Glasgow City Council Presses for Stronger Powers to Regulate Vape Shops Near Heritage Sites
Glasgow City Council has confirmed it will continue urging ministers for greater regulatory powers to help protect historic buildings from a growing concentration of vape retailers.
City street flanked by historic sandstone buildings leading towards a distant church spire. Stock image · Photograph: Photo by m c on Unsplash
Glasgow City Council plans to keep pressing the Scottish Government for enhanced regulatory controls to protect the character and quality of the city's historic buildings and heritage assets.
Speaking at a full council meeting on Thursday, the local authority's depute leader, Councillor Ruairi Kelly, stated that national planning laws currently restrict the council's ability to control the opening of vape shops. The remarks came in response to an inquiry from Bailie Ann Jenkins regarding measures being taken to safeguard heritage sites from an increasing concentration of such outlets.
Councillor Kelly explained that under existing planning legislation, businesses can begin selling vapes from an established retail premises without applying for planning permission, because doing so does not represent a formal change of use.
He noted that planning permission, listed building consent, or advertising consent can still be required if an outlet alters its shopfront, exterior, or signage. In those situations, the council evaluates the impact on listed properties, conservation zones, and other heritage settings, with planning enforcement able to intervene against unauthorised alterations.
The council's chief executive had also written to MSPs and the Scottish Government earlier this year to call for stricter controls over vape merchandise and the storage of lithium-ion batteries. Councillor Kelly reiterated that the local authority will persist in seeking expanded regulatory authority, particularly to safeguard the city centre.