New survey suggests disposable vape ban could backfire

As the UK Government prepares to enforce a ban on the sale of disposable vapes from 1 June, a survey commissioned by retailer Vape Shop has raised concerns that the policy could backfire, potentially derailing the country’s ambition to become smokefree by 2030.

Vape Shop surveyed 750 adult vapers across the UK, and the key findings include:

• 44% of respondents started vaping to quit smoking
• Almost 27% said they have no plans to reduce how often they vape after the ban
• 52% already use traditional refillable and chargeable vapes, suggesting many have already moved toward more sustainable alternatives
• 42% would consider returning to cigarettes if vapes were completely banned
• 17% would revert to smoking following the introduction of further vaping tax due in October 2026
• 11% are concerned about a rise in black-market vape sales post-ban

Flavour restrictions are also a key issue for vapers. While 33% said they would continue vaping even if flavoured liquids were banned in the future, 23% admitted they would return to smoking cigarettes without access to flavoured options.

Chris Price, e-commerce manager at Vape Shop, said: “We fully support efforts to reduce youth vaping and protect public health, but these findings show a real risk that following the disposables ban. We may see thousands pushed back to smoking - the very habit vaping helped them quit. With the 2030 smokefree ambition, it’s important that policy decisions don’t undermine progress made over the last decade.”