Disposable vapes banned from shop shelves in Teesside and the UK
The new crackdown's part of a Government strategy
Single-use vapes will be banned from the shelves of all shops from today, thanks to a Government strategy.
The new crackdown makes it illegal to sell single-use vapes at corner shops and supermarkets, putting an end to increases in school playgrounds and litter on streets.
New data from charity Action on Smoking and Health shows the number of vapers in Great Britain who mainly use single-use devices fell from 30% in 2024 to 24% in 2025, while the use of disposables by 18-24-year-old vapers fell from 52% in 2024 to 40% in 2025.
However, usage among young vapers remains too high and with the ban coming into force, it will continue to drive these figures down further.
As part of tough enforcement measures, any rogue traders breaking the rules will be hit with a fine of £200 in the first instance, and all products will be seized. Those who show a blatant disregard for the rules and reoffend face being slapped with an unlimited fine or jail time.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said:
“For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.
“The Government calls time on these nasty devices.”
This man in Hartlepool said: "I think it's a good thing because you don't really know what you're going to get in the disposable vapes. You see far too many children smoking vapes. I see a lot of young children, especially at the back of the bus when you're a bus driver, you see them huddling together and all of them sharing a vape, which I think is a little bit silly."
This woman in Hartlepool said: "I agree with it. It should happen because they are easily accessible to children. I think children to do it to try and show off and fit in. They think they're clever and they're really not. They don't know the dangers of it."
This man added: "At least there's a ban. It stops kids from smoking."