Scotland vape outlets rise 28% as Greenock records highest density
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 5
Scotland vape outlets rise 28% as Greenock records highest density
11 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 5
University of Edinburgh data show registered sellers rose from 5,573 in 2020 to 7,069 in 2024, with growth concentrated in deprived communities and at least 20 outlets counted in central Greenock.
Researchers and some retailers linked the boom to strong demand, no licensing regime and profits, with 2022 average margins estimated at 37% for vapes versus 8.5% for tobacco.
Critics warn wider availability may normalise vaping, worsen youth uptake and deepen health inequalities, while Scotland could consider tighter rules after UK lawmakers recently strengthened vaping legislation.
With vape profits soaring, can new laws truly protect Scotland's youth from a growing public health crisis?
Are Scotland's booming vape shops becoming the new high street fronts for organized crime and money laundering?