‘We don’t need more vape shops’ – County councils have no power to limit number of e-cigarette stores
Calls for greater clarity around how vape shops are treated under planning laws emerged at the latest meeting of Louth County Council, where a Dundalk councillor questioned if the growing number of vape stores can be more tightly controlled.
Cllr Ciaran Fisher said there was an opportunity for the council to explore how vape shops are categorised within planning and development regulations, suggesting they could be designated as a “different type of shop” rather than falling under general retail.
“I would hope as a council we might have a look at that,” Cllr Fisher said. “And as a council we might write to central government expressing a desire to be given the ability to zone vape shops as a separate entity.”
He told the meeting that existing shops and restaurants were being bought and then ‘flipped’ into vape shops, adding: “It’s something we don’t need more of.”
He also proposed that a copy of any letter issued by Louth County Council should be circulated to other local authorities, noting that the issue is “prevalent across the country.”
Cathaoirleach Cllr Seán Kelly said any request for the council to write to government or other local authorities would need to come before the next full council meeting as a formal motion.
Responding to the concerns, Director of Services Thomas McEvoy said that under current legislation vape shops are considered general retail outlets, meaning the council has no power to distinguish between different forms of retail use.
“In planning law vape shops are considered retail, as a generic heading, so we cannot determine what type, once a premises is designated as retail,” Mr McEvoy said.
He added that any change would have to be made through national planning regulations, but said council officials could provide “technical advice” on wording if a motion is brought forward.
“But as far as planning law is concerned, we don’t have the power at this stage,” he said.