Revealed: Shop where Glasgow fire started had not registered to sell vapes or paid business taxes
The Glasgow vape shop at the center of a major fire hadn't registered to sell vapes or paid business taxes, raising concerns about regulation and safety.Summary
An investigation by The Ferret revealed that the vape shop responsible for the Glasgow Union Street fire, operating as Scot’s World under Junaid Retail Limited, had not registered to sell tobacco or vaping products and had failed to pay business rates. The shop, which opened in August 2024, was reportedly sold to a new owner two weeks before the fire, with the previous owner claiming ignorance regarding vape registration requirements and financial struggles. Glasgow City Council confirmed that rates payments were outstanding and the account was with debt recovery. Concerns have been raised by MSP Paul Sweeney regarding lax enforcement of regulations and the potential risks posed by such premises, particularly given the building’s age and proximity to a major transport hub. Experts also highlighted the need for improved fire safety regulations and enforcement, especially concerning lithium-ion batteries used in vapes, and the potential for rapid fire spread in older buildings. The building’s owner, Afton Estates Limited, had no obligation to register vape sales.
(Source：The Ferret)
