "Here every other shop is a barber shop or vape shop", he said.

"When (illegal vape sellers') stock is taken they moan, but they all know they're not supposed to be selling it. If you play with fire, you get burnt."

Ian Butt said the number of vape shops in Newcastle town centre "is not as bad as other towns" however. He added: "I go to Lichfield and Cannock regularly and there's more there. When I come into Newcastle town centre it's a nice town and it seems to be on the up."

Mohammed Ali at The Vape Village in the High Street, said council action to tackle illegal vape sales was a good thing.

He added: "When these shops open it affects us," he added. "When they close we get customers coming here and we can prevent underage sales.

"We have been in town for 13 years. We have a lot of older people come down who have come off cigarettes"

Newcastle Borough Council leader Jonathan Gullis said: "Our message to rogue traders could not be clearer; break the law and we will come after you. These businesses are not only putting potentially dangerous products into our communities, they are undercutting the decent, law-abiding traders who work hard, follow the rules and contribute positively to our town.

"We will always put law-abiding residents and legitimate local businesses first. This administration will continue working with the police, Trading Standards and other partners to identify illegal activity, shut it down and hold those responsible to account."

Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, added: Working closely with our partners, we are taking robust action against those involved in the sale of illicit goods and other criminality that harms residents and undermines legitimate businesses. Illegal tobacco and non-compliant vapes can pose serious risks to consumers, particularly young people, and are often linked to wider unlawful activity.

"We will continue to use every available power to protect consumers, support honest traders, and ensure our high streets remain places where legitimate businesses can thrive, not criminals who seek to profit from breaking the law. Our town centres should be welcoming, safe and prosperous places for residents, visitors, and honest businesses; they must not become places where criminal enterprises can operate and profit at the expense of our communities.

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