Vape ban could see rogue traders face jail if they repeatedly flog the devices

THE BAN APPLIES TO BOTH ONLINE AND IN-STORE SALES ACROSS ENGLAND, SCOTLAND, WALES AND NORTHERN IRELAND, AND ALL DISPOSABLE VAPES WHETHER OR NOT THEY CONTAIN NICOTINE DAVID O'DORNAN and

JAMES CAVEN 00:02, 31 May 2025 Rogue traders could face jail once single-use vapes are banned from Sunday. The Government has introduced the ban in a bid to stop millions of disposable

devices from littering the country. Ministers also hope the crackdown will protect young people from getting hooked on nicotine. The blitz makes it illegal to sell single-use vapes at corner

shops and supermarkets. Any rogue traders breaking the rules will be hit with a fine of £200 in the first instance, and all products will be seized. Those who show a blatant disregard for

the rules and reoffend face being slapped with an unlimited fine or jail time. They could face two years in prison if they repeatedly flout the ban. Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh

said: "For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. "That ends today. The Government calls time on these nasty

devices." Article continues below The crackdown aims to curb their use among young people and reduce the litter and environmental impact. Disposable vapes are non-refillable, unable to

be recharged, and are often thrown away with general waste in black bins or littered rather than being recycled. The ban applies to both online and in-store sales across England, Scotland,

Wales and Northern Ireland, and all disposable vapes whether or not they contain nicotine. Retailers are still allowed to sell reusable vapes. Association of Convenience Stores boss James

Lowman said: "We strongly support robust enforcement activity, starting with the businesses that are already openly flouting the rules by selling illicit product and who will continue

to sell disposable vapes once they're outlawed. "It is essential that Trading Standards teams are given the resources they need to get illegal vapes and other products off the

streets, as these rogue businesses undermine the work of responsible retailers across the country." But Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, said the

incoming regulation on its own "may be insufficient". She said: "(The) Government cannot expect leopards to change their spots. Article continues below "If they want a

vaping market with products that have minimal impact on the environment, do not appeal to teens and are safe and effective to help adult smokers quit, then further regulations are

needed."