Greenock is Scotland's vape capital - but what's behind the boom?
Greenock has become Scotland's vape capital due to high demand and profit, despite concerns about health and the town's economic decline.Summary
Sofy Saleem, a hardware shop owner in Greenock, has shifted his business to sell vapes, which now account for the majority of his sales. This trend is part of a broader growth in vape outlets across Scotland, which has increased by 28% since 2020, with a concentration in deprived areas like Greenock. The town centre now has a high density of vape shops, alongside empty retail spaces and second-hand stores, leading to criticism from locals like Edna Thornton who feel the area has deteriorated. While some residents and shop owners acknowledge the economic benefits, others, including researchers and vape retailers, express concerns about the normalization of vaping, potential health risks to children, and the lack of regulation compared to alcohol sales. Despite recent legislative tightening, the vape industry remains highly profitable, driven by the availability of cheap products.
(Source：Google News)
