Michael Moynihan: Cork City has a staggering number of vape shops among all the store closures
Vape shops proliferate in Cork City, outnumbering other retail closures amid rising health concerns and new regulations.Summary
Two Gardaí were hospitalized after handling confiscated vapes believed to contain cannabinoids, sparking concerns about the safety of the rapidly expanding vape market. The incident coincided with the passage of new legislation banning flavoured vapes and limiting packaging colours, as well as a ban on disposable vapes, signalling a tightening regulatory environment. In Cork City, however, vape shops have multiplied to an astonishing 35 outlets, 23 of which display vaping on their shop fronts, outpacing the number of traditional retail closures such as furniture, sportswear and pet shops along North Main Street. While the city’s main street suffers from the decline of conventional stores, vape shops appear resilient, thriving even as other retailers shutter or relocate. The proliferation raises questions about the sustainability of such a niche market and the future use of vacant storefronts, which some speculate could be subdivided into additional vape outlets, further entrenching the industry in the urban landscape.
(Source：Irish Examiner)
