Vape shops in Norwich spark outcry from angry locals

They claim that Norwich is already overserved and the recent explosion of these shops is ruining the city’s character.

Under proposals being considered by City Hall the former Harris and James Café in Gentleman’s Walk and the former Mr Shoes on St Stephen’s Street are both set to be transformed into vape shops.

These will bring the total number in the city centre to 10.

The former Mr Shoes in St Stephens Street is set to become a vape shop (Image: Newsquest)

David Thomas, Conservative parliamentary candidate for Norwich South, has said that he is devastated.

"As a former headteacher, I have seen first-hand the tragic impact that vaping has had on young people.

"Opening further vape shops in the city centre is a horrible indictment of Norwich.

"Why has the city been allowed to develop in this way?

"It is upsetting to think that the only commercially viable option for empty shops in the city is to add more vape shops.

"This shouldn't be the case."

David Thomas is the Conservative party candidate for Norwich South (Image: David Thomas)

Parliamentary candidate for Norwich South and Green Party councillor for Mancroft Ward, Jamie Osborn, was similarly alarmed.

He said: "It's been really concerning to see how many important local shops have been closing in Norwich in the last few years.

READ MORE: ANOTHER vape shop set for city centre as plans lodged

"We need action to protect our local businesses, not more vape shops that aren't needed and add little to Norwich's character."

Jamie Osborn, Parliamentary candidate for Norwich South and Green Party councilor for Mancroft Ward 

'IT IS SUCH A SHAME'

People in Norwich have also said they think the city has enough vape shops already. 

"I do vape but I think we've got plenty of options," said Norwich local Janice Read, aged 67.

"We've lost Debenhams and Wilko and all we are getting is more coffee shops and vape shops.

"We need to get back to what we have and what we miss.

"You can buy vapes in the supermarkets - we don't need all of these."

Evapo is set to open in Gentleman's Walk (Image: Newsquest)

Duke Wetherill, 26, agreed.

"I think it's sad," he said.

"I have a friend who had a panic attack when his vape ran out.

"He said it was far easier to give up smoking than vaping.

"The city centre is encouraging the habit."

Ann Marie Ganderton is worried about losing high street and independent shops (Image: Newsquest)

Ann Marie Ganderton from Sudbury in Suffolk had travelled to Norwich for the day for a spot of shopping. 

"All we have in our town are vape shops, coffee shops and charity shops," said the 52-year-old.

"You come to Norwich and it is exactly the same thing.

"Everywhere is losing high street and independent shops and it is such a shame."

Prime Vape is set to move into the former Mr Shoes in St Stephens Street (Image: Newsquest)

VAPE BANS

The government announced in the March 2024 budget that it would introduce a tax on vaping products in October 2026.

There were also plans in place to ban disposable vapes by April 1, 2025, but these did not make it through Parliament before it was dissolved, jeopardising the chances that the ban could come into place next year.

Statistics from Material Focus showed that, between June 30 and August 31, 2023, around five million disposable vapes were thrown away each week.