One in four disposable vape users are now puffing illegally or have returned to tobacco

BRITAIN'S ban on single-use vapes has driven huge numbers of Britons back to smoking tobacco, according to a bombshell poll, suggesting the new law has backfired. Since the start of June it has been illegal to sell single-use vapes, a change brought in ahead of a much stricter set of laws on flavours and packaging still being debated in Parliament.

A new poll of UK vapers and smokers suggests that while the ban could be having a positive environmental impact, it may be driving people to smoking tobacco or even to using illegal vapes. 26% of single-use vapers have since turned to either illegal products, started smoking more or returned to tobacco entirely since the ban came into force. The survey also found that more than one in five are aware of illegal single-use vapes still being sold in their area, a small increase since the question was last asked in December 2024.

It also suggested that the recent move by politicians to crack down on the number of people vaping may have further backfired as 51% of UK adults incorrectly believe vaping is as, or more, harmful than smoking.

The Government was previously warned that survey data suggested a ban on flavoured vapes could drive as many as 770,000 UK adults back to smoking cigarettes.

However in positive news, 85% of regular vapers have now switched to using reusable devices, which will significantly cut down on environmental waste.

Eve Peters, director of government affairs for ELFBAR in the UK, said: "It is encouraging to see a positive transition to reusable devices in a short space of time, along with evidence that many consumers are purchasing refills and demonstrating awareness around responsible waste disposal.

"However, the findings also spotlight challenges that need to be addressed, including the prevalent illicit market and increasingly negative public perception of vaping, particularly among adult smokers.

"This is why we support a licensing scheme for vape retailers, which we believe should include mandatory in-store takeback services as a condition. We are also calling for a national anti-illicit trade strategy and a ban on the import of single-use vapes.

"Supported by the right policy measures, we can build on recent progress, help more smokers switch to less harmful alternatives, and keep the UK on track to achieve its smokefree goals."

The disposable vapes ban was first announced under Rishi Sunak, as part of a wider set of reforms to ban sweet flavours and colourful packaging, which ministers claimed was designed to allure children into using the nicotine products.

According to statistics at the time, 11.6% of 11-17-year-olds have tried vaping, up from 7.7% in 2022.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "Retailers have a responsibility to abide by the law - this includes not selling single-use vapes, which is now illegal. This ban not only protects the environment but also removes products from the market that particularly appeal to children.

"The landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill includes measures to crack down on rogue retailers and we are investing £30 million this year to tackle the illicit and underage sale of tobacco and vapes.

"This government is putting an end to the cycle of addiction and disadvantage by stopping the next generation from getting hooked on nicotine."