UK Vape Ban Fails? 35% Still Buying Disposables on Black Market
The UK government’s ban on disposable vapes, implemented on June 1st to curb youth vaping and environmental waste, appears to be failing, with a thriving black market undermining its effectiveness, according to new research. A survey conducted by online nicotine retailer Haypp has revealed that a staggering 62.5% of vapers are still using the now-illegal single-use devices, a figure that rises to 82% among those aged 25 to 34.
More alarmingly, 35% of these disposable vape users admit they are still actively purchasing the banned devices, indicating widespread non-compliance by retailers. The survey suggests this black market trade is flourishing in plain sight. When asked where they bought the illegal disposables, respondents pointed to everyday retail locations:
- 55% purchased them from local smaller shops or corner stores.
- 37% bought them from specialist vape retailers.
- 25% acquired them online.
Other sources included market stalls and sellers on social media. This widespread availability raises serious questions about the enforcement and oversight of the ban, which was intended to be policed by local Trading Standards teams.
Markus Lindblad, Haypp’s head of external affairs, stated, “The data from our latest report clearly demonstrates that the disposable vape ban is not yet working as expected. The widespread availability of these illegal devices points to a very active black market that will be very difficult to police.”
The research also highlights several unintended consequences. A concerning 6% of all vapers surveyed admitted they have returned to smoking conventional cigarettes since the ban was introduced. Additionally, with 78.5% of respondents using disposable vapes purchased before the ban, there are safety concerns around stockpiling. The built-in lithium-ion batteries can become unstable and pose a fire risk if stored improperly in large quantities.
While the government announced an extra £10 million in funding for Trading Standards to tackle illegal sales, critics argue this is insufficient. The Association of Convenience Stores estimates it would take at least £30 million a year to properly police the illicit trade. In this context, industry experts and retailers are now pointing to the government’s plan to introduce a retail licensing scheme for all tobacco and nicotine products as a “welcome and necessary move” to improve oversight and control over the market.
A government spokesman reiterated that illegally selling single-use vapes is “completely unacceptable” and that rogue traders face serious penalties, including unlimited fines or jail time for repeat offenses.
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