Stockport is among the top five vaping hotspots in the UK.

That's according to a survey from HAYPP, which placed Stockport as the number five most 'vape-obsessed' location, considering factors such as the number of vape shops, and the amount of vape-related searches.

Stockport was found to have around 26 vape shops per 100,000 residents.

It also had a high-number of vape-related search terms per month, with 388 searches per 100,000 residents.

Using these figures, analysts gave Stockport a 'vape-obsession' score of 7.34 out of 10.

A national ban on disposable vapes was introducued on 1 June 2025 (Image - Unsplash)

HAYPP is a retailer of tobacco-free nicotine products. For this survey, they used data from Companies House and from search trends.

Researchers were considering the data in light of the new disposable vape ban which was introduced on 1 June.

In a separate national survey, HAYPP found that four out of five vape users said they were planning to stockpile in light of the ban.

Of these, 37 percent say they will stockpile enough to last 3 months, and 28 percent intend to buy enough to last more than six months.

Researchers said that Stockport's high 'vape-obsession' score, twinned with the increase in stockpiling, could mean that Stockport is more at risk of vape-related fires.

Already, in 2024 alone, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) were called to 59 vape-related fires in 2024 - the highest in the UK.

Researchers suggested Stockport could be at increased risk of vape-related fires (Image - Nub NewS)

Vape fires are caused by their lithium-ion batteries, which can become unstable when exposed to heat, moisture, or physical damage.

Markus Lindblad, a HAYPP spokesperson, said: "As a retailer, we're seeing firsthand how consumers are responding to the ban, with a large number of users stockpiling up to six months' worth of disposables.

"This not only delays the environmental and health benefits of the policy, but also introduces concerns around fire, safety and enforcement, especially with unsolicited disposables, which over a third of users are potentially considering.

"More consumer education is crucial to mitigate these risks moving forward. A smarter decision is to consider shifting to pre-filled vapes or refillable pod kits as these could offer a safer, more sustainable path forward.

"If you use rechargeable vapes, make sure you use manufacturer's charging cable, unplug when full, and don't charge overnight."

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