The UK has banned the sale of disposable vapes since June 1st, aiming to protect the health of teenagers and reduce environmental pollution. However, an undercover investigation by the BBC found that nearly half of the 21 stores in Yorkshire were still selling illegally. Some merchants even cleared their inventory at low prices despite knowing it was illegal, raising concerns among the public and regulatory authorities.
Key points:
- The ban takes effect: The UK will ban the sale of disposable vapes as of June 1, 2025.
- Investigation result: An undercover investigation by the BBC reveals that nearly half of the stores in Yorkshire are still openly selling illegal vapes.
- Widespread violations: Some merchants are aware of the illegal activities but still handle their inventories at discounts.
- Teenage impact: The government claims that the main reason for the sharp increase in usage rate is that disposable vapes attract teenagers.
- Regulatory statement: The authorities have warned that merchants who violate the rules will face fines and criminal penalties.
- Law enforcement differences: In some regions, strict enforcement is implemented, while in others, supervision is lax.
BBC undercover investigation: two weeks after ban on disposable vapes, nearly half of stores still openly selling the product
According to the BBC’s report on June 12th, nearly two weeks after the UK banned the sale of disposable vapes, many stores are still openly selling these illegal products. BBC reporters conducted undercover visits to 21 stores in various cities of Yorkshire, nearly half of which were still selling vapes.
The ban takes effect
When the previous Conservative government first considered banning vapes, it said that disposable vapes, with their bright packaging and various fruit flavors, were “the key driver of the astonishing growth in vape use among teenagers”.
The Labour government has also taken the same measure, officially banning the sale of disposable vapes as of June 1, 2025, to protect children’s health and reduce environmental damage.
Since the ban was implemented, anyone selling illegal items has faced a fine of £200 ($256), and repeat offenders will face imprisonment.
Investigation result
But the survey shows that while some shopkeepers in Sheffield, Bradford, York and Leeds in the UK have abided by the new regulations, others have turned a blind eye.
In some stores in Yorkshire visited by BBC reporters, disposable vapes can still be seen on the shelves.
The shopkeepers of these shops seem very willing to offer these goods to customers. Many shopkeepers even sell them at discounted prices.
Widespread violations
A shopkeeper who spoke to a BBC reporter said that he knew selling disposable vapes was illegal, but he added that he wanted to sell the remaining inventory at a discount.
Despite the announcement of a ban on disposable vapes in October 2024, the situation remains the same.
This means that stores have more than seven months to dispose of disposable vapes that are still in use in storage rooms and on shelves until the ban takes effect in June.
Teenage impact
Before the ban was issued, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) of the United Kingdom stated that the use of vapes in England had increased by more than 400% between 2012 and 2023, and currently, about 9% of people purchase and use vape products.
The government stated that disposable vapes cause children to become addicted to nicotine and bring garbage to commercial streets.
Regulatory statement
To identify where disposable vapes are still being sold, we also visited traders regulated by the North Yorkshire County Council’s Trade Standards Team.
The staff of the two stores contacted by the BBC reporter both refused to sell these items, which have now become illegal.
Law enforcement differences
Councillor Greg White, the environmental executive committee member of North Yorkshire County Council, said it was “disappointing” to see that shops in other parts of Yorkshire were still selling them.
He explained:
- We already have ample time to prepare and try to get people to shift from disposable vapes to reusable ones, which is beneficial to their business.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said:
- “Illegal vendors will face severe penalties, even including criminal prosecution.”
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