Disposable vapes will no longer be allowed in the UK starting next summer. The government is concerned that children are buying these devices illegally, so they have decided to ban them to protect young people.
The new law will require all suppliers to get rid of their disposable vape stock by June 1, 2025, in England. The government hopes that Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will also implement similar bans.
Recent figures show that the number of children vaping has tripled in the last three years, with about nine percent of 11 to 15-year-olds using these devices. Health Minister Andrew Gwynne expressed his worries about the high percentage of children using vapes, stating that disposables are the most popular choice among young vapers.
Disposable vapes are relatively cheap, selling for £3-£10, and the e-cigarette industry in Britain is worth an estimated £2.8 billion. Research by Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) revealed a 50 percent increase in children experimenting with vaping in the past year.
Apart from protecting young people, the government also aims to reduce the negative environmental impact of disposable vapes. Environment Minister Mary Creagh emphasized the need to eliminate single-use vapes to preserve resources and prevent environmental pollution.
A study by environmental campaign group Material Focus found that over seven million single-use vapes are purchased weekly in the UK, leading to a significant amount of waste. The ban on disposable vapes is expected to address this issue and promote environmental sustainability.
The ban on disposable vapes is part of a broader effort by the government to tackle smoking habits in the country. Sir Keir Starmer’s government is considering additional measures, such as potentially banning outdoor smoking in public spaces like parks, restaurants, and hospitals.
Smoking-related illnesses impose a heavy burden on the NHS and taxpayers, prompting the government to take action to reduce preventable deaths and healthcare costs. By implementing bans on disposable vapes and potentially outdoor smoking, the UK aims to create a healthier and more sustainable environment for its citizens.
