Get ready for a change, vapers! From Sunday, June 1st, the UK government is implementing a nationwide ban on single-use, or disposable, vapes. Kent County Council has announced businesses across the country will no longer be allowed to sell or supply these products, regardless of whether they contain nicotine.
The new regulations aim to tackle several issues associated with disposable vapes. Officials cite the wasteful use of resources, the contribution to plastic pollution, and the potential fire hazard posed by their lithium batteries when improperly discarded in landfills.
However, vaping isn’t going away entirely. Businesses can still sell reusable vapes, provided they feature a rechargeable battery, replaceable coil and wadding, and are refillable.
Kent Trading Standards Operations Manager Jim Whiddett stated that their Vape Team has been actively informing shopkeepers about the upcoming ban.
“From Sunday, vapers will need to opt for the more sustainable alternatives, which could actually be more cost effective for them in the long run,” Whiddett said. He also emphasized the responsibility of retailers to comply with the new rules. “The onus is on retailers and any that try their luck with an under-the-counter sale must accept it’s not worth it. We have a really strong network across our Kent high streets, built over many months, which supports responsible retailing. Anything outside of that won’t be tolerated.”
So, if you’re a fan of the convenience of disposable vapes, now’s the time to switch to a reusable option as the ban is now in place!