VPZ Warns About Loopholes
The UK’s “landmark” disposable vape ban is a step forward, says VPZ, the UK’s leading vaping retailer, but warns that loopholes remain and need addressing
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by Dave Cross
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VPZ, the UK’s leading vaping retailer, has welcomed the nationwide ban on disposable/single-use vape products as a landmark day and a transformative moment for the industry, public health and environment. The legislation, which took effect from Sunday, prohibits the sale of certain single-use vaping products across the UK, in response to growing concerns around youth uptake and the environmental crisis.
The vaping specialist has consistently called for robust regulations and is proud to support measures that align with its core mission - which it says is to help adult smokers quit through responsible and sustainable alternatives.
However, VPZ adds, the exclusion of high-capacity "Big Puff" products from the current ban leaves a serious gap in the legislation. These devices will continue to be sold, undermining the intent of the new regulations.
VPZ is calling on policymakers to urgently close this loophole and introduce comprehensive legislation to regulate all disposable vaping products, ensuring consistent standards - protecting both public health and the environment as well as preventing youth access.
The company says the exponential rise in the use of disposable vapes over recent years has brought with it a host of challenges.
Designed for convenience and often sold in brightly coloured packaging and sweet flavours, disposable vapes became increasingly accessible to youths thanks to them being sold in places like barber shops, candy stores and snack vans, VPZ says.
At the same time, millions of units were ending up in landfills each month due to the absence of effective recycling infrastructure for lithium-ion batteries and mixed-material components.
VPZ has spent the past year preparing for this change through its national network of retail stores.
The company has led a comprehensive campaign to educate customers and MPs on the risks of disposable products, while promoting reusable devices, refillable pods, and e-liquids that offer both better value and significantly reduced environmental impact.
As consumers adjust to the post-disposable landscape, the retailer is committed to ensuring a smooth and supported transition.
Every one of VPZ’s stores is staffed by trained vape specialists who provide personalised guidance to help customers select and maintain their new devices - ensuring they don’t return to smoking due to confusion or frustration.
Richard Begg, Head of Learning & Development at VPZ | The Vaping Specialist, said: “Today marks a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to strengthen public health, tackle the environmental crisis and youth uptake posed by single-use vape products. However, this ban does not go far enough.
“VPZ has long advocated for change in this area as we have seen first-hand the impact that poorly regulated disposables have had on youth access to nicotine, and the environmental cost has been staggering.
“This legislation finally starts to bring accountability to the forefront of our industry. The ban is not the end - it’s the beginning of a new chapter for the vaping industry.
“We believe this is our opportunity to raise standards across the board, push for more responsible practices, and put environmental sustainability and health at the heart of product development.
“That’s why we’re urging the government to move quickly to close remaining loopholes - particularly around high-capacity Big Puff devices - and prevent a surge in black market activity through comprehensive, forward-looking regulation.”
VPZ’s specialist team is NCSCT trained (National Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training) and has expert knowledge, engaging with smokers to educate them on the health and financial benefits of switching to vaping.
References:
- Information on the UK Government’s Smoke-Free by 2030 plans can be found here: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2017/06/16/our-ambition-for-a-smokefree-nation-is-in-sight/
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Author
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
