UK High Streets: 7 Pubs Close for Every Vape Shop

0:00On March 21st, new data reveals a tough trend on UK high streets where 7 pubs have closed for every new vape shop that opened over the past decade. Nearly 1,800 pubs and bars shut down while 245 vape stores popped up pushing the total past 2002, 100 across Britain. Vape shops bring worries beyond looks, including links to crime and a big fire risk from their lithium batteries, like the deadly blaze in Glasgow. This month, the changes hit hardest and poorer areas, with greater Manchester towns like old-hombed losing 30 pubs, beginning 10 vape shops since 2015. Locals and old-hombed share their heartbreak, saying they're once busy centers now feel empty and lost their community vibe, replaced by discount spots and suspicious shops. Many missed the old markets and familiar faces, with polling showing nearly 70% of brins think there are too many vape stores. Experts at the center for social justice point to a surge in unregistered businesses,

1:02fueling this shift alongside a 91% jump-in, barbers and nail salons since 2010. They warn these spots harm social ties, especially as pubs struggle with rising costs like higher taxes. The government stepped in with a 300 million pound package to ease business rates for pubs and plans new rules for vape licensing, aiming to, revive high streets and protect community hubs.