A wave of new vape shops is sweeping across Derbyshire, raising growing concern among parents, residents, teachers, and local health campaigners. As more towns across the county see the arrival of brightly lit vape outlets, some are questioning whether Derbyshire is quietly heading into a public health crisis.
This isn’t the first time vaping has caused controversy in the area. Earlier this year, a Derbyshire business with locations in multiple towns was fined nearly £9,000 for selling illegal disposable vapes and failing to carry out proper age checks. Trading Standards investigations revealed that under-18s were able to buy high-strength “Big Puff” vapes without any questions being asked.
Despite these prosecutions, more vape shops continue to open — often without community consultation or public oversight.
A Growing Trend Among Derbyshire’s Youth
A report by Derbyshire County Council revealed that around one in three Year 10 pupils (aged 14–15) in the county have tried vaping — and almost all of them were non-smokers to begin with. Some admitted to starting as young as Year 6 (age 10–11).
Teenagers often say they try vaping “just to see what it’s like,” but experts warn that curiosity can quickly lead to addiction — particularly with high-nicotine disposable vapes that often contain more nicotine than a pack of cigarettes.
With their colourful packaging, fruity flavours, and sweet-shop style branding, these products are being accused of deliberately targeting younger users.
Too Many Vape Shops, Not Enough Oversight?
In some Derbyshire towns, vape shops now rival cafes in number. Nationally, the number of specialist vape retailers has risen by over 1,200% in the past decade, with many clustered in lower-income areas.
This rapid growth has led many to question whether Derbyshire has enough regulation in place. Do we really need this many vape shops? Who’s ensuring they’re operating responsibly? And what is being done to stop children getting access?
One Derbyshire parent said, “My child’s school has had to confiscate vapes from Year 7 students. It’s out of hand. Shops like these don’t help.”
Another commented, “Adults can make their own choices — but these products are clearly designed to appeal to kids, and it’s far too easy for them to get hold of them.”
What Needs to Change?
Campaigners are calling for urgent action, including:
Stricter licensing rules for vape retailers
More regular and random age-compliance checks
Better education in schools about the risks of vaping
Tighter restrictions on how vape products are packaged, advertised, and displayed
Some argue it’s time to regulate vapes like tobacco — restricting where they can be sold, how they’re promoted, and ensuring access is tightly controlled.
Is Derbyshire Sleepwalking Into a Health Crisis?
A new vape shop may not seem like a big deal on its own. But taken together, the increase in outlets, the rise in youth vaping, and the lack of local enforcement paint a worrying picture.
Are we doing enough to protect Derbyshire’s young people from becoming the next generation of nicotine addicts?
We want to hear from you. Are vape shops becoming too common in Derbyshire? Are we normalising vaping for children? And what needs to change?
Leave your comments below.
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