Just a day after the UK government’s nationwide ban on disposable vapes came into effect, an investigation by LBC has exposed continued illegal sales in Nottingham convenience stores – including a specialist vape shop.
During a brief visit to five retail outlets in Nottingham city centre, an LBC reporter was able to purchase banned single-use vapes from all five locations, raising serious concerns about the enforcement of the new legislation and awareness among retailers.
The government’s new rules stipulate that only reusable vapes can be legally sold. These must include a rechargeable battery, a refillable e-liquid container, and a removable and replaceable coil. Any device not meeting these criteria is now classified as illegal.
Despite this, several Nottingham shops continued to stock the banned items. According to LBC, some store owners appeared unaware of the ban, while others admitted openly that they would not be selling “many more” – implying an intention to clear existing stock despite the ban.
One of the devices sold was a high-capacity device offering 4,000 puffs, well above the legal nicotine content limit even before the new ban.
