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Edinburgh Reporter
15-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
Shops across Edinburgh still selling single use vapes despite ban
Shops across the Capital are still selling single use vapes – over a month after they were banned across the country. The Local Democracy Reporting Service was able to buy seven at sites around the city, with many shops still carrying them in public view. Many shop workers acknowledged they were illegal to sell when asked by an undercover reporter, with one saying customers sought them out because they 'liked the taste'. Others said they were working on clearing out stock, while a handful pled ignorance, saying they did not know the vapes were illegal. The ban was brought in on 1 June of this year by the Scottish Government over public health and environmental well-being grounds. We bought seven vapes at shops across Edinburgh | Image via Joe Sullivan, Disposable vapes come in a range of flavours | Image via Joe Sullivan, Similar bans came into effect in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on the same day, with the Scottish ban delayed by two months to line up the start date nationwide. It had been announced in Scotland in early 2024, giving manufacturers and retailers time to adapt to the change. To be legal, vapes need to be rechargeable, and have the ability for the vape liquid and heating elements inside to be replaced. Vape manufacturers have responded by creating new lines of products that visibly resemble their old disposable ones, but which feature charging ports and disposable pods that contain liquid and new heating elements. Local authorities have been tasked with enforcing the ban – though a council report in May said the city's trading standards team would need more resources to investigate disposable vapes without reducing their other services. Having seen several stores appearing to stock disposable vapes weeks after the ban came into effect we carried out test purchasing at sites across the city. At one popular city centre retailer, we asked if the store had any disposable vapes on hand. A cashier obliged, and took out ten disposable vapes, laying them out on the counter for us to take our pick. He acknowledged that they were illegal, but said that customers seemed to prefer the taste of the old disposable units over the refillable equivalents many companies have released. He said: 'The only difference is the battery. But people still want these, they like the taste I think.' The vape we bought there, a Higo Crystal bar, lacks a charging port or a way to replace the liquid inside, making it illegal under the new law. Returning a couple days later, the same shopkeeper denied he sold us the vape, and said the shop did not stock or carry ones not compliant with the ban. At a Southside convenience store, we were able to ask for a cola-flavoured Elf Bar right off the shelf without issue. When asked if the vape was illegal, the cashier there confirmed it was. He said the store was working on clearing out its stock, and that refills for the newer vapes were hard to obtain. He continued on to say: 'People don't care [whether the vape is disposable], they're the same. The law is pointless without having the refills.' The story was the same at another two city centre newsagents, where we were able to buy a disposable peach ice SKE bar and a disposable cherry cola Elf Bar. One shopkeeper there told us: 'The [refill] pods are hard to get. Our supplier doesn't stock them, we can't buy them.' The issue of what is legal and illegal was one which seemed to be causing some shopkeepers trouble. At another city centre newsagent we were able to purchase a pineapple peach mango Elf Bar – and when asked if it was compliant with the ban, the shopkeeper seemed to believe it was, telling us, 'you can change the pods'. He was confused when we removed the vape from its packaging, and pointed out that it had no charger or removable refill pods. When we went back to the shop, a different shop worker also thought the vape was legal, saying they had received the non-compliant Elf Bars as part of a shipment two weeks ago. We were also able to buy non-compliant vapes at two more shops in the city, with both stocking them quite openly. All seven stores were asked for comment, however none had responded by time of publication. At each store we asked for a receipt, however most declined to provide them, with some saying they were out of receipt paper and others providing no explanation as to why one could not be given. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has now passed its dossier of evidence on to Edinburgh Council's trading standards team, who are investigating. We also checked some chain supermarkets for vapes – and managed to find one, the Sainsbury's on Shandwick Place – stocking disposable ones. However, when a cashier tried to ring up the vape, his terminal would not allow him to scan the product. He then cleared the remaining disposable vapes from the shelf behind him. A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said the firm took its 'role as a responsible retailer very seriously', and that it ensures all its stores are compliant with the ban. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: 'Local authorities are responsible for enforcement of the single use vape ban. Day to day enforcement activities are carried out by Trading standards officers employed by each Local Authority. 'The Scottish Government remains in contact with regulators and the other UK nations regarding any compliance and enforcement issues.' Alexandra Connell, chair of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, said that trading standards teams need more support in order to tackle the ban. She said: 'We are a small profession. We [already] have an awful lot of other work that's equally important that we have to get out and do. 'The Scottish Government have identified some monies to help us with enforcement of it. But the mechanisms for how that money gets to us isn't particularly clear [yet]. 'And it's a small pot. Divided between 32 local authorities, it means everybody gets a very small pot of money. 'What we really need is to be properly resourced. We need to recognise that we actually have a huge remit. 'And our remit seems to be getting bigger, we have new burdens, but as I say, we are a small profession.' Ms Connell said that trading standards officers often had to prioritise investigating products with the most harm, such as counterfeit or defective children's toys, over enforcement of other products. She also said stopping disposable vapes at the border might be a more cost-effective solution than having council trading standards officers remove them from individual stores. According to her, investigating vapes that aren't compliant with the ban is an expensive and time consuming process. She says trading standards officers need extensive training to identify illegal vapes. And, they sometimes need to take vapes apart, as some will appear to feature charging ports but lack a rechargeable battery. The process of getting rid of disposable vapes is also challenging – due to their lithium batteries, they need to be appropriately recycled, which does not always come cheap. A spokesperson for Edinburgh Council said: 'Single use disposable vaping devices became illegal on 1 June, and any business still offering these for sale is committing a criminal offence. 'Trading Standards Officers may seize the items, issue Fixed Penalty notices or submit reports to the Procurator Fiscal. 'The Trading Standards team will respond to any complaints or reports of non-compliance, which can be sent to [email protected] or reported via Advice Direct Scotland.' By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Edinburgh shops flouting vape ban as illegal disposables still on sale
An undercover probe revealed that retailers were aware the disposable vapes were illegal to sell and had been banned more than a month ago. Shops across the Capital are still selling single use vapes – over a month after they were banned across the country. The Local Democracy Reporting Service was able to buy seven at sites around the city, with many shops still carrying them in public view. Many shop workers acknowledged they were illegal to sell when asked by an undercover reporter, with one saying customers sought them out because they 'liked the taste'. Others said they were working on clearing out stock, while a handful pled ignorance, saying they did not know the vapes were illegal. The ban was brought in on 1 June of this year by the Scottish Government over public health and environmental well-being grounds. Similar bans came into effect in England, Wales and Northern Ireland on the same day, with the Scottish ban delayed by two months to line up the start date nationwide. It had been announced in Scotland in early 2024, giving manufacturers and retailers time to adapt to the change. To be legal, vapes need to be rechargeable, and have the ability for the vape liquid and heating elements inside to be replaced. Vape manufacturers have responded by creating new lines of products that visibly resemble their old disposable ones, but which feature charging ports and disposable pods that contain liquid and new heating elements. Local authorities have been tasked with enforcing the ban – though a council report in May said the city's trading standards team would need more resources to investigate disposable vapes without reducing their other services. Having seen several stores appearing to stock disposable vapes weeks after the ban came into effect we carried out test purchasing at sites across the city. At one popular city centre retailer, we asked if the store had any disposable vapes on hand. A cashier obliged, and took out ten disposable vapes, laying them out on the counter for us to take our pick. He acknowledged that they were illegal, but said that customers seemed to prefer the taste of the old disposable units over the refillable equivalents many companies have released. He said: 'The only difference is the battery. But people still want these, they like the taste I think.' The vape we bought there, a Higo Crystal bar, lacks a charging port or a way to replace the liquid inside, making it illegal under the new law. Returning a couple days later, the same shopkeeper denied he sold us the vape, and said the shop did not stock or carry ones not compliant with the ban. At a Southside convenience store, we were able to ask for a cola-flavoured Elf Bar right off the shelf without issue. When asked if the vape was illegal, the cashier there confirmed it was. He said the store was working on clearing out its stock, and that refills for the newer vapes were hard to obtain. He continued on to say: 'People don't care [whether the vape is disposable], they're the same. The law is pointless without having the refills.' The story was the same at another two city centre newsagents, where we were able to buy a disposable peach ice SKE bar and a disposable cherry cola Elf Bar. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. One shopkeeper there told us: 'The [refill] pods are hard to get. Our supplier doesn't stock them, we can't buy them.' The issue of what is legal and illegal was one which seemed to be causing some shopkeepers trouble. At another city centre newsagent we were able to purchase a pineapple peach mango Elf Bar – and when asked if it was compliant with the ban, the shopkeeper seemed to believe it was, telling us, 'you can change the pods'. He was confused when we removed the vape from its packaging, and pointed out that it had no charger or removable refill pods. When we went back to the shop, a different shop worker also thought the vape was legal, saying they had received the non-compliant Elf Bars as part of a shipment two weeks ago. We were also able to buy non-compliant vapes at two more shops in the city, with both stocking them quite openly. All seven stores were asked for comment, however none had responded by time of publication. At each store we asked for a receipt, however most declined to provide them, with some saying they were out of receipt paper and others providing no explanation as to why one could not be given. The Local Democracy Reporting Service has now passed its dossier of evidence on to Edinburgh Council's trading standards team, who are investigating. We also checked some chain supermarkets for vapes – and managed to find one, the Sainsbury's on Shandwick Place – stocking disposable ones. However, when a cashier tried to ring up the vape, his terminal would not allow him to scan the product. He then cleared the remaining disposable vapes from the shelf behind him. A spokesperson for Sainsbury's said the firm took its 'role as a responsible retailer very seriously', and that it ensures all its stores are compliant with the ban. A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said: 'Local authorities are responsible for enforcement of the single use vape ban. Day to day enforcement activities are carried out by Trading standards officers employed by each Local Authority. 'The Scottish Government remains in contact with regulators and the other UK nations regarding any compliance and enforcement issues.' Alexandra Connell, chair of the Society of Chief Officers of Trading Standards in Scotland, said that trading standards teams need more support in order to tackle the ban. She said: 'We are a small profession. We [already] have an awful lot of other work that's equally important that we have to get out and do. 'The Scottish Government have identified some monies to help us with enforcement of it. But the mechanisms for how that money gets to us isn't particularly clear [yet]. 'And it's a small pot. Divided between 32 local authorities, it means everybody gets a very small pot of money. 'What we really need is to be properly resourced. We need to recognise that we actually have a huge remit. 'And our remit seems to be getting bigger, we have new burdens, but as I say, we are a small profession.' Ms Connell said that trading standards officers often had to prioritise investigating products with the most harm, such as counterfeit or defective children's toys, over enforcement of other products. She also said stopping disposable vapes at the border might be a more cost-effective solution than having council trading standards officers remove them from individual stores. According to her, investigating vapes that aren't compliant with the ban is an expensive and time consuming process. She says trading standards officers need extensive training to identify illegal vapes. And, they sometimes need to take vapes apart, as some will appear to feature charging ports but lack a rechargeable battery. The process of getting rid of disposable vapes is also challenging – due to their lithium batteries, they need to be appropriately recycled, which does not always come cheap. A spokesperson for Edinburgh Council said: 'Single use disposable vaping devices became illegal on 1 June, and any business still offering these for sale is committing a criminal offence. 'Trading Standards Officers may seize the items, issue Fixed Penalty notices or submit reports to the Procurator Fiscal. 'The Trading Standards team will respond to any complaints or reports of non-compliance, which can be sent to or reported via Advice Direct Scotland.'
Spectator
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
The disposable vape ban has changed nothing
I felt a mixture of annoyance and relief when I bought my first non-disposable Elf Bar last weekend, ahead of the disposable vape ban. Relieved, because to all intents and purposes, the new vape is identical to the old one. It looks the same, tastes the same and costs the same. The only difference is that when you give it a tug, a 'reusable' pod slides out. Annoyed, because after all the fuss over the ban over the past few years – panicked headlines, furious parents, relentless lobbying – vaping is effectively unchanged. What a waste of time and energy. In the next few days, a third emotion started to creep in: fear. I can't be the only one to have noticed that the new vapes are just as delicious and, in practice, as disposable as the old ones. I can already picture the shock, horror and outrage of the anti-vape coalition as they realise it too. Now instead of claiming victory and moving on to their next target, they will double down and push for a total ban. That is the state of play in China, birthplace of the Elf Bar. These vapes, launched in 2018 by Chinese entrepreneur Zhang Shengwei's Shenzhen iMiracle, are banned in the country that makes them. Not that this has held the company back: 2.5 million are sold each week in Britain alone. The second battle in the war on vapes is already under way. Proposals for bland, flavourless, sludge-coloured vapes, bereft of the joy and pleasure of their predecessors, are being considered by the government. If the anti-vape coalition wins this round, I fear I'll be forced back to cigarettes.
Time Business News
03-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Crystal Pro Max 10000 (Box of 10): Disposable Vape Experience
In a competitive vaping market, the Crystal Pro Max 10000 Box Of 10 proves that disposable doesn't have to mean basic. With sleek aesthetics, powerful performance, and flavor options that rival premium refillable systems, it stands tall as a go-to option for hassle-free, high-volume vaping. The Crystal Pro Max 10000 is crafted with a transparent, crystal-inspired casing, giving it a premium look and feel. It fits comfortably in your hand and pocket, yet it feels solid—not flimsy like many lower-end disposables. Ergonomic Mouthpiece : Shaped for a natural draw. : Shaped for a natural draw. Anti-leak Technology : Helps keep your device (and your bag or pocket) mess-free. : Helps keep your device (and your bag or pocket) mess-free. LED Indicator Light : Flashes to indicate low battery or puff limit reached. : Flashes to indicate low battery or puff limit reached. Minimalist Branding: Keeps the look clean, classy, and discreet. This is a device that doesn't just perform well—it looks the part, too. What truly sets the Crystal Pro Max Plus 10000 Box Of 10 apart is how well it performs under real-world usage. Thanks to mesh coil technology, the vapor production is impressive for a disposable. You'll get dense clouds without sacrificing smoothness. This makes it enjoyable for both casual vapers and those transitioning from mods. Unlike many disposables that lose flavor after a few hundred puffs, the Crystal Pro Max 10000 maintains flavor integrity for most of its lifespan. That's a huge plus for users who hate that 'burnt' or faded taste that often comes with cheaper brands. The device is completely button-free. Simply inhale to activate—making it as intuitive as it gets. It's ideal for beginners or those who don't want to fiddle with complicated settings. If you vape regularly throughout the day, the 10,000-puff capacity saves you from constantly needing replacements. One device can last several days or even weeks, depending on usage. No need to refill, recharge frequently, or maintain coils. Just open the pack, inhale, and go. With its compact form factor and long battery life, it's perfect for travel. You won't need to carry juice bottles, chargers, or spares. Buying a box of 10 gives you extra units to share with friends or keep stocked in a shop or convenience store. Many users even keep different flavors on hand depending on mood or occasion. Feature Crystal Pro Max 10000 Elf Bar 6000 Lost Mary BM6000 Puff Count 10,000 6,000 6,000 Rechargeable Yes (Type-C) Yes Yes Nicotine Strength 2% (20mg) 2% 2% Coil Type Mesh Mesh Dual Coil Flavors Available 40+ 25+ 20+ Airflow Control Yes Limited No Box of 10 Option Yes Rare Limited As you can see, Crystal Pro Max holds its own—and often surpasses—popular competitors in several categories. Here's a deeper dive into some top flavors to try when selecting your box of 10: Blueberry Raspberry – A balanced berry mix with tart raspberry on the exhale. – A balanced berry mix with tart raspberry on the exhale. Cherry Cola – Fizzy and sweet with a nostalgic twist. – Fizzy and sweet with a nostalgic twist. Triple Mango – Tropical and juicy, perfect for summer vibes. – Tropical and juicy, perfect for summer vibes. Fresh Mint – A clean, icy blast that's great for clearing the palate. – A clean, icy blast that's great for clearing the palate. Strawberry Kiwi – Sweet with a subtle sour undertone. – Sweet with a subtle sour undertone. Gummy Bear – Just like the candy—sweet, fruity, and fun. – Just like the candy—sweet, fruity, and fun. Blue Razz Lemonade – Combines the zing of lemonade with candy-like blue raspberry. You can often mix and match in a single box or order themed sets like 'All Mint,' 'Tropical Pack,' or 'Candy Series.' Before clicking 'add to cart,' consider these tips: Mix Up Flavors: Don't stick to just one. Even your favorite can get dull after 10,000 puffs. Check for Authenticity: Only buy from reputable retailers to avoid counterfeits. Compare Retailers: Prices can vary widely—some offer boxes from £65.99 to £89.99 depending on current deals. Store Properly: Keep devices in a cool, dry place to preserve flavor and battery life. Recycle Responsibly: Dispose of used devices properly at designated e-waste points. In short: Yes. Absolutely. The Crystal Pro Max 10000 hits the sweet spot between power, flavor, and value. It combines the ease of use of a disposable with features usually found in reusable systems—mesh coils, adjustable airflow, and rechargeability. Buying a box of 10 elevates the value significantly, offering both savings and convenience. Whether you're stocking up for personal use or sharing among friends, this bulk option delivers an elevated experience for a reasonable price. If you're ready to upgrade your disposable vape game, the Crystal Pro Max 10000 Box of 10 should be at the top of your list. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Scottish Sun
02-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Will you get fined if you're spotted using a disposable vape? Everything you need to know as ban comes into force
Scroll down to find out more VAPE A MINUTE Will you get fined if you're spotted using a disposable vape? Everything you need to know as ban comes into force Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS could be fined hundreds of pounds following the government's recent disposable vape ban. A ban on single use e-cigs has now kicked in as part of a crackdown to stop kids getting hooked. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Disposable vapes are now banned in the UK Credit: Alamy 3 The aim is to prevent youths taking up the habit and to protect the environment Credit: Alamy The disposable vape ban has made it illegal for any retailer to sell single single use vapes online or in store after coming into effect on June 1. Only reusable vapes can now be sold as the government aims to prevent youths picking up the habit and protect the environment. But e-smokers may wonder whether they'll be fined if they're seen smoking one of the disposable devices. Under the new legislation, rogue traders who continue to sell disposable vapes will be fined £200. Serial offenders could face criminal charges of an unlimited fine or a prison sentence of up to two years. But these fines only apply to supplying disposable vapes. Those who have stocked up and are still smoking the devices following the ban won't be fined. As a result, online vendors were desperate to avoid being stuck with illegal stock before the deadline leading to huge discounts and fire sales. One site was boasting a "UK Vape Bargain Blast" ahead of the deadline, selling Flavaah Bar disposable vapes for 29p each, down from £5. The popular Elf Bar vapes were also down from a fiver at just 49p. In store outfits also saw users stocking up on single-use vapes. The Sun spoke to Douglas Eccles from Rustic Vapez before the ban was put in place, who agreed with the ban but noted how it left customers "panicking". Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked He said: "Everyone's panicking thinking all disposables are gone from Sunday, but it's not going to go that way. "A lot of people are bulk-buying them because a lot of shops are doing them really cheap because they know that any stock they've got from Sunday they've got to take off the shelves." But the ban could backfire with a slew of consequences, according to industry leaders. Experts fear the ban could result in vapes losing their original purpose as an aid to quit smoking. They warn that smokers who used vapes to help kick cigarettes may now return to the deadly habit. Even worse, they could turn to unregulated vapes which can have potentially serious health consequences. Instead, experts say the ban was a "disproportionate response" and looking at existing laws and education should have been considered first. Kate Pike, the lead officer for tobacco and vaping at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said it was a 'worry' that reusable vapes cost the same as disposables. She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'It's a real worry that people will continue to use them as single-use disposable and therefore it won't help limit the damage to the environment.' Industry leaders have also warned that disposable products will soon be replaced with near identical reusable vapes as sellers scramble to get new legal models onto shelves. Additionally, campaigners We Vape said the new law will create a black market that is "impossible to enforce". Smoking vs. vaping VAPING has been touted as an effective tool to help people quit smoking. Though vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, the habit isn't completely harmless and comes with its own set of risks. The NHS only recommends it for adult smokers, to support quitting smoking. GP and author Dr Philippa Kaye explained to The Sun that the differences between vaping and smoking - and whether one is better than the other - is "complicated". "In a nutshell, vaping is better than smoking, but breathing air is better than vaping at all." Vaping exposes users to far fewer toxins - and at lower levels - than smoking cigarettes. Switching to vaping significantly reduces your exposure to toxins that can cause cancer, lung disease, and diseases of the heart and circulation like heart attack and stroke. These diseases are not caused by nicotine, which is relatively harmless to health. But research has still linked vaping to a higher risk of failure and lung disease. Health risks of cigarettes Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer Smokers are at greater risk for diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels Smoking can cause lung disease by damaging your airways and the small air sacs Smoking can cause cancer almost anywhere in your body It affects overall health too, such as your mouth, eyes, immune system and fertility Health risks of vaping They can cause side effects such as throat and mouth irritation, headache, cough and feeling sick They could lead to tooth decay They could damage heart health They could cause lung disease They could slow brain development Read more on how vaping can affect your health here. Sources: NHS, CDC
