Single-use vapes are banned from all shops from today (Sunday), making it illegal for any retailer to sell them.
The ban is aimed to cut their use among young people, as well as prevent the littering of them. It follows the increase use of vapes in schools as well as a rise in plastic rubbish from disposable vapes.
The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and applies regardless of whether the single-use vape contains any nicotine. Disposable vapes are non-refillable and unable to be recharged, meaning they are typically thrown away after use.
Retailers can still sell reusable vapes. However, rogue traders who continue to sell single-use vapes risk a fine of £200 in the first instance. This is followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offenders.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said usage among young vapers remained too high, and the ban would “put an end to their alarming rise in school playgrounds and the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation’s streets”.
Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said: “For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.
“The Government calls time on these nasty devices.”
Ash deputy chief executive Caroline Cerny said: “It’s promising to see that many people switched away from disposable vapes to re-usable products well ahead of the ban. This is particularly marked among young people, who were more likely to use disposable products due to their attractiveness, affordability, and heavy marketing.
“This new law is a step towards reducing vaping among children, while ensuring products are available to support people to quit smoking. It will be up to manufacturers and retailers to ensure customers are informed and able to reuse and recycle their products securing a real change in consumer behaviour and a reduction in environmental waste.
“If behaviour does not change then further regulations will be possible following the passage of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill.” The separate Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently working its way through Parliament, also includes powers to potentially restrict the packaging, marketing and flavours of e-cigarettes.
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The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said its members had moved quickly to bring new fully compliant products to market well ahead of the June 1 deadline, but warned of “serious unintended consequences” of bans as a regulatory measure.
UKVIA director general John Dunne said: “Vaping was invented to help adult smokers quit and disposable products became the most successful vape products to do so because they are simple to use and most closely replicate the sensation of smoking.
“We are concerned that this ban will encourage former smokers who have already transitioned from cigarettes – which kill 220 people every day in the UK – to return to combustible tobacco or opt for unregulated vapes.
“We also have clear evidence, from countries including the USA and Australia, showing that black market, counterfeit and illicit vape sales spiked when vape bans and restrictions are introduced.”
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