'Candy and vapes' shop sparks row after opening near Sheffield school
Bosses say they would be prepared to change name of new shop after row erupts
It is a few hundred yards from a huge school, and its name alludes to selling sweets.
But the new Candy Clouds vape shop in Broomhill, Sheffield, has come under fire from community leaders for opening a store that they fear could attract youngsters, in the week the Government announced a crackdown on such stores.
Bosses at the store say they have done nothing illegal and fully support a crackdown on shops that break the law, adding that they will happily welcome any officials who want to take a look at their business. The shop sells vapes, as well as American snacks, which include sweets.
Concerns were raised on social media after the store’s opening was announced on a local community site this week, with the shop bearing the strap line ‘Vape and American Candy’. It also makes reference to toys.
The post on the Facebook group was said to have been pulled after locals weighed in with criticism over its name and location. Concerns were raised over the reference to ‘candy’, and its proximity the the King Edward VII School upper school site near Glossop Road.
Among those to raise concerns is Sheffield Council ward member for Crookes and Crosspool, Councillor Minesh Parekh.
He said: “Earlier this week, the Government announced it would give councils new powers to stop the proliferation of vape shops on our high streets. Ministers are also looking at banning colourful packaging, and vape flavours deliberately designed to appeal to children.
"Considering those national attempts to stop vape shops deliberately appealing children, I think it's deeply irresponsible for any shop to open as a 'vape and sweet' shop, to advertise selling vapes and 'kids toys' on their frontage. It's cynical, and it's not something that any high street needs.
"With their Broomhill location so close to a school, and on a road that many young people will walk past on a daily basis, I would urge them to reconsider their location and branding. And I hope that the new council powers are introduced quickly so we can stop this happening again in future."
Asked about the name by The Star, co-owner Adil Hussain said they would consider changing the sign if there was such a depth of feeling locally.
He said they bosses had contacted their local MP to hear their views after hearing the criticism that they had received.
He said: “We sell American snacks and American drinks, not local products, and that’s our unique selling point. Everything is legit.
“We contacted the MP to ask if anything needs to be changed. We’re free to talk about this. We’ve only been open a few days.
“We support any crackdown against businesses that sell things illegally. We support that, we are doing everything legitimately, and anyone is welcome to come and look.
“We don’t want to go against the community and appealing to children is not our intention.”
He added they had been giving away free bottles of water on the street during the the heatwave this week in support of the local community.