According to recent data, Blackburn has earned the title of the UK’s vaping hub, surpassing cities like Manchester and Bolton. With a population of 119,707 residents, Blackburn boasts 27 registered vape shops, translating to approximately 22.56 vape shops per 100,000 residents—the highest concentration in the country.
The study, conducted by Go Smoke Free, utilized information from GOV.UK’s Companies House to identify businesses registered for retail tobacco sales. The number of active vape shops was then compared to the population size of each town or city.
Disposable vapes have surged in popularity due to their convenience and affordability, attracting individuals who might not have otherwise ventured into vaping. The impending ban on disposable vapes aims to deter youth from vaping while encouraging adults to switch to more sustainable options like refillable vapes.
Blackburn narrowly surpassed Bolton, which has 20.26 vape shops per 100,000 residents, followed by Manchester in third place with 19.84 registered vape shops for every 100,000 residents.
This study sheds light on areas likely to be affected by the forthcoming ban on disposable vapes. It suggests that these cities may undergo significant shifts in vaping culture, with consumers adapting to the new legislation and vape retailers adjusting their offerings accordingly.
