Southwark shopkeepers warned: Get ready for the vape revolution – or pay the price
Southwark council is urging local businesses to prepare for the upcoming ban on single-use disposable vapes.
From June 1, it will be illegal for businesses to sell, supply, offer to sale or supply, or possess all single-use disposable vapes for sale. After this date, only reuseable vapes may be sold.
Local retailers should avoid restocking single use vapes before the June deadline and should arrange for any remaining stock to be collected by an appropriate recycling service.
A council spokeswoman said: “Retailers caught selling single use vapes after the ban face having their stock seized by Southwark Trading Standards. The penalties for breaching the rules are either a £200 fixed penalty or, in prosecution cases, the courts can issue unlimited fines. ”
Despite their popularity, single use vapes are seen as posing serious environmental risks. Many are irresponsibly discarded of, leading to littering. Discarded vapes can also cause fires, putting the safety of waste management workers, firefighters and the public at risk.
Reuseable vapes that contain nicotine must comply with strict safety regulations on labelling, traceability and tank sizes. In 2024, Southwark Trading Standards seized 6,000 illegal vapes from local shops due to non-compliance with regulations.
Councillor Natasha Ennin, cabinet member for community safety and neighbourhoods, said: “Now is the time to align your business with the new rules on disposable vapes. We’ve seen first-hand how harmful vapes can be – especially for young people and the environment.
“Millions are dumped on our streets or rubbish bins each week, which eventually end up in landfill instead of being properly recycled.
“Vape batteries also pose fire risks in bin lorries and waste facilities, putting waste handlers, firefighters and the public in danger. I strongly urge Southwark retailers to review the guidance and act now.”
Southwark Trading Standards will enforce the ban across the borough and residents are being urged to get in touch with them if they suspect someone is supplying illegal vapes.
For guidance about the forthcoming ban, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-vapes-ban
Picture: Pixabay/Ethan Parsa
