New ban in all shops takes effect on Sunday across the UK
New ban in all shops takes effect on Sunday across the UK
All sales in stores and online will be banned in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
A woman with shopping trolley in a supermarket
(Image: Getty )
A new ban in all shops in the UK takes effect in 24 hours. Disposable vapes will be banned from the shelves of all shops from Sunday.
It is happening in a bid to cut their use among young people as well as the 'avalanche' of litter they create. The blitz on the devices, also known as single-use vapes, makes it illegal for any retailer – ranging from corner shops to supermarkets – to sell them.
The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes.
It follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a flood of plastic rubbish from the discarding of the devices. Disposable vapes are non-refillable and unable to be recharged, and are typically thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than recycled.
Even when they are recycled, they need to be taken apart by hand, while their batteries are a fire risk to recycling facilities and can leak harmful chemicals into the environment. Rogue traders who continue to sell them risk a fine of £200 in the first instance, followed by an unlimited fine or jail time for repeat offending.
Figures from the charity Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) suggests the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18 to 24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025.
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'.
'This ends now'
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.'
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: 'We have been working with retailers, the Government and Trading Standards for months on providing detailed guidance that sets out how to spot non-compliant vapes after the ban comes into force, as well as advising retailers on what they need to do with any stock of disposables left over on June 1.
'We strongly support robust enforcement activity, starting with the businesses that are already openly flouting the rules by selling illicit product and who will continue to sell disposable vapes once they're outlawed.
'It is essential that Trading Standards teams are given the resources they need to get illegal vapes and other products off the streets, as these rogue businesses undermine the work of responsible retailers across the country.'
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.'
Article continues below
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.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Popular chain with more than 1,600 stores to ‘close high street branch' in blow to shoppers
SHOPPERS were saddened to hear a popular chain with more than 1,600 stores is set to close a beloved branch. Holland & Barrett are reportedly shuttering a once-thriving site imminently, in yet another blow to the high street. 1 A site in Inverness may be axed soon, although no dates have been confirmed Credit: Getty Residents in Inverness, Scotland, were disappointed to see a "closing soon" sign taped to their local store. "We're sorry this store is closing soon but you can still shop at it read. Holland & Barrett is one of the UK's leading health stores and is known for selling a range of vitamins, vegan food and beauty products. The company have not given an official shut down date as of yet, as reported by the Inverness Courier. It is understood the lease on the shop may be up for renewal soon, which may have led to decisions being made around potential closure. However, it is not known whether Holland & Barrett could re-open at a new site nearby. This comes after the company announced plans to roll out more than 30 new UK stores as part of a three-year mission. It will also be transforming 320 existing sites, as well as launching new brands both in the UK and internationally. And, in its annual report, Holland & Barrett recorded double-digit growth for the second year running. The firm boasted a 10 per cent year-on-year sales growth in the last financial year, and £524.2million in profit. Scottish vintage clothing store launches huge closing down sale with 80% off It added: "As a result, confidence is high that the company will see a third consecutive year of strong growth driven by the significant acceleration of online in fiscal year 2025." Holland & Barrett were contacted for comment This comes follows the closure of a branch on Hanley's high street in Stoke on Trent bit the dust. They were forced to relocate, and ahead of the move, Holland & Barrett said: "We can confirm we will be closing H&B Hanley later next month and opening our new, bigger and better store in The Potteries Centre. 'We are delighted to be opening a larger store with an even wider range of products and an increased store team of experts to support the community on their wellness journeys. 'We look forward to welcoming our customers from our Hanley store soon.' Meanwhile, not long ago the company confirmed its shops in Chard, Somerset, and Frinton-on-Sea, Essex, would be closing their doors. This comes ahead of more closured from major retailers this month as the high street continues to face difficulties. This year businesses have faced increased costs due to Government changes announced in the Budget. An increase in employer National Insurance contributions, energy and rent costs and lower customer footfall have all piled on pressure. As a result, some retailers have been forced to hike prices, review expansion plans and reduce the number of stores they have. But remember, retailers regularly close shops for a number of reasons, not just because they are struggling. For example, they may have a nearby store that is performing better or may want to move to a location that will have a higher footfall, such as a retail park. Here is a full list of the shops we know are shutting in June 2025. They include, but aren't limited to, The Original Factory Shop, Poundland, and The Works.
Scottish Sun
15 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
How to legally avoid paying tax on your pension as millions hit with shock bills
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MILLIONS of retirees have been hit with shock tax bills after their state pension payments increased. Around 904,000 people on the state pension are now paying income tax at 40%, according to data obtained from HM Revenue and Customs in a freedom of information request. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Millions of retirees have been forced to pay tax on their pension for the first time Credit: Getty Meanwhile, 124,000 retirees are now paying the tax at an eye-watering 45%. The new state pension rose to £11,973 a year in April, putting it within touching distance of the £12,570 income tax threshold. But some pensioners receive more than this amount each year because they delayed the date at which they started to claim the payments. Pensioners who get income from a private pension could also find themselves pushed over this threshold. Income tax thresholds are frozen until April 2028, which means that more people could find themselves dragged into higher tax bands through a concept called fiscal drag. The higher rate tax band is frozen at £50,270, which means any earnings over this amount are taxed at 40%. Meanwhile, the additional rate tax band is fixed at £125,140, beyond which any earnings are taxed at 45%. But there are things you can do to stop a surprise tax bill landing on your doorstep. Here we explain how you can avoid the tax trap. Time your tax free withdrawals You can withdraw up to 25% of your pension pot tax free when you first retire. How to track down lost pensions worth £1,000s However, you need to pay tax on any money you withdraw beyond this. Any money you withdraw is added to the other income you receive, which could push you into a higher tax bracket. One way to avoid this is to spread out your withdrawals over several years, suggests Andrew Oxlade, investment director at Fidelity International. He said: 'If you do take a portion of the 25% tax-free sum every year, that income, along with income from Isas and your state pension, could be enough to keep taxable withdrawals from your pension below the higher-rate threshold.' How does the state pension work? AT the moment the current state pension is paid to both men and women from age 66 - but it's due to rise to 67 by 2028 and 68 by 2046. The state pension is a recurring payment from the government most Brits start getting when they reach State Pension age. But not everyone gets the same amount, and you are awarded depending on your National Insurance record. For most pensioners, it forms only part of their retirement income, as they could have other pots from a workplace pension, earning and savings. The new state pension is based on people's National Insurance records. Workers must have 35 qualifying years of National Insurance to get the maximum amount of the new state pension. You earn National Insurance qualifying years through work, or by getting credits, for instance when you are looking after children and claiming child benefit. If you have gaps, you can top up your record by paying in voluntary National Insurance contributions. To get the old, full basic state pension, you will need 30 years of contributions or credits. You will need at least 10 years on your NI record to get any state pension. He adds that this could be a particularly good idea for people who do not have a particular use in mind for their tax-free sum, such as paying off their mortgage. Andrew recommends that you add up your income from other sources and take the exact amount that will keep your total income below the tax threshold. Avoid emergency tax Once you have withdrawn the tax-free portion of your pension pot you will need to pay tax on any money you take out. When this happens, many savers are put on an emergency tax code. This happens because HMRC does not have an up to date tax code for you, so as a default it charges a higher estimated rate. You may then receive an unexpected tax bill and it can take months to get the money back. One way to avoid this is to take just £1 from your pension pot, which will trigger a tax code from HMRC. What are the different types of pensions? WE round-up the main types of pension and how they differ: Personal pension or self-invested personal pension (SIPP) - This is probably the most flexible type of pension as you can choose your own provider and how much you invest. - This is probably the most flexible type of pension as you can choose your own provider and how much you invest. Workplace pension - The Government has made it compulsory for employers to automatically enrol you in your workplace pension unless you opt out. These so-called defined contribution (DC) pensions are usually chosen by your employer and you won't be able to change it. Minimum contributions are 8%, with employees paying 5% (1% in tax relief) and employers contributing 3%. - The Government has made it compulsory for employers to automatically enrol you in your workplace pension unless you opt out. These so-called defined contribution (DC) pensions are usually chosen by your employer and you won't be able to change it. Minimum contributions are 8%, with employees paying 5% (1% in tax relief) and employers contributing 3%. Final salary pension - This is also a workplace pension but here, what you get in retirement is decided based on your salary, and you'll be paid a set amount each year upon retiring. It's often referred to as a gold-plated pension or a defined benefit (DB) pension. But they're not typically offered by employers anymore. - This is also a workplace pension but here, what you get in retirement is decided based on your salary, and you'll be paid a set amount each year upon retiring. It's often referred to as a gold-plated pension or a defined benefit (DB) pension. But they're not typically offered by employers anymore. New state pension - This is what the state pays to those who reach state pension age after April 6 2016. The maximum payout is £203.85 a week and you'll need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. You also need at least ten years' worth to qualify for anything at all. - This is what the state pays to those who reach state pension age after April 6 2016. The maximum payout is £203.85 a week and you'll need 35 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. You also need at least ten years' worth to qualify for anything at all. Basic state pension - If you reach the state pension age on or before April 2016, you'll get the basic state pension. The full amount is £156.20 per week and you'll need 30 years of National Insurance contributions to get this. If you have the basic state pension you may also get a top-up from what's known as the additional or second state pension. Those who have built up National Insurance contributions under both the basic and new state pensions will get a combination of both schemes. Once you have the code you can withdraw money from your pot and will be charged at the correct rate. Check your pension provider's rules to make sure it will allow you to withdraw such a small sum of money. Use your Isa Isas are a great way to top up your income without paying any tax. This is because all money you withdraw from an Isa is tax-free, so it does not count towards your taxable income. To make use of them just make sure you withdraw less than £50,271 from your private pension. You can then top up your income with money from an Isa. Or if you do not want to pay any tax then simply claim your state pension and withdraw any extra money you need from your Isa. Pay into your pot If you are still working when you start to receive the state pension then you will be able to benefit from a tax loophole. This is because you can still pay into your private pension even if you are above the state pension age, which is currently 66. Robert Cochran, retirement expert at Scottish Widows, explains: 'This can be especially beneficial if your pension income pushes you into a higher tax bracket. 'Contributions may reduce your taxable income and bring you back into a lower band.' The maximum amount that you can pay into your pension once you are above the state pension age is £10,000. This can have a significant impact on the tax you need to pay. For example, if you earned £10,000 from your job and received the full new state pension then your total income would be £21,973 a year. In total, you would pay £1,878.80 in income tax. But if you paid the money from your job into your private pension then you would not pay any tax. Make use of marriage allowance You may also be able to save on your tax bill if you are married or in a civil partnership. Depending on how much you earn, you may be able to transfer some of your personal allowance to your partner. This tax perk is called marriage tax allowance. You can transfer up to £1,260 of your personal allowance to your husband, wife or civil partner. Doing so reduces your tax bill by up to £252 a year. To benefit you need to be earning less than your personal allowance, which is £12,570. Meanwhile, your partner must earn less than £50,270. You can check if you will benefit from marriage tax allowance using the calculator on the website. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Scottish Sun
20 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Aldi discontinues popular breakfast must-have leaving shoppers gutted
The product seems to have been quietly discontinued Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR Aldi breakfast item has been discontinued leaving shoppers absolutely gutted. The breakfast item was a favourite among Aldi shoppers who have been left in the dark over its absence. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Shoppers were left disappointed after searching for the item Credit: Getty 3 The flavour was a fan favourite Credit: Aldi Aldi quietly removed the Specially Selected Caramel Layered Yogurt from its shelves. Shoppers only discovered the yogurt was discontinued after failing to find it in their local shop. The product was a favourite among Aldi shoppers who have been gutted by its disappearance. Aldi have listed the item as "currently unavailable" on their website giving no indication of when or why it was pulled from shelves. Some shoppers have reported spotting a similar product in Lidl stores. The yogurt was reportedly replaced with a lemon layered flavour. Other layered yogurt flavours are still available at the retailer online and in store. Venting their frustration with the quiet disappearance of their breakfast favourite shoppers took to social media. One disappointed shopper said: "I've been looking for several weeks and they have not had it in stock in 3 local stores. I have it with their chocolate granola." Other retailers appear to be selling the product or a dupe of the product. One online retailer lists the item in stock for only 75p and shoppers in European countries are still able to purchase the item from Aldi stores. The yogurt sold in 150g tubs for less than £1 when it was in stock. 3 Shoppers will have to make do with other flavours of yogurt Credit: Getty It was described on packaging as "indulgent" with caramel sauce layered throughout the yogurt. Aldi is selling a replacement product, a four pack of Greek style layered salted caramel yogurts, but these are not specially selected. Other flavours of the specially selected layered yogurts are still available on Aldi shelves. These include lemon, blackberry and blackcurrant, mango and vanilla, raspberry and passion fruit and strawberry. Aldi have not issued any statement on the yogurt flavour being discontinued. The product was quietly removed from shelves with no warning given to shoppers. Several hopeful customers spent weeks visiting different stores and scouring the shelves looking for the breakfast favourite.
