Vape retailer Haypp reports that 62.5% of vapers still use disposable vapes, rising to 82% among those aged 25–34. 35% of disposable users say they are still buying disposables. Black-market purchases reportedly come mainly from local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%), as well as supermarkets, online retailers, and car boot sales. 78.5% of respondents are using pre-ban stock, posing safety risks from aging lithium-ion batteries; 14% plan to continue buying disposables.
Key points
- 5% of vapers still use disposables; for 25–34s, usage remains at 82%, indicating persistent demand post-ban.
- 35% of disposable users report ongoing purchases, underscoring an active black market despite enforcement.
- Main sources: local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%); also supermarkets, online and car boot sales.
- 5% are using pre-ban stock, raising battery-safety concerns from aging or poorly stored lithium cells.
- 6% of vapers report returning to combustible cigarettes; Haypp backs retail licensing to strengthen compliance.
October 22, 2025 — According to Convenience Store, retailer Haypp says the UK’s June 2025 ban on disposable vapes has not curbed usage as expected.
Its latest survey finds 62.5% of vapers still using disposables, rising to 82% in the 25–34 age group; 35% of disposable users say they still buy banned devices.
While possession is legal, sales of disposables are prohibited, pointing to a sizeable black market and a long tail of non-compliant retailers.
Respondents identified local smaller shops (55%) and specialist vape stores (37%) as leading sources, with supermarkets, online sellers and car boot sales also mentioned.
78.5% said they are using pre-ban stock, which can pose safety hazards as lithium-ion batteries degrade or are stored in poor conditions.
14% plan to continue buying disposables, and 6% of vapers reported returning to combustible cigarettes.
Markus Lindblad, Haypp’s Head of External Affairs, said: “The data clearly demonstrates the disposable ban is not yet working as expected. The widespread availability points to a very active black market that will be difficult to police, and stockpiling raises safety issues.”
He added that the government’s plan to introduce a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and nicotine products is “welcome and necessary.”
