Understand
Southend-on-Sea City Council to consider powers to curb vape, mobile and barber shops on High Street
Overview
Southend-on-Sea City Council's Labour-led cabinet is set to consider what powers it has to address an excessive concentration of vape, mobile repair and barber shops on its High Street. Following a motion tabled by Reform UK, the council will explore restricting such businesses in council-owned commercial properties like the Victoria Centre, with council officers preparing a report for a future cabinet meeting.
Key points
- Southend-on-Sea City Council's cabinet is considering powers to curb the excessive number of vape, mobile repair and barber shops on the High Street.
- A Reform UK motion highlighted that a half-mile stretch of the High Street contains 16 mobile shops, 11 vape shops and nine barber shops.
- The Labour-led cabinet is receptive to the aims of the motion, which includes restricting these businesses from opening in council-owned commercial properties.
- Council officers will prepare a report to be discussed at a cabinet meeting later in the year.