Disposable vape ban in Moray and the Highlands – what will the effects be when it becomes law on June 1

The much talked about ban on selling disposable vapes is coming into force this Tuesday.

From June 1 it will be illegal for shops or online businesses to supply any single-use vapes in Scotland or the rest of the UK, forcing consumers to switch to reusable alternatives.

After that date any device on sale must both be capable of being re-filled with liquid and being recharged.

Why is the ban being introduced?

First, it’s to reduce the environmental damage caused by disposables.

It’s estimated that 8.2 million are thrown away each week – the equivalent of one every 13 seconds.

As well as leading to litter, there’s also the threat of chemical leaching from lithium-ion batteries, circuit boards, and toxic compounds such as cobalt and copper.

Secondly, the government is aiming to curb the rise in youth vaping.

Disposables have proved particularly popular among young people due to their wide range of appealing flavours.

What are the penalties going to be for breaking the law?

A minimum £200 fine, potentially rising for repeat offenders to as much as £5000 in Scotland, or an unlimited amount elsewhere, with a two-year prison sentence as the supreme punishment.

Trading Standards will also be able to seize non-compliant vapes.

Background to the upcoming ban

More than three million people have given up cigarettes in the UK since vaping became mainstream about a decade ago.

However, even if nowhere near as harmful as cigarettes, concerns continue that, because they contain nicotine, vapes are leading a new generation into addiction.

What will the ban mean to vapers?

Obviously, it’s still too early to say for sure, but its effects on vapers will probably be minimal.

Major brands, such as Elf Bar, Lost Mary and SKE Crystal, have already introduced alternatives in recent months which are both reusable and rechargeable.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.