Mackintosh experts 'disturbed' by new vape shop opening next to historic listed building
After two significant fires in the city centre the Rennie Mackintosh Society is concerned about plans for a new vape shop
A charity advocating for the work of Rennie Mackintosh has said it is “disturbed” to see a new vape shop opening next to an architectural landmark.
The Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society believes the planning decision puts the world-renowned Mackintosh Tearooms at “increased risk”.
The society is now calling for Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to take action to block the shop from opening.
It comes just months after a major fire at a vape shop on the city’s Union Street caused extensive damage to a building beside Glasgow Central Station.
The tearooms, in a B-listed building designed by the eminent Glasgow architect, are also a stone’s-throw from the Glasgow School of Art Mackintosh Building, which has been twice damaged by fire.
Society director, Matthew Williams said: “The city has already suffered the horrific fire at Central Station which is alleged to have started in an unlicensed vape shop, alongside the destruction of the masterpiece Mackintosh Building at Glasgow School of Art.
“The Mackintosh Tearooms are an architecture and design gem, an important part of Glasgow’s story, and a real boost for tourism in the city.
“The increased risk of fire posed by a seemingly unlicensed vape shop next door is completely unacceptable.”
Glasgow City Council has said the regeneration of Sauchiehall Street following the last fire in the Mackintosh building, in 2018, is a priority.
Mr Williams said the opening of another vape shop undermines the work of the Sauchiehall Street Culture and Heritage District, and The National Trust for Scotland as custodians of the building.
Culturally, the major city centre shopping street has lost the art school building, the ABC music venue and saw the recent closure of the CCA arts centre.
The Society’s chair, Michael Dale, added: “The Society calls upon Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government to take any and all measures necessary to halt the opening of the shop.
“In this case the landlord also needs to reconsider the lease on this retail unit.
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“Their commercial imperative cannot take precedence over increased risk to this national treasure.”
Glasgow City Council said planning permission for the premises to be used as a shop has been in place for many years.
A spokesman said the council has no bearing on who these premises can be leased to by the landlord.
Currently vendors who wish to sell vapes must register with the Scottish Government’s Tobacco and Nicotine Products Registration scheme.
Scotland is currently the only country in the UK with a Tobacco and Vape retail register.
The council spokesman said: “There is no licensing system in place for vape shops that allows for checks on the suitability of premises to be used to sell vapes or check on whether those selling these products are fit and proper to do so.
“Following the fire in Union St earlier this year, the city council called upon the Scottish and UK Governments to review and strengthen regulations governing the sale, storage and safety standards associated with vape products.”
The shop has not yet opened to the public but the council said it was checking to ensure registration is in place for the premises.
Mr Williams added: “The Society welcomes the recent support of politicians for the rebuilding of the Glasgow School of Art’s Mackintosh Building.
“It would be a further cultural tragedy if the Mackintosh Tearooms also went up in flames. “Prevention is better than cure, so politicians and officials must act without delay.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Decisions on local planning applications are the responsibility of the relevant planning authority, which in this case is Glasgow City Council.”
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