Millions of British vapers are reportedly stockpiling disposable e-cigarettes as a ban on their sale, championed by the Labour party, is set to take effect from the beginning of next month. New data reveals that a staggering 82% of the UK's 5.6 million vapers are preparing for the new law, with nearly 40% aiming to have enough stock for three months and 28% for six months. The 45-54 age group leads this trend, with almost 90% admitting to hoarding.
Sales Surge Amid Ban and Enforcement Concerns
The ban on single-use vapes, initially proposed by the Conservative government in January, is a response to data showing widespread use of fruit-flavored vapes among children. From June 1st, selling these devices will be illegal. Online vape shops have reported that orders for some popular flavors have more than doubled recently. Dan Marchant, owner of Vape Club and a founder of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), confirmed a "significant uplift in disposable sales over the past three to four weeks," with increases of 50 to 100 percent. He suggested users are creating a "safety blanket" to avoid returning to smoking while they find suitable reusable alternatives.
This stockpiling occurs as MPs and campaigners warn that an insufficient number of new recruits hired to enforce the ban could lead to a "new era of criminal enterprise." Concerns also exist that over a third of current users might consider buying illegal disposable vapes after the ban takes effect.
Fire Safety Experts Warn Against Improper Storage
The rush to hoard disposable vapes has prompted fire safety experts to issue warnings about the dangers of improperly storing these devices, primarily due to their lithium-ion batteries. Professor Paul Christensen, an expert in lithium-ion battery safety, advised users to keep vapes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. He explained that while rare, large quantities stored together, especially in confined or unventilated spaces like under stairs or in cupboards, can potentially trigger thermal runaway – a dangerous chain reaction leading to fires, toxic gas releases, or even explosions. Lithium batteries can become unstable when exposed to heat, moisture, or physical damage.
Dr. Marina Murphy, Director of Scientific Affairs at Haypp, which commissioned the study on stockpiling, cautioned that without clear guidance on alternatives, the ban could backfire, pushing vapers to hoard or switch back to cigarettes. "Stockpiling may feel like a quick fix, but the real long-term gain comes from making informed choices for your health, your safety, and the safety of those around you," she stated.
