Independent convenience shop owners in the United Kingdom are actively responding to the ban on single-use vapes on June 1, adjusting stock and ensuring product compliance. Businesses are faced with new product compatibility confusion, so experts recommend to inquire the official compliance product registry.
Key points:
1. Most convenience store owners in the UK have started to prepare for the ban on single-use vapes, which came into effect on June 1, with more than half of them reducing the range of related products.
2. Booker issued guidelines advising store owners to ensure employees are aware of the ban, recommend alternative products, and complete tasks such as reducing the range of non-compliant products by the end of April.
3. Retailers are confused by the influx of new compliant and non-compliant products, and experts recommend checking the official compliant product registry to identify compliant products.
UK convenience stores respond positively to disposable vape ban
According to Better Retailing on March 21. The majority of independent convenience store owners in the UK have started to prepare for the ban on single-use vapes, which comes into effect on June 1.
Several have reduced their product range
A survey of more than 200 shopkeepers by Newtrade Media, publisher of Better Retailing, found that more than half had reduced their range of vape products. However, many other important measures that need to be taken before the ban takes effect have yet to be implemented.
Booker, a British wholesale distributor, has published a guide on how to prepare for a ban. Shop owners should now ensure staff are “fully aware” of the law coming into effect, can talk to customers “confidently” about the legislation, and suggest alternative products that can still be sold after the ban, the guidelines say.
April include reducing the number of disposable vape types
According to Booker’s recommendations. The tasks to be carried out and completed by the end of April include reducing the number of disposable vape types. Increasing the display location of remaining products, and introducing more compliant categories. Booker lists the ultimate task as clearing out all non-compliant inventory and replacing it with alternatives, focusing on the “leading four brands” – Elfbar, SKE, Lost Mary and IVG.
Despite the time crunch, retailers report that stores are often confused by the influx of compliant and non-compliant new products. These new products are often launched as “closed vape systems,” which are similar in price, appearance and even name to non-compliant products.
Natalie Lightfoot, from Londis Solo convenience store in Glasgow, told Better Retailing:
- “We are still confused about the definition of a closed vape system, and some of the recently launched vapes do not look compliant. We will rely on the big brands and our research.”
ACS public affairs manager Daniel Askew advised merchants to check the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) official compliant product registry, revealing: “They are currently removing non-compliant disposable vape products and stopping applications for new ‘disposable’ products.” Once the ban goes into effect, these products will not appear on the list.”
