Merchants Raise Concerns Over Disposable Vape Ban

A ban on disposable vapes comes into effect across the Channel Islands on Saturday, making it illegal to import or sell the devices, while Guernsey will also introduce a £2.10 tax per 10ml of vape liquid from October.

Shop owners say the measures are unlikely to affect vaping habits and may generate more packaging waste. Philip Morgan of The Paperbox in St Peter Port said the ban would make little difference, while James Bedding of the Vaporizer Hut in Jersey added that switching to pod-based devices has already increased waste.

Officials cited concerns over rising youth vaping rates. A 2023 survey found 29% of 16- to 24-year-olds in Guernsey reported vaping. Dr Nicola Brink, Guernsey’s director of Public Health, said the legislation aims to protect health and wellbeing, while Martin Knight from Jersey’s Public Health highlighted the new tax as a deterrent for young people.

Tobin Cook, Guernsey’s director of Environmental Health, said businesses had been given time to manage remaining stock safely.