Oxford has been named in a recent study that analysed the number of vape shops in UK cities.

Disposable vapes are set to be banned and other e-cigarettes will be placed behind shop counters as part of the Government’s efforts to stop children becoming addicted.

The ban on disposable vapes could come into force as soon as this year or early next year at the latest.

Single-use e-cigarettes are available for as little as £3 each, sparking fears that children have been lured into the habit by “pocket money” prices.

Ministers are seeking to draw up measures which will stop children from taking up the habit while ensuring that they do not deter the use of e-cigarettes as a route to quit smoking.

The plans will also involve a crackdown on the marketing and flavours of vapes and could see increased taxes placed on them.

A Cancer Research UK study found that between January 2021 to August 2023, the prevalence of disposable e-cigarette use grew from 0.1 per cent to 4.9 per cent of the adult population.

The proportion of those aged 18 to 24 using disposable vapes was significantly higher at 14.4 per cent, including 7.1 per cent who did not have a history of smoking tobacco.

Most vape shops per person

Oxford, with its population of 163,967 was at the bottom of the rankings with just one vape shop, equalling 0.61 stores per 100,000 people.

Meanwhile, Blackburn has more vape shops per person than anywhere else in Britain, according to new research.

The town ranks as the country’s vaping capital as it has the highest concentration of vape shops, according to Go Smoke Free, an online vape shop which conducted the research.

There are a total of 27 registered vape retailers serving its population of 119,707 residents, averaging 22.56 stores per 100,000 people.

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Bolton came in second with 41 stores for 202,369 people, averaging 20.26 retailers per 100,000 residents.

Manchester ranks third with 110 shops in total, but the city’s larger population of 554,400 means this works out to 19.84 stores per 100,000 residents.

London came in 38th with 292 vape shops serving 8.9 million residents, averaging 3.28 retailers per 100,000 people.

The research analysed Companies House records for active “vape” stores which were listed as “retail sale of tobacco products in specialised stores”.

“Disposable vapes have gained popularity in recent years"

A Go Smoke Free spokesman said: “Disposable vapes have gained popularity in recent years.

“The new disposable vape ban should help to discourage children from taking up vaping, while encouraging adults to shift to more sustainable alternatives, such as refillable vapes.”

It added: “This study highlights which areas of the UK are most likely to be affected by the upcoming disposable vape ban. 

“These cities could see a significant shift in their vaping culture, with the ban impacting consumer behaviour, and existing vape retailers adapting their offerings to cater to the new legislation.”