Harrogate candidate says 'vape shops come up time and again when I talk to people'

“There is obvious concern about the future of retail in Harrogate town centre and this issue is indicative of that concern”

A vape shops survey has been launched in Harrogate to discover what residents think about this controversial part of the town's retail sector.

The survey is the brainchild of a Conservative candidate in next year's North Yorkshire Council elections.

Jonathan Shrago, who is standing for the Harrogate Central Division, said it was important to see what the public in Harrogate thought about vape shops before new rules came into place nationally, including this region.

The law changes will involve licensing schemes for vape shops and council powers to limit them in some areas.

How North Yorkshire Council will use these powers is still to be decided.

“Vape shops come up time and again when I talk to people in Central Harrogate, yet the reasons for concerns differ,” said Jonathan Shrago.

"It is important to hear exactly what local people are thinking.

"This survey - going to every resident in Central Harrogate - will help us take these concerns further.

“The results will be submitted to North Yorkshire Council, ensuring residents will have their say before the council makes it decisions.

"The stronger the response we get, the better we can inform the Council how the people of Central Harrogate feel.”

In August the Government announced a series of changes in response to growing concerns nationally over the impact of vape shops on young people and fears of criminality.

In particular, Trading Standards and health groups highlighted a significant rise in vapes marketed to and sold illegally to children and young people.

Conservative Party candidate Jonathan Shrago said: “There is obvious concern about the future of retail in Harrogate town centre and this issue is indicative of that concern.

“Harrogate is special and it needs an equally special effort to maintain it.

"Retail, hospitality and the visitor economy are critical.

"They underpin thousands of jobs and we have to ensure the right decisions are taken for our town.”

Major planning and enforcement changes coming from the Government will give local councils greater control over vape shops and high street density.

Every new vape shop will require explicit planning permission from the local council before opening, allowing communities and councils to object based on location, concentration, and proximity to schools.

The definition of a vape shop will be tightened so businesses cannot bypass regulations by labeling themselves as general convenience stores or standard retail shops.

Police and local authorities in England and Wales will gain powers to double maximum premise Closure Orders - extending them from six to 12 months -for mini-marts and vape shops caught selling illegal tobacco or linked to organised crime.