Vape shops in England increase by nearly 1,200% over ten years

May 22, 2025

Research indicates a remarkable growth in the number of vape shops along British highways, increasing nearly 1,200% over the past ten years. Interestingly, the rise in bookmakers and pawnbrokers is even more pronounced in affluent areas, with their numbers expanding 25 times more than in less fortunate neighborhoods.

Back in 2014, only about 33.8% of the UK’s 317 local governments had vape shops; that figure shot up to 97.2% by 2024. Likewise, fewer than 1% had more than 10 vape outlets in 2014, but by 2024 this had risen to 28%.

The study, carried out by Health Equity North, utilized Ordnance Survey data to track changes in community amenities from 2014 to 2024. These amenities are categorized into “health-promoting” ones like pharmacies and libraries, and “health-reducing” establishments such as bookmakers and fast-food outlets.

The findings revealed a significant decrease in healthier amenities while unhealthier options flourished. In fact, takeout shops surged by nearly a quarter (24%) throughout the UK, whereas the number of banks and building societies plummeted by 40%, and supermarket presence dwindled by 10%.

A clear regional disparity emerged in the availability of high street amenities across the UK, with northern England showing double the number of vape shops compared to other areas. The growth in takeout establishments in the north hit 31%, compared to an 18% increase in the south.

Strikingly, underprivileged areas have three times more vape shops compared to more affluent regions. Pawnbrokers flourished in these areas, with their numbers 25 times higher, alongside more than three times as many bookmakers.

Dr. Eman, a research associate at Newcastle University’s Institute of Population Science, remarked that the landscape of the High Street has shifted to one that is “healthy and comfortable.” She pointed out that the decline of amenities like supermarkets and banks disproportionately affects vulnerable groups—particularly women, children, and seniors. This degradation in public spaces can make communities feel less safe and, ultimately, more disconnected.

She emphasized the urgency of reversing this trend, suggesting that involving local communities in revitalizing their areas could lead to healthier and more accessible environments for everyone.

Professor Clare Bambra, Co-Director of Health Equity North, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that this trend is especially detrimental to the most vulnerable communities in the country. North High Street suffers from a shortage of essential services like supermarkets and public restrooms.

She added that communities should experience the unique culture and identity of their areas while advocating for innovative design and better public transport options to transform these spaces from “ghost towns” back into thriving hubs.

A government spokesperson stated that High Streets have long needed investment, despite their potential for economic growth. They mentioned taking crucial steps toward change through planning initiatives. Local councils hold the power to address long-term vacant properties by implementing auction leases that limit business types in those areas.

They asserted that they are committed to revitalizing high streets, with £1.5 billion in funding aimed at rejuvenating empty stores through such rental auctions.