York City Council in the UK plans to introduce a new scheme to impose fines of up to £200 on businesses selling illegal disposable vapes. Under the proposal, if a business is found selling more than 20 illegal vapes, it could face a formal warning or prosecution; businesses that fail to properly dispose of such products may also receive a “stop notice.”
Key Points at a Glance
- York City Council proposes fining businesses that sell illegal disposable vapes up to £200 (approximately $260 USD).
- Selling more than 20 illegal disposable vapes could lead to a formal warning or prosecution.
- Trading Standards officers would be empowered to enforce the rules and issue fines directly.
- A UK-wide ban on disposable vapes is set to take effect in 2025.
- Manufacturers have already adapted products, limiting the ban’s impact on consumer behavior.
April 9, 2026. According to the BBC. York City Council in the UK plans to introduce a new scheme to impose fines of up to £200 on businesses selling illegal disposable vapes.
York Council Proposes Direct Fines for Illegal Vape Sales
Under the proposal, businesses found selling illegal disposable vapes could face fines of up to £200.
If approved at the April 14 meeting, the Council’s Trading Standards officers will be responsible for enforcement and authorized to issue penalty notices directly.
The proposal also states that businesses selling more than 20 illegal vapes may face formal warnings or prosecution.
For smaller violations, businesses could receive compliance notices requiring them to stop sales instead of immediate fines.
Selling Over 20 Units May Trigger Stronger Penalties
Selling more than 20 illegal disposable vapes would be treated as an aggravating factor, increasing the likelihood of criminal prosecution.
Authorities may also seek to recover enforcement costs in certain cases.
Additionally, businesses that fail to properly dispose of illegal products could be issued a “stop notice.”
UK Disposable Vape Ban and Regulatory Background
A nationwide ban on the sale of single-use vapes took effect in 2025. Under the regulations, products that cannot be recharged or refilled are no longer permitted for sale or supply.
This applies to retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and even smoking cessation services.
Environmental Concerns Drive Enforcement Measures
The City of York Council states that the proposed scheme is part of broader efforts to reduce the environmental impact of disposable vapes.
However, officials note that manufacturers have already redesigned products to comply with regulations and continue selling them at similar price points, limiting the overall impact on consumer behavior.
Industry Response and Enforcement Limitations
The UK government has previously stated that restricting single-use vapes aims to reduce their use in schools and prevent littering.
James Lowman, Chief Executive of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), said the industry has been preparing for the ban and will work with Trading Standards to tackle illegal sales.
The report also notes that while businesses are required to provide vape recycling facilities under separate legislation, enforcement of this requirement will not fall under the York City Council.
