By Isle of Wight Observer
Island businesses and residents have been reminded by the IW Council that the sale and purchase of single-use vapes will be banned from tomorrow, Saturday, June 1.
The ban applies to all disposable vapes, whether or not they contain nicotine, and covers both on-line and in-store sales.
Local businesses must stop selling these products immediately. Any business found continuing to sell them after the ban takes effect must dispose of them safely or risk enforcement action. Trading standards officers have contacted retailers directly to explain their responsibilities and offer guidance.
To comply with the new rules, businesses should not buy new stock of single-use vapes, must sell any remaining stock before Saturday, only purchase vapes that meet new and existing regulations, and ensure staff are trained on the details of the ban.
From June 1, only vapes that are rechargeable, refillable with e-liquid and have a replaceable coil may be sold.
The legislation is part of a government plan to reduce waste and tackle the rise in youth vaping. Disposable vapes often contain plastic parts and lithium batteries, which pose environmental and fire risks when incorrectly discarded.
Used vapes must not be thrown in regular bins. Instead, they should be taken to dedicated e-waste bins at Lynnbottom or Afton Marsh household recycling centres, or returned to supermarkets or vape retailers. Retailers who sell vapes must also accept them for recycling.
Residents considering quitting vaping are encouraged to contact Smokefree Island, which offers free local support, including nicotine patches, gum, lozenges and sprays, as well as friendly, non-judgemental advice.
Visit smokefreeisland.org.uk, call 642369 or 0800 999 1396, or email hello@smokefreeisland.org.uk. For business enquiries, contact trading.standards@iow.gov.uk.
Mal Butler