Walk down almost any high street in 2025 and you’ll see new “vape shops” popping up overnight. But are they all legitimate?

While the majority of vape retailers are small local businesses working hard to provide safer alternatives to smoking, a growing number of unregulated shops are operating as fronts for money laundering or shifting illegal, fake or non-compliant products.

At Vapour Central, we believe in responsible retail. That means paying our tax and VAT, paying our staff a living wage, and doing everything above board — because that’s what keeps customers, staff and the community safe.

🚨 The Problem: Fake Vape Shops & Money Laundering Fronts

Across the UK, we’ve seen a wave of pop-up vape stores that seem too good to be true — often opening suddenly, selling products far below market value, and then disappearing just as fast.

In many cases, these outlets are linked to cash-based money laundering schemes. They use the appearance of a “vape business” to move illicit funds while undercutting real, tax-paying shops. These businesses rarely last long, but they cause lasting harm:

• 💸 They don’t pay tax or VAT — meaning they take from the economy without contributing to it.
• ⚠️ They often sell counterfeit or illegal vapes — untested products that can be dangerous or contain illegal nicotine levels.
• 🧾 No receipts, no accountability — leaving customers with no protection if something goes wrong.
• 🚫 They undercut legitimate businesses — making it harder for honest shops to compete.

And when the lights go off and the shutters close for good, they leave nothing behind but damaged trust in the industry.

🔍 What to Look Out For

If you’re unsure whether a vape shop is legitimate, here are a few red flags:

• ❌ No VAT or company number displayed anywhere.
• ❌ Prices that seem too cheap to be real – often under wholesale cost.
• ❌ No website, no receipts, no social presence.
• ❌ Stock that looks suspicious or unbranded, often with no visible warning labels.
• ❌ Staff who can’t answer basic questions about nicotine strengths or product safety.

If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Stick with trusted, compliant retailers who care about the law and their customers.

💼 What Makes Vapour Central Different

We’ve been doing this the right way since day one. Vapour Central is a fully registered UK business that:

• ✅ Pays all tax and VAT — we’re part of the legitimate economy, not outside it.
• ✅ Pays staff a living wage — because the people behind the counter deserve respect and stability.
• ✅ Works with licensed suppliers only — every product we stock is compliant with UK and TPD regulations.
• ✅ Supports local communities — with stores across Essex creating jobs and providing safe access to smoking alternatives.

When you shop with us, you’re supporting a business that’s genuinely part of the UK economy — not one that’s trying to hide from it.

Find Your Nearest Vapour Central Store

🧠 Why This Matters for Everyone

Fake or illegal vape shops do more than just cheat the system — they damage the reputation of the entire industry and put genuine vapers at risk. When you buy from a proper, registered shop, you’re supporting:

• 🧾 Safer products — fully tested and traceable.
• 💷 Fair wages — real jobs for real people.
• 🏙️ Local economies — money staying in the community, not disappearing offshore.
• 🤝 Trust — knowing exactly what you’re inhaling and who you’re buying from.

✔️ The Vapour Central Promise

We’re proud to run our business transparently. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t look the other way. We believe responsible retail builds stronger communities and safer customers — and that’s why people keep coming back.

Not all vape shops are equal. Choose the ones that earn your trust.

Shop with a Responsible Retailer

Vapour Central is a UK-based, tax-paying retailer serving Essex and beyond. We sell only compliant vaping products to adults aged 18+.