Disposable vape users stockpile nine week supply ahead of UK ban tomorrow, survey reveals

Daily Record

3 days ago

As of June 1, a UK-wide ban on disposable vapes will come into effect, making it illegal to sell the throwaway vapes.
A survey has revealed that a quarter of disposable vape users have been stockpiling the soon to be outlawed product ahead of the UK-wide ban set to come into effect on June 1. From 1,000 respondents, it was found that users have managed to gather a nine-week supply.
According to the survey, over half of users have expressed being worried about the ban, with 38 per cent fearing that they may experience withdrawal symptoms. On top of this, 42 per cent have admitted that they are 'likely' to turn to the black market to purchase vapes once they vanish from stores.
The survey also revealed that disposable vape users have been spending an average of £41 per month on the smoking alternative. They are also said to be using up around 13 devices a month, reports the Express.
However, not all respondents were in opposition to the ban. While 36 per cent said they were against the new law, 40 per cent revealed they were in support of the decision.
The UK government has chosen to ban disposable vapes for two reasons - two deter young people and children from vaping, and to protect the environment.
Since the vape ban was announced back in January 2024, 47 per cent of users said they have tried to cut down on their usage of the disposable product before they are removed. However, 15 per cent of people confessed that they were "unsuccessful" in their attempts.
A representative for übbs Pouches, who commissioned the research, stated: "For those who use disposable vapes, there's no getting away from it, and while many of those polled have stocked up on supplies in anticipation of the ban, they won't last forever.
"For those worried about transitioning away from disposables there are plenty of alternative options which are regulated – but unregulated options should be avoided."
With the ban looming closer, many respondents shared that they tried out alternatives to the disposable vapes, including refillable vapes, nicotine gum, nicotine patches and nicotine pouches.
Conducted by OnePoll, the survey revealed that the three main factors for people's use of disposable vapes were convenience (61%), flavour variety (53%) and taste (49%).
A spokesperson for übbs Pouches added: "The vast majority of disposable vape users have taken steps to move away from throw-away options.
"And with a range of viable substitutes legally available, hopefully the ban won't be too much of a shock for them."
Once the ban is in place, if suppliers are found breaking the terms of the ban, they can face hefty fines or prison time. In Scotland, local authorities will take the lead on enforcing the ban, while the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service are responsible for prosecuting offences under the regulations.
When someone is first caught breaking the ban, enforcement officers have the option to issue a fixed penalty notice as an alternative to criminal prosecution.
For a first offence the penalty amount will be £200, but this can drop to £150 if it is paid within 14 days. For any offences thereafter, the penalty will increase by £200 each time the supplier is caught.
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However, if suppliers do not accept the fixed penalty notice, or if the enforcement officer does not consider a fine an appropriate penalty, then the offender can be fined a maximum of £5,000, sentenced to two years in prison, or both.
In England and Wales, sanctions such as a stop notice, a compliance notice or a fine of £200 can be applied if someone is found selling or supplying vapes. If the rules are continued to be violated, the offender can be charged with an unlimited fine, an up to two year prison sentence, or both.
However, in Northern Ireland there will be no civil actions. Anyone caught breaking the rules could instead receive a fine of up to £5,000 on summary conviction in a magistrates' court.
On further conviction, illegal suppliers of disposable vapes could face a prison sentence of up to two years.
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