UK bans single-use vapes to stem use by children and reduce harmful litter

South China Morning Post

4 days ago

A ban on disposable vapes came into force across the UK on Sunday as the British government aims to stem their use by children, reduce litter and prevent the leaking of harmful chemicals into the environment.
The ban makes it illegal for any retailer – online or in-store – to sell vapes, whether they contain nicotine or not. They will still be able to sell reusable vapes.
The
crackdown follows the soaring use of disposable vapes in schools and a rising tide of rubbish as users dispose of the vapes.
It is estimated that as many as 5 million disposable vapes are thrown in bins or littered every week across the
UK , rather than being recycled.
A number of countries are seeking to regulate the vape market, which has grown exponentially over the past decade or so.
Australia outlawed the sale of vapes outside pharmacies last year in some of the world's toughest restrictions on electronic cigarettes, while Belgium became the first European country to ban the use of disposable vapes at the start of this year.