Latest news with #disposablevapes
BBC News
3 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
More than 2,000 disposable vapes seized in Kent after ban
More than 2,000 disposable vapes have been seized from five shops in Kent since the items were banned at the start of the month, Trading Standards from the agency in Kent visited more than 80 shops after the ban on 1 June which made it illegal for businesses to sell or supply disposable vapes, whether or not they contain Whiddett, Trading Standards operations manager, said initial visits had been a "mixed bag" with some following the ban and others needing more said follow-up inspections would be carried out to ensure shops continued to adhere to the ban and were arranging for any remaining stock to be recycled. Spot checks took place at a variety of retailers in all districts, with patrols in Thanet, Ashford and Tunbridge Wells on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday last week. The agency said there were five separate seizures of illegal vapes, totalling 2,163 products. Toxic compounds Mr Whiddett said: "There was a small minority that decided to flout the ban."On day one of our operation, illegal products were seized and the shops were issued compliance notices and can expect a follow up in line with the requirements under the legislation."Under the new rules, vapes being sold must be reusable and have rechargeable batteries, replaceable coils and wadding, and be caught breaking the law in England face a minimum £200 fine, with a prison sentence of up to two years for repeat offences. Penalties are broadly similar in Scotland, Wales and Northern ban was introduced to tackle the environmental impact of disposable vapes, which included lithium-ion batteries which can leak toxic compounds if not disposed of also comes after a previous crackdown on illegal vapes which contained significantly higher levels of nicotine and other chemicals than was than six million illegal vaping products were seized by Trading Standards officers across England between 2022 and 2024, according to analysis by the BBC.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Moment vape shop boss in Wes Streeting's constituency ridicules disposables ban during undercover probe
A crackdown on disposable vapes has been branded a 'total farce' as shops in the Health Secretary's own constituency were found still selling the throwaway devices. Investigators were able to buy a pile of contraband in under 20 minutes in Wes Streeting 's Ilford North stronghold, with hundreds of products marked 'disposable' openly displayed and advertised in shop windows. Seven businesses in one street casually advertised and sold the illicit vapes, despite a ban introduced on June 1. Few acknowledged there was any change in the law, with just two out of 20 retailers tested across London turning investigators away. Shopkeepers face a £200 fine if caught selling the one-use devices which have been blamed for a rise in youth vaping and piles of discarded devices on the streets. But there was seemed little sign of Trading Standards teams being allocated to enforcing the ban, nor that products had been hidden or removed from shelves, campaigners carrying out their own new survey say. Under the new law, the only permitted devices are those considered reusable - with a rechargeable battery and replaceable coil. But one retailer told investigators from campaign group We Vape to simply bin reusable devices when done - potentially making a mockery of suggestions the ban could help improve the environment. Shopkeepers face a £200 fine if caught selling the one-use devices which have been blamed for a rise in youth vaping and piles of discarded devices on the streets When asked on camera how to use a rechargeable Big Puff vape - which can contain upwards of 6,000 puffs per device rather than 600 - the shopkeeper replied: 'You can use it, then you can throw it away. 'If you want to reuse it, you can. If not, you can throw it out.' There have also been reports across London of compliant retailers turning investigators away, all the while neighbouring stores were going on selling disposables for as little as £5. Some retailers have appeared prepared to break the law without consequences and gain a competitive advantage, while those obeying risked slumps in footfall and profit. The disposables ban will be followed by the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill, currently working its way through Parliament. This proposes further restrictions on flavours, an advertising ban and a vape licensing scheme for retailers, similar to the system used for selling alcohol. Critics say failures to enforce the disposables law could now further embolden rogue traders and make new elements of the bill more difficult to enforce. Mark Oates, founder of pro-vaping campaign group We Vape, said: 'The disposable ban has been in place for little over a week and it is already a total farce. 'Our investigation shows there are many retailers who do not care about the law because they know the chances of getting caught are almost nil. 'This defiance is the seed of a new black market we will see emerge, which we have warned the government about for a year, so it is only going to get worse. 'The ban will do nothing to stop kids vaping, as they can only be sold to over 18s already, so the Health Secretary needs to tackle rogue traders by starting the vape licensing scheme as soon as possible. 'This will drive funds into Trading Standards and other enforcement agencies, forcing bad actors out of the market. A deposit return scheme would also solve littering concerns. 'If lawmakers cannot get the disposables ban right, how on earth are they going to enforce all of the new regulation brought in under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill? 'The disposables ban was the first big test of government readiness for these regulations and it has been a colossal failure.' Conservative MP Jack Rankin said: 'I share the serious concerns raised by authorities across the UK about the practical challenges of enforcing the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. 'Without proper resources and clarity in implementation, it is becoming increasingly clear this is just bad legislation.' A recent study by former government advisor Richard Sloggett showed up to 200,000 vapers could return to smoking following the disposables ban. Future Health Research Centre said the move risks undermining progress towards a 'smoke-free' Britain if vapers are not supported to maintain their 'quit journey'. Modelling scenarios based on its findings indicate the disposable vapes ban will see between 175,000 and 378,000 people stopping vaping, and between 630,000 and 1.36million people switching to another vaping product. But the smoking rate could increase by between 90,000 and 200,000, adding 0.2 per cent to 0.4 per cent to the overall population smoking rate. Mr Sloggett said: 'The Government has committed welcome and strong action to reduce smoking and tackle youth vaping. 'However these findings show that urgent work is needed to ensure that efforts to reduce youth vaping do not have the unintended consequence of increasing the numbers smoking – particularly amongst younger people. 'The ban also feels like being a missed opportunity, with hundreds of thousands of people soon to be looking for alternatives to disposable vapes but over half saying they will simply switch to another product. 'With the ban looming, the Government now needs to get on the front foot, commit to a national mass media anti-smoking campaign and set out more clearly how it will use its forthcoming regulatory powers through the Tobacco and Vapes Bill to help ensure that those using disposable vapes do not turn to smoking instead.' From June 1, it has been illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use vapes, such as Elf bars and Lost Mary, in shops and online. The law is aimed at protecting the environment and tackling a surge in youth vaping rates, which have soared from 0.8 per cent in 2013 to 7.2 per cent last year. Disposable vapes, known for their variety of flavours and brightly coloured packaging, have become increasingly popular among teenagers. Moreover, an estimated 5million single use vapes, which are available to buy at pocket money prices, are thrown away in the UK every week. Retailers in England who are caught breaking the law face a minimum £200 penalty or a two-year-prison sentence for repeat offenders. Any single-use e-cigarettes that are found on sale, will be seized by Trading Standards. Rechargeable vapes that are refillable and have a battery and replaceable coil will remain on the market. It will not be illegal to own or be in possession of a single-use vape - with reports that millions of Brits have stockpiled the devices in preparation for the ban. MailOnline revealed this month that nearly 40 per cent of vapers have enough disposable e-cigarettes to last three months. All ages showed interest in stockpiling but it was 45-54-year-olds who led the way, with almost 90 per cent saying they were putting together a collection in preparation. Vapes are not currently subject to an additional tax like tobacco products, although 20 per cent VAT is charged. However, a new vaping duty is being introduced by the government on October 1 next year - to be charged at a flat rate of £2.20 per 10ml vaping liquid. Vape advertising is also set to be banned as part of the government's Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament. Then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak initially announced the plans to ban disposable vapes in January last year. The former prime minister was acting on evidence that those taking on the habit across all age groups had ballooned by more than 400 per cent since 2012. Moreover, recent NHS figures showed a quarter of 11 to 15-year-olds in England have tried vaping, with almost one in 10 using e-cigarettes regularly. And the highest rates of disposable vape use are among those aged 18 to 24, a survey of 4,393 British adults previously revealed. The NHS has historically recommended vapes to help people quit smoking, which is one of the biggest causes of illness and death in the UK. About 76,000 people die every year from smoking-related health problems, including heart disease, strokes and cancer. E-cigarettes are less harmful and can help people quit smoking for good, according to the health service. However, vaping is not risk free - e-cigarettes contain harmful toxins and their long-term effects remains a mystery. Some doctors fear a wave of lung disease and even cancer in the coming decades due to vaping. Experts are also concerned the high nicotine content might increase blood pressure and cause other heart problems. Freedom of Information requests revealed that 24 children in England were hospitalised due to vaping since the start of 2022. These could include lung damage or a worsening of asthma symptoms. When putting the Tobacco and Vapes Bill before Parliament last November, Mr Streeting told MPs: 'The number of children vaping is growing at an alarming rate and without urgent intervention, we're going to have a generation of children with long-term addiction. 'It is unacceptable that these harmful products are being deliberately targeted at children with brightly coloured packaging and flavours like "gummy bear" and "rainbow burst". 'The Tobacco and Vapes Bill provides the protection that children and young people need to avoid a life imprisoned by addiction. That's why it's so incredibly important it is voted through.' A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson today told MailOnline: 'Our landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill will help us crack down on rogue retailers by giving trading standards stronger enforcement powers and it includes powers to introduce a retail licensing scheme for tobacco, vaping and nicotine products. 'We are also investing £30million in total this year to tackle the illicit and underage sale of tobacco and vapes, supporting enforcement agencies including Trading Standards, Border Force and HMRC to enforce our rules.'
RNZ News
4 days ago
- Health
- RNZ News
New vaping laws banning disposables come into force today
The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes are now banned. There will be increased penalties - up to $400,000 for manufacturers, importers and large retailers - and as much as $50,000 for any other person - who breaches the rules. The way stores look has to change from today as well - vape products must be kept out of sight. Online stores can't have images of vape products and they can't link to overseas websites with these pictures. Kathryn talks to Janet Hoek, a professor of Public Health at the University of Otago.
BBC News
5 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Battery warning after 70 fires at Grantham waste plant
Disposing of batteries in general waste can have a "catastrophic impact", Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue than 70 fires were started in 2024 by discarded electronics and batteries at the county's waste processing plant near Grantham, according to the service. It urged people to recycle items containing lithium ion batteries at household waste recycling centres or supermarket drop-off manager Dan Moss said: "It can have devastating effects. Once the batteries catch fire, they're very difficult to extinguish." Mr Moss said the batteries often catch fire when they are crushed as part of the general waste recycling process. He said the main causes of the fires were disposable vapes which contain lithium ion batteries. "If the disposable vapes are then in around other combustible items, which they would be if they were thrown in the general waste, the batteries will catch fire and then very quickly ignite other items around them," Mr Moss said. Litium ion batteries can be found in lots of other items including children's toys, e-scooters and electric cars, he said. Mr Moss urged people to be vigilant when disposing of them. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Disposable vape ban and strict advertising rules begin - What you need to know
Disposable vapes and many kinds of advertising will be banned for vape retailers from Tuesday. Photo: RNZ Explainer - Disposable vape fans will see their habit go up in smoke from Tuesday, as tough new vape rules kick in . Here's what you need to know about changes to vape sales and advertising. The distribution, manufacture, sale and supply of disposable vapes is being banned from Tuesday. "We are getting rid of vapes that are most popular among young people, and that can only be positive," Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said in announcing the changes last year . The 2023/24 NZ Health Survey found 10.5 percent of people aged 15 to 17 vaped daily. However, pod-style vaping devices will still be sold. They contain pre-filled pods which are swapped out to refill the vape. Also as of Tuesday, vaping devices, products and packaging can no longer be displayed at general retailers. Specialist vape stores must not display products in any way that makes them visible from outside their place of business - that includes advertising, display in online stores and in vending machines. There are also many new restrictions on advertising to promote or encourage the use of vaping products, including to existing customers. The new raft of advertising restrictions mean businesses could face a $2000 infringement fine. For instance, the government says it would violate the new regulations if a shop is advertising or posting about vaping products on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Google business listings. "From the 17th June we will no longer be able to show images of the products," one online vape retailer says on its website. There's quite a lot of detail in the new advertising rules and a full breakdown can be found on Health New Zealand's website . Also as of Tuesday, vaping specialist retailers can no longer use various promotional techniques such as giving away free vaping products, discounts, offering rewards, cash rebates or gifts for the purchase of vaping products, or offer lotteries or games to people who buy vaping products. Vape stores can no longer display their products in a way that's visible outside their business. Photo: 123RF Yes, as part of the series of changes to the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 last year. The new changes are the second line of alterations which began coming into effect in December. As of December, fines for selling to minors and publishing prohibited advertisements were increased, and new vape speciality stores were forbidden from opening within 100 metres of early childhood education centres. There were already location restrictions saying speciality vape stores had to be at least 300 metres from schools or marae. In introducing the amendments to smoking regulations last year, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said , "New Zealand was too slow to effectively regulate vaping, and youth vaping rates are too high". "We have collectively agreed that, we have recognised that, and we know that we can do better. We have to stop young people from taking it up as a habit." The ban on disposable vapes was put off for six months to allow retailers to prepare for the changes. Jonathan Devery, chair of the Vaping Industry Association of New Zealand, said the group does support the disposable vapes ban, with a few caveats. He said while VIANZ "supports the intent behind the policy - to reduce youth access and address the environmental impact of single-use products - the association is urging caution about the potential unintended consequences". University of Otago public health professor Janet Hoek, a leading researcher into vaping, said whether or not the ban will make a difference will depend on enforcement and product innovation by the industry. "I would expect [the ban] to reduce youth vaping given young people are very price sensitive," Hoek said. "However, if the industry responds, as I think it is likely to do, by introducing cheaper pod vapes, the impact will be much less limited than we might hope." "They're not a straightforward replacement," Devery said. "There's a real risk that removing the most convenient smoking cessation option could drive consumers back to cigarettes." Hoek said many manufacturers may look for loopholes they can exploit with bans. "Disposable vapes are typically inexpensive [i.e., may cost less than $10 a device], so the vaping industry may respond by introducing new lower priced reusable vapes," Hoek said, saying she had seen pod starter kits - without pods, which cost extra - being advertised for under $10. "We saw this behaviour among tobacco companies as they tried to undermine the impact of increased tobacco excise taxes [they 'shifted' the tax to higher priced brands, away from lower priced brands and introduced entirely new brands to create a new 'super value' partition within the market]." Devery of VIANZ said it's possible some vape sales may just go underground. "There are also serious concerns about enforcement," he said. "Early warnings from the UK, where a disposable vape ban came into effect on 1 June, suggest black market sales are likely to increase." Hoek said there is a lot of concern that manufacturers may find ways around disposable bans - she pointed to 'Big Puff' high-capacity throwaway vapes that have drawn concern in the UK with their own disposables ban. Several countries have now banned disposable vapes. Photo: Unsplash "We have consistently called for a full ban on disposable vapes, rather than incremental technical fixes, and we welcome the environmental benefits it will bring," Devery said. "But the transition must be managed carefully to avoid driving consumers back to smoking or into unregulated markets." The industry group feels that some of the advertising restrictions may ultimately harm consumers and make it harder for retailers to interact with them. "Many retailers, especially online, have relied on clear product information and guidance to help adults make informed choices," Devery said. "New restrictions will limit what can be communicated, making it harder for consumers to understand available options or find support to switch." "Retailers are still recovering from last year's rushed regulations that left them with unsellable stock and high compliance costs - from updating websites to in-store signage," he said. Many retailers have discounted their products heavily before the bans take effect. Hoek said she thought the new measures would help cut youth vaping, but more strategy was needed. "There are many omissions from the measures (e.g., the high concentration of vape stores in lower income communities; the location of vape stores right next to schools). I would favour a more proactive strategy that reduced the appeal, availability, addictiveness and affordability of vaping products." One of the key complaints about disposable vapes have been the waste they generate, Devery said. "Removing disposables will help cut vape-related e-waste by over 80 percent according to our industry estimates, but more must be done," he said. "VIANZ recommends expanded take-back schemes like VapeCycle, producer-responsibility regulations, and better consumer education on safe disposal." "I would favour a 'polluter pays' model, where vape companies are responsible for the costs their products create," Hoek said. "Vape companies have been given clear rules to follow, and yet some are already looking for loopholes," Asthma and Respiratory Foundation chief executive Letitia Harding said in a statement . Associate Health Minister Casey Costello. Photo: Nick Monro/RNZ Back in 2011, New Zealand's government set the goal of a Smokefree New Zealand by 2025. There have been concerns that goal is falling short , with particular worries about Māori and Pasifika smoking rates. Costello has maintained the government's changes will continue work toward the target. "We do not want our young people vaping," Costello said in Parliament. "We do not want them taking up this habit. We do not want them to be nicotine addicted. We also don't want anybody taking up tobacco and smoking." The current smokefree goal aims to have less than 5 percent of the population smoking by December, but the latest data reveals there are still about 300,000 daily smokers - 6.9 percent of adults - across the country. "VIANZ urges the government to closely monitor the ban's impact on smoking rates, particularly among priority groups, and ensure regulations don't inadvertently harm those most vulnerable," Deverey said. "Vaping regulation must be viewed in the context of the devastating harm caused by smoking, which kills two out of every three users." "Strong rules and environmental responsibility are essential, but the broader goal must remain to reduce smoking and improve public health outcomes." Hoek said it's important vaping retailers were brought along on that goal. "People who sell vaping products should be able to help people switch successfully from smoking to vaping," she said. "We also need to let people know that, once they have switched completely to vaping and no longer think there's a risk they would return to smoking, they should stop vaping. "That latter message isn't [for obvious reasons] communicated by vaping companies or retailers." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
