Vape shop signage in Manchester angers local residents

A local Manchester vape shop has received criticism for a signage installation which residents have called “overly aggressive” and “a visual eyesore.”

The controversy centres on brightly illuminated signage installed on the exterior of MCR 1, a vape and snack shop in the Stevenson Square conservation area of Manchester. The business occupies the site of the former Milano barbershop and Vina's newsagents.

Residents and community organisers have criticised the signage for being inconsistent with the character of Manchester’s Northern Quarter, which is seen by many as a historically distinctive part of the city.

Concerns from locals were also raised that the flashing lights on the sign could distract drivers and other road users in the busy square.

The signage installation included a series of illuminated elements including internal illumination on a set of primary fascia signs, as well as a projecting faux-neon LED sign mounted perpendicular to the building’s face. 

Manchester City Council is now reportedly investigating whether the business breached regulations regarding advertisement consent. As of March 2026, the protruding LED ‘neon’ unit has already been removed following the complaints.

A petition on Change.org was also launched about the signage, calling for the council to revisit the approval process and for MCR 1 to adopt a more understated design.

While the petition does not seek to close the shop itself, its description states that it aims to preserve the "visual harmony" of the conservation area.

The description reads: “The signage recently installed at MCR1 Vapes is widely seen as out of keeping with the surrounding area.

“Its bright and overly aggressive design disrupts the visual harmony of the square and goes completely against the aesthetic that has made the Northern Quarter such a valued and recognisable part of the city. Many residents, workers, and visitors feel the signage at MCR1 Vapes is unnecessarily brash and has become a visual eyesore within Stevenson Square.”

Speaking to digital media platform, Manchester’s Finest, a Manchester Council spokesperson says: "The Council is aware of complaints that have been made in relation to this premises in the Stevenson Square Conservation Area, and investigations are under way to establish if any regulations have been breached in relation to the illuminated signage and display of advertisements.

“However, as this is an active and ongoing investigation the Council cannot go into further detail at this stage."