Council can't rule out £25k payout for Glasgow fire vape shop
A Glasgow vape shop damaged in a fire may receive a £25,000 payout from a council fund, despite owing business rates and lacking proper registration.Summary
A vape shop located at 105 Union Street in Glasgow, which was affected by a major fire, could potentially receive up to £25,000 in compensation from Glasgow City Council’s business recovery fund. Despite the possibility of a payout, the shop, Junaid Retail Limited trading as Scot’s World, has failed to pay non-domestic rates and is not listed on the national tobacco and vape retailer registry, raising concerns about its eligibility. The council stated that any award would be reduced by outstanding debts. The shop’s director, Ahsan Ali, has moved the registered address after media inquiries. Eligibility for the fund requires businesses to be leaseholders, registered for rates, and operating in relevant sectors, with arrears deducted from any grant. Concerns have been raised by MSP Paul Sweeney regarding compensating a business with a history of non-payment and potential regulatory violations. The £4.4 million fund, backed by the Scottish Government, aims to support businesses impacted by the fire, and the council is actively contacting eligible traders.
(Source：Glasgow Times)
