Waterford City has seen a surge in the number of vape shops in recent years, with more than ten now operating between the Clock Tower and the end of John’s Street, not including convenience stores that also sell vaping products.
The highest concentration is found around Michael Street and the Apple Market area.
This growth comes as the Government’s Budget 2026 introduced a new excise tax on vape juice and disposable vapes, adding fifty cent per millilitre of liquid, excluding VAT.
Vape Shop Owners Say New Tax Hits Reusable Vapes Hardest
Local vape shop owners in Waterford told WLR that while they support a vape tax in principle, they believe the increase is excessive and unfair to customers trying to quit smoking.
John O’Donovan, owner of Funk It in Waterford City, said the price hike is “too much” and added
“I am unsure if I would be willing to pass on the increase to customers, it is very unfair for those trying to quit smoking.”
Under the new tax, a 10ml bottle of vape liquid has risen from €5 to approximately €11.15, while disposable vapes have only increased by €1.
Shop owners say this undermines the Government’s stated goal of discouraging disposable vape use due to its environmental impact.
Marino, from E Shop on New Street, said,
“We weren’t consulted. It is bad for the customer and bad for business.”
He also called for licensing requirements for vape retailers, noting that many now sell other items alongside vape products.
Calls for Stricter Licensing and Regulation
Luke, who owns Cloud City on Arundel Square, criticised the decision to raise taxes more heavily on reusable liquids than on disposables saying
“We should be taxing disposables out of existence, but the Government has incentivised them instead”
He also called for tighter regulation of vape shops
“You need a licence to sell alcohol or cigarettes. You should need one for vape stores too, especially since some sell sweets and toys, which I’m not a fan of.”
Luke acknowledged that the number of vape shops in the city has grown rapidly but linked it to the wider decline in retail variety.
“Instant retail, where you need something right away, is what’s filling vacant premises now and vape shops are part of that mix. Traditional retail like clothes shops just can’t compete with online sales. So that’s why you are seeing so many popping up”
Concerns About City Centre Retail Mix
Waterford Councillor Joe Kelly has expressed concern about the growing number of vape outlets, saying they add little to the city’s retail offering and do not attract new footfall.
While the rise in vape stores has provided some new business activity, Councillor Kelly believes the trend reflects broader challenges in city centre retail, where vacant units are increasingly filled by quick-turnover, convenience-driven businesses.
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