Shops and other businesses around Leicestershire are being reminded that as of 1 June, single-use disposable vapes are now banned by law.
Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards service has contacted around 400 independent retailers which sell vapes to help them prepare for the change in the law.
Businesses are being urged to ensure that they comply with the new legislation and residents encouraged to report any stores they see selling the banned vapes.
New government legislation means that from 1 June, it is illegal for businesses to sell or supply single-use or ‘disposable’ vapes. This applies to all businesses and includes both online and over-the-counter sales.
Protecting children from the harm that vaping can cause is incredibly important, and is a vital step towards addressing the litter caused by these single-use products.
Our Trading Standards team has worked with around 400 retailers on the steps to take before the ban is in place and is ready enforce the new law.
Businesses who flout the new rules could face an unlimited fine, a prison sentence of up to two years, or both.
Person:Councillor Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council
Recent figures show the number of children using vapes in the past three years has tripled. Use among younger children is also rising, with nine per cent of 11-to-15-year-olds now using vapes.
Retailers are legally required to arrange for any unsold single-use vapes to be collected by a registered vape recycling service - they must not be put into general waste.
Reusable vapes - such as refillable and rechargeable vapes - can still be legally sold.
People can report businesses flouting the ban by using our Trading Standards web form.
Traders and retailers in need of support and advice can contact Leicestershire Trading Standards on Tradingstandards@leics.gov.uk
More than 11,000 people have been helped to quit smoking by the council's Quit Ready team since 2017, with more than 160 people each month accessing the service. Anyone interested in using the free and confidential service to help them kick the habit can visit the QuitReady website or call 0345 646 66 66.