Swinney vows crackdown on vape shops after historic city building was razed in inferno that broke out 'from bank of chargers under counter'
Summary
Following a large fire in Glasgow that destroyed a historic building near Central Station, First Minister John Swinney has indicated a potential crackdown on vape shops. The fire, believed to have originated from a 'bank of chargers under the counter' in a vape store, prompted concerns about safety regulations and licensing. Swinney stated he was 'sympathetic' to calls for stricter rules and pledged government support for Glasgow City Council's recovery efforts. Various political figures and organizations, including Reform UK and the UK Vaping Industry Association, have called for investigations and increased safety measures, such as temporarily removing disposable vapes from sale and reviewing fire risk assessments. The incident raised questions about the proximity of vape shops to critical infrastructure and the potential dangers of lithium batteries, with some suggesting proactive inspections and stock limits. While investigations are ongoing, authorities are prioritizing public safety and assessing the extent of the damage.
(Source:Daily Mail Online)