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Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vape ban explained: All your questions answered as single-use disposable e-cigarettes become illegal today
Disposable vapes will banned across the UK on Sunday in a government crackdown on e-cigarettes. From June 1, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use vapes, such as Elf bars and Lost Mary, in shops and online. Only devices considered reusable - with a rechargeable battery and replaceable coil - will be allowed. The law is aimed at protecting the environment and tackling a surge in youth vaping rates, which have soared from 0.8 per cent in 2013 to 7.2 per cent last year. Disposable vapes, known for their variety of flavours and brightly coloured packaging, have become increasingly popular among teenagers. Moreover, an estimated 5million single use vapes, which are available to buy at pocket money prices, are thrown away in the UK every week. How is the law changing? The new law which comes into effect on Sunday will ban businesses from selling or supplying disposable vapes. Retailers in England who are caught breaking the law face a minimum £200 penalty or a two-year-prison sentence for repeat offenders. Any single-use e-cigarettes that are found on sale, will be seized by Trading Standards. Rechargeable vapes that are refillable and have a battery and replaceable coil will remain on the market. It will not be illegal to own or be in possession of a single-use vape - with reports that millions of Brits have stockpiled the devices in preparation for the ban. MailOnline revealed this month that nearly 40 per cent of vapers have enough disposable e-cigarettes to last three months. All ages showed interest in stockpiling but it was 45-54-year-olds who led the way, with almost 90 per cent saying they were putting together a collection in preparation. Will vapes be taxed more? Vapes are not currently subject to an additional tax like tobacco products, although 20 per cent VAT is charged. However, a new vaping duty is being introduced by the government on October 1 next year. It will be charged at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml vaping liquid. Vape advertising is also set to be banned as part of the government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament. How many young people vape in the UK? Rishi Sunak initially announced the plans to ban disposable vapes in January last year. The former prime minister was acting on evidence that those taking on the habit across all age groups had ballooned by more than 400 per cent since 2012. Moreover, recent NHS figures showed a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds in England have tried vaping, with almost one in 10 using e-cigarettes regularly. And the highest rates of disposable vape use are among those aged 18 to 24, a survey of 4,393 British adults previously revealed. Disposable vapes, such as Elf bars and Lost Mary, are known for their brightly coloured packaging and wide variety of sweet flavours. The British Medical Association previously warned that flavours such as bubblegum and candy floss could lead to nicotine addictions among children. Why are single-use vapes so bad for the environment? A key reason for the introduction of the ban on disposable vapes is to protect the environment. An estimated 5 million single use vapes, which are available to buy at pocket money prices, are thrown away in the UK every week, according to government figures. Disposable vapes contain lithium-ion batteries and circuit boards which can leak toxic chemicals such as cobalt and copper into the environment. The devices should never be put in regular bins and should be put in dedicated bins so they can be disposed of correctly. MailOnline previously reported that only 17 per cent of people correctly recycle their vapes in a shop or local recycling centre. How are vapes harmful for your health? The NHS has historically recommended vapes to help people quit smoking, which is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in the UK. Around 76,000 people die every year from smoking-related health problems, including heart disease, strokes and cancer. E-cigarettes are far less harmful and can help people quit smoking for good, according to the health service. However, vaping is not risk free. E-cigarettes contain harmful toxins and their long-term effects remains a mystery. Some doctors fear a wave of lung disease and even cancer in the coming decades due to vaping. Experts are also concerned the high nicotine content might increase blood pressure and cause other heart problems. Freedom of Information requests revealed that 24 children in England were hospitalised due to vaping since the start of 2022. These could include lung damage or a worsening of asthma symptoms. Could the ban push vapers back to smoking? A report previously warned that the disposable vapes ban could push 200,000 people back to smoking when it comes into effect. Future Health Research Centre said the move risks undermining progress towards a 'smokefree' Britain if vapers are not supported to maintain their 'quit journey'. Modelling scenarios based on its findings indicate the disposable vapes ban will see between 175,000 and 378,000 people stopping vaping, and between 630,000 and 1.36 million people switching to another vaping product. But the smoking rate could increase by between 90,000 and 200,000, adding 0.2 per cent to 0.4 per cent to the overall population smoking rate. Richard Sloggett, the report's author and a former government advisor, said: 'The Government has committed welcome and strong action to reduce smoking and tackle youth vaping. 'However these findings show that urgent work is needed to ensure that efforts to reduce youth vaping do not have the unintended consequence of increasing the numbers smoking – particularly amongst younger people. 'The ban also feels like being a missed opportunity, with hundreds of thousands of people soon to be looking for alternatives to disposable vapes but over half saying they will simply switch to another product. 'With the ban looming, the Government now needs to get on the front foot, commit to a national mass media anti-smoking campaign and set out more clearly how it will use its forthcoming regulatory powers through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to help ensure that those using disposable vapes do not turn to smoking instead.'
Cosmopolitan
4 days ago
- Business
- Cosmopolitan
Vape ban UK: Which disposable vapes are being banned? Is vaping illegal?
It's a plight that you can see (or rather, smell) everywhere: synthetic, sugary smoke that often permeates beer gardens and high streets. If you've missed out on this phenomenon (lucky you) then you'll still have likely spotted the colourful plastic cartridges thoughtlessly discarded in the gutter. But that may soon be about to change – from 1 June, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply disposable vapes either in shops or online. Vaping has become increasingly popular amongst young people, who are eschewing cigarettes in favour of disposable vapes. Figures for those who partake have now risen by 11% among adults in 2024 (the highest recorded rate), amounting to 5.6 million people in the UK. While refillable vapes are most common, the use of disposable vapes has also been steadily rising, particularly among younger adults. Last year, more than half (52.8%) of e-cigarette users aged 18-24-year said they smoked disposables, a huge jump from only 2.8% in 2021. However, concerns on whether disposable vapes were being marketed to children, the potential (but currently undetermined) health risks, vaping's addictive qualities and the potential environmental concerns of single-use plastics has seen the government intervene and change the laws on vaping. So, do we really have to say a total au revoir to our Elf Bars, or see you later, Lost Mary? Here's everything you need to know… Single-use vapes, such as Elf Bars and Lost Marys, will no longer be able to purchased in shops or online in England or Wales. Places that are found selling them will face a £200 fine from 1 June. Retailers now have an obligation to get rid of them. However, you won't be in trouble if you have your own personal disposable vapes after the ban comes into effect. To be clear, the act of vaping in and of itself is still legal – however, it's the type of vape being sold which is being called into question. You still will be able to buy reusable vapes. These products only qualify if they have a rechargeable battery, a replaceable coil, and are refillable. So if you really have to have a vape on you, be sure to purchase a reusable one. It is generally considered on the whole that yes, vaping is better for you than smoking. Studies have shown that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Vaping exposes users to fewer toxins and at lower levels than smoking cigarettes. Vapes also don't typically have tobacco in, one of the major substances which can cause cancer. However, vapes are not entirely risk free either. Vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance and the NHS advises that if you don't already smoke, you shouldn't vape. An investigation by Cosmopolitan UK in 2023 found that some illegal vapes have infiltrated the UK market, which may have vastly higher quantities of nicotine, or other harmful chemicals, inside. As an aside, disposable vapes are highly harmful to the environment. Last year, Material Focus estimated that almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK – the equivalent of eight being thrown away per second. They are also tricky to effectively recycle, with their lithium-ion batteries also thought to have caused a significant number of fires across the UK. If you've decided to kick the habit, particularly now there's a semi-ban in place, we're here to help. Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, a general practitioner, has several hints and tips to help you bin the vapes for good. The first thing you need to do is understand the patterns that lead you to reach for a vape. 'Is it boredom, stress, social situations, or habit?' Dr Misra-Sharp asks. 'Becoming aware of the pattern is the first step in breaking it.' There's no need to make life more difficult for yourself. 'Products like nicotine gum, lozenges, patches or sprays are available over the counter or via your GP or pharmacist — and are free on the NHS for under-18s or students,' Dr Misra-Sharp says. 'The NHS Quit Smoking app helps track cravings, save money, and gives motivational messages,' Dr Misra-Sharp says. Other options include SmokeFree, which offers AI coach support, and MyQuitBuddy – a habit tracker with distraction tools. Dr Misra-Sharp adds: 'When a craving hits: Quitting needn't be so arduous. 'Pick a day in the next 1–2 weeks to quit completely,' Dr Misra-Sharp says. 'Tell someone you trust. Reward yourself at each milestone: 3 days, 1 week, 1 month.' Dr Misra-Sharp warns the first few days are the hardest: 'Nicotine withdrawal peaks in the first 3–5 days,' she says. 'Most physical symptoms ease after 2 to 4 weeks, while mental habits (like reaching for your vape when stressed) take longer — usually 1–3 months to fully unlearn. Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
Scottish Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Disposable vapes being sold for as little as 29p in ‘crazy' fire sale ahead of ban this weekend
They are being flogged for less than a Cadbury's chocolate Freddo bar — which now costs 30p in supermarkets VAPE MADNESS Disposable vapes being sold for as little as 29p in 'crazy' fire sale ahead of ban this weekend DISPOSABLE vapes are being sold for as little as 29p in a 'crazy' fire sale before they are banned this weekend. It means they are being flogged for less than a Cadbury's chocolate Freddo bar — which now costs 30p in supermarkets. 2 Despite the products being highly addictive, suppliers are not breaking the law by selling the vapes so cheaply Credit: Getty From Sunday it will be illegal to sell single-use e-cigarettes in the UK under new laws to protect kids and reduce landfill. But online sellers are desperate to avoid being stuck with illegal stock with £200 fines looming. One site boasting a 'UK Vape Bargain Blast' is selling Flavaah Bar disposable vapes for 29p each, down from £5. Elf Bars are on sale for 49p each, also down from a fiver. And a packet of 20 e-cigs can cost just £10, which would have been £100 a year ago. Kate Pike, from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, told The Sun: 'This is crazy. 'We are anticipating a challenging spike in illegal operations and supply during the changeover. 'Shops have been warned and told to run down their stocks and I've seen some unbelievably low prices. 'This is an addictive product and we shouldn't be selling them for these prices, but they aren't doing anything wrong at this stage.' Campaigners We Vape said it showed the new law will create a black market and is 'impossible to enforce'. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked Ministers have brought in the rule as part of a drive to deter children and teenagers, who often use single-use vapes in fruity flavours, with flavours also set to be banned. They also acted on environmental concerns about huge amounts of plastic and lithium batteries being thrown out, with an estimated one million vapes binned every day.
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
Disposable vapes being sold for as little as 29p in ‘crazy' fire sale ahead of ban this weekend
DISPOSABLE vapes are being sold for as little as 29p in a 'crazy' fire sale before they are banned this weekend. It means they are being flogged for less than a Cadbury's chocolate Freddo bar — which now costs 30p in supermarkets. Advertisement 2 Despite the products being highly addictive, suppliers are not breaking the law by selling the vapes so cheaply Credit: Getty From Sunday it will be illegal to sell single-use e-cigarettes in the UK under new laws to protect kids and reduce landfill. But online sellers are desperate to avoid being stuck with illegal stock with £200 fines looming. One site boasting a 'UK Vape Bargain Blast' is selling Flavaah Bar disposable vapes for 29p each, down from £5. Elf Bars are on sale for 49p each, also down from a fiver. Advertisement READ MORE HEALTH NEWS And a packet of 20 e-cigs can cost just £10, which would have been £100 a year ago. Kate Pike, from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, told The Sun: 'This is crazy. 'We are anticipating a challenging spike in illegal operations and supply during the changeover. 'Shops have been warned and Advertisement Most read in Health ' Campaigners We Vape said it showed the new law will create a black market and is 'impossible to enforce'. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked Ministers have brought in the rule as part of a drive to deter children and teenagers, who often use single-use vapes in fruity flavours, with flavours also set to be banned. They also acted on environmental concerns about huge amounts of plastic and lithium batteries being thrown out, with an estimated one million vapes binned every day. Advertisement 2 With the ban on disposable vapes coming into force at the weekend, retailers are selling stock at hugely reduced prices Credit: Getty
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Disposable vapes being sold for as little as 29p in ‘crazy' fire sale ahead of ban this weekend
DISPOSABLE vapes are being sold for as little as 29p in a 'crazy' fire sale before they are banned this weekend. It means they are being flogged for less than a Cadbury's chocolate Freddo bar — which now costs 30p in supermarkets. 2 From Sunday it will be illegal to sell single-use e-cigarettes in the UK under new laws to protect kids and reduce landfill. But online sellers are desperate to avoid being stuck with illegal stock with £200 fines looming. One site boasting a 'UK Vape Bargain Blast' is selling Flavaah Bar disposable vapes for 29p each, down from £5. Elf Bars are on sale for 49p each, also down from a fiver. And a packet of 20 e-cigs can cost just £10, which would have been £100 a year ago. Kate Pike, from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, told The Sun: 'This is crazy. 'We are anticipating a challenging spike in illegal operations and supply during the changeover. 'Shops have been warned and told to run down their stocks and I've seen some unbelievably low prices. ' This is an addictive product and we shouldn't be selling them for these prices, but they aren't doing anything wrong at this stage.' Campaigners We Vape said it showed the new law will create a black market and is 'impossible to enforce'. Disposable vapes will be banned across UK by next summer to stop Britain's kids from getting hooked Ministers have brought in the rule as part of a drive to deter children and teenagers, who often use single-use vapes in fruity flavours, with flavours also set to be banned. They also acted on environmental concerns about huge amounts of plastic and lithium batteries being thrown out, with an estimated one million vapes binned every day. 2
