Lease terminated for controversial Westport vape shop

THE landlord of a Westport premises that sold vapes and sweets in close proximity has terminated the lease with the tenant by mutual consent.

Local representatives raised concerns after receiving numerous complaints after the shop opened on Shop Street in recent weeks. 

The landlord who owns the premises has told The Mayo News that the lease has since been terminated by mutual consent. The shop has now closed and signage has been removed from the front of the property. 

The property was let on the understanding that it would sell electronic devices, including vapes. After opening, the shop sold vapes and sweets and displayed signage advertising that it sold vapes and ‘American sweets’. 

General election candidate Keira Keogh (Fine Gael) said on Friday that “positioning a sweet shop alongside a vape store in such a central location is not just irresponsible—it’s a public health risk.”

The sale and advertisement of vapes are currently not subject to the same restrictions as traditional tobacco-based products. 

 “While current legislation prohibits the sale of vaping products at children’s events, it does not address the real-world issues of shops co-locating these products with sweets or other goods aimed at young consumers,” added Ms Keogh.

“I will fight for laws that require businesses to operate responsibly and put the health of our children first,” she pledged.

Cllr Peter Flynn also raised concerns about the shop in a social media post and said he would raise the matter at a Mayo County Council meeting on Monday.