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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.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
Which vapes will be illegal under the UK ban and why are they being outlawed?
Vapers will be saying goodbye to all their favourite disposable vapes, from Crystal Bars to Lost Marys. There's just over a week left before all disposable vapes will be stripped from the shelves in Britain. The UK-wide move is a bid by the national governments to protect the environment and deter young people and children from turning to the colourful nicotine sticks. Throwaway vapes will be completely illegal to sell both in stores and online from June 1. Those found ignoring the ban in Scotland can be fined £200 in the first instance. Repeat offences will increase the fine by £200 each time a supplier is found selling the soon-to-be-illegal products. A maximum fine of £5000 can be issued to repeat offenders, or even a two-year stint in prison. But as the ban looms, questions are rising on which specific vapes will become illegal, as reusable vaping products will not be outlawed. So, which vapes will no longer be available in the UK? Here's everything you need to know. Which vapes will become illegal under the UK ban? Elf Bar 600 One of the most popular brands, the disposable Elf Bar 600 (meaning it contains 600 puffs before it goes dead and needs replaced) will become illegal to sell. Lost Mary BM600 Another extremely popular disposable vape, the short and stocky Lost Mary BM600 will also become illegal. SKE Crystal Bar Like many disposable vape brands, SKE have released reusable versions of their throwaway vapes. But selling single-use versions of the popular Crystal Bar will be illegal from June 1. Vuse GO 1000 Previously sold in many supermarket kiosks and corner shops, all disposable versions of Vuse vapes are also included in the nation-wide ban. Why are disposable vapes being banned by the government? The UK Government has decided to ban vapes for two reasons- to protect the environment and to deter young people from vaping. Nearly five million disposable vapes were littered or discarded every week in 2024, according to Material Focus. Littered vapes leak harmful chemicals into soil, rivers and streams, and contain lithium which can cause fires. Many vapes end up in landfill or the incinerator, where valuable materials are wasted instead of being recycled. Disposable vapes are the most commonly used nicotine product for young people, and with their sweet flavours, bright designs, and colourful marketing, disposables have been blamed for the huge increase in youth vaping. NHS figures from last year showed nearly a quarter of children in the age bracket of 11 to 15 had tried vaping, and nearly one in 10 vaped frequently. As well as protecting the environment, the ban aims to deter young people and children from turning to the nicotine products, which have been found to have serious health consequences. In fact, the first ever report on the health effects of vaping found that consistent use of vapes increases the risk of heart disease, organ failure and dementia. 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'.
