Historic Charles Rennie Mackintosh tearoom in Glasgow ‘disturbed’ as vape shop to open next door
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society fears a new vape shop next to Glasgow's historic tearoom poses a serious fire risk.Summary
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society has expressed alarm over a vape shop opening next to the 120-year-old Mackintosh tearoom in Glasgow, a category A-listed building from 1903. The society cites an increased fire risk, referencing a March blaze on Union Street allegedly started in a vape shop and the devastating 2018 fire that gutted the Mackintosh-designed Glasgow School of Art. Director Matthew Williams called the tearoom an architectural gem and said the fire risk from a seemingly unlicensed vape shop is unacceptable. The society, along with chairman Michael Dale, has urged Glasgow City Council, the Scottish Government, and the landlord to intervene and halt the shop's opening, arguing that commercial interests must not outweigh the protection of this national treasure. Garnethill Community Council has also written to local councillors supporting concerns raised by street artist Ashley Rawson, highlighting Glasgow's recent heritage losses and calling for careful consideration of measures to protect the tearoom and the city's wider architectural heritage.
(Source：Stv News)
