It’s a plight that you can see (or rather, smell) everywhere: synthetic, sugary smoke that often permeates beer gardens and high streets. If you’ve missed out on this phenomenon (lucky you) then you’ll still have likely spotted the colourful plastic cartridges thoughtlessly discarded in the gutter.
But that may soon be about to change – from 1 June, it will be illegal for businesses to sell or supply disposable vapes either in shops or online.
Vaping has become increasingly popular amongst young people, who are eschewing cigarettes in favour of disposable vapes. Figures for those who partake have now risen by 11% among adults in 2024 (the highest recorded rate), amounting to 5.6 million people in the UK. While refillable vapes are most common, the use of disposable vapes has also been steadily rising, particularly among younger adults. Last year, more than half (52.8%) of e-cigarette users aged 18-24-year said they smoked disposables, a huge jump from only 2.8% in 2021.
However, concerns on whether disposable vapes were being marketed to children, the potential (but currently undetermined) health risks, vaping’s addictive qualities and the potential environmental concerns of single-use plastics has seen the government intervene and change the laws on vaping.
So, do we really have to say a total au revoir to our Elf Bars, or see you later, Lost Mary? Here’s everything you need to know…
What vapes are getting banned?
Single-use vapes, such as Elf Bars and Lost Marys, will no longer be able to purchased in shops or online in England or Wales.
Places that are found selling them will face a £200 fine from 1 June. Retailers now have an obligation to get rid of them.
However, you won’t be in trouble if you have your own personal disposable vapes after the ban comes into effect.
Is vaping illegal?
To be clear, the act of vaping in and of itself is still legal – however, it’s the type of vape being sold which is being called into question.
You still will be able to buy reusable vapes. These products only qualify if they have a rechargeable battery, a replaceable coil, and are refillable.
So if you really have to have a vape on you, be sure to purchase a reusable one.
Are vapes better for you than smoking?
It is generally considered on the whole that yes, vaping is better for you than smoking. Studies have shown that vaping is less harmful than smoking. Vaping exposes users to fewer toxins and at lower levels than smoking cigarettes. Vapes also don’t typically have tobacco in, one of the major substances which can cause cancer.
However, vapes are not entirely risk free either. Vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance and the NHS advises that if you don’t already smoke, you shouldn’t vape.
An investigation by Cosmopolitan UK in 2023 found that some illegal vapes have infiltrated the UK market, which may have vastly higher quantities of nicotine, or other harmful chemicals, inside.
As an aside, disposable vapes are highly harmful to the environment. Last year, Material Focus estimated that almost five million single-use vapes were either littered or thrown away in general waste every week in the UK – the equivalent of eight being thrown away per second. They are also tricky to effectively recycle, with their lithium-ion batteries also thought to have caused a significant number of fires across the UK.
How to quit vaping now the ban is in effect
If you’ve decided to kick the habit, particularly now there’s a semi-ban in place, we’re here to help. Dr Deepali Misra-Sharp, a general practitioner, has several hints and tips to help you bin the vapes for good.
1. Understand your triggers
The first thing you need to do is understand the patterns that lead you to reach for a vape.
“Is it boredom, stress, social situations, or habit?” Dr Misra-Sharp asks. “Becoming aware of the pattern is the first step in breaking it.”
2. Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
There’s no need to make life more difficult for yourself. “Products like nicotine gum, lozenges, patches or sprays are available over the counter or via your GP or pharmacist — and are free on the NHS for under-18s or students,” Dr Misra-Sharp says.
3. Download a quit app
“The NHS Quit Smoking app helps track cravings, save money, and gives motivational messages,” Dr Misra-Sharp says. Other options include SmokeFree, which offers AI coach support, and MyQuitBuddy – a habit tracker with distraction tools.
4. Remember the ‘4 Ds’
Dr Misra-Sharp adds: “When a craving hits:
- Delay for 3–5 minutes (it will pass)
- Distract yourself with something else — move, chew gum, scroll
- Drink water
- Deep breath – slow inhales help reset your nervous system”
5. Set a quit date and plan rewards
Quitting needn’t be so arduous. “Pick a day in the next 1–2 weeks to quit completely,” Dr Misra-Sharp says. “Tell someone you trust. Reward yourself at each milestone: 3 days, 1 week, 1 month.”
How long does it take to stop vaping?
Dr Misra-Sharp warns the first few days are the hardest: “Nicotine withdrawal peaks in the first 3–5 days,” she says. “Most physical symptoms ease after 2 to 4 weeks, while mental habits (like reaching for your vape when stressed) take longer — usually 1–3 months to fully unlearn.
Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper’s Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
