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Disposable vape ban countdown : Nottinghamshire shops face June deadline
There has been an increased uptake of children and young people vaping.
Shops across Nottinghamshire are being urged to prepare for a major shift in trading laws when a nationwide ban on single-use vapes comes into effect from June 1.
The change was announced earlier this year as part of a Government’s environmental and public health effort, and will make it illegal to sell, supply, or offer disposable vapes – whether they contain nicotine or not – both in physical shops and online.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s Trading Standards team is in charge of local efforts to ensure businesses are ready to comply,and shops have been advised to run down existing stock and stop ordering new products ahead of the deadline.
After June 1, any unsold disposable vapes must be properly recycled through a registered waste disposal service.
The failure to comply may be punished by unlimited fines, criminal prosecution or two years imprisonment. The crackdown comes as concern continues to grow over the use of single use-vapes on the environment and on health.
National figures also suggest that approximately 8.2 million disposable vapes are being thrown away in the UK every week; most of which end up in the landfill.
The lithium-ion batteries that are found in them can cause fire hazards if disposed of improperly, further burdening the local waste services.
The ban also aims to curb rising vape usage among children and teenagers. Recent surveys have shown an increase in underage use of colourful, flavoured single-use vapes, many of which are sold at low prices and marketed in packaging similar to sweets.
Nottinghamshire County Council says removing these products from circulation is an important step in protecting young people from the long-term health risks associated with vaping.
The council said in a statement: “Trading Standards teams across the county have begun contacting retailers to raise awareness and provide guidance. Businesses with questions about the new law or how to handle remaining stock are being encouraged to seek advice ahead of the June deadline.
“The council is also encouraging members of the public to report any shops continuing to sell disposable vapes after the ban takes effect. Enforcement officers will be carrying out spot checks and acting on complaints.”
The new law forms part of a wider government plan to create a “smoke-free generation” and address environmental damage caused by single-use plastic products.
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