Shop owners in Ilkley and across the Bradford district have been warned they could be fined at least £200 if they are found selling disposable vapes after laws changed over the weekend.
The ban came into effect on Sunday, and retailers who repeatedly flout the ban could face prison.
Reuseable vapes are not included in the new legislation.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the ban was introduced to reduce the rates of young people taking up vaping, as well as “putting an end to the avalanche of rubbish flooding the nation’s streets.”
Bradford Council said it welcomed the ban, and warned shopkeepers that as well as fines and potential prosecution, their stock could be seized by Trading Standards.
When the ban came into effect on Sunday UK Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said:
“For too long, single-use vapes have blighted our streets as litter and hooked our children on nicotine. That ends today.
“The Government calls time on these nasty devices.”
When the ban was introduced Councillor Sarah Ferriby, portfolio holder for healthy people and places at Bradford Council, said:
“We welcome the ban on disposable vapes that will came into effect from June 1.
“Disposable vapes contain a number of toxic compounds that can be hazardous to the environment and, due to their size, they are hard to recycle.
“Retailers in the district need to be aware of the law-change. If they are caught breaking this law they will face a minimum £200 fine, with a prison sentence of up to two years for repeat offences. The West Yorkshire Trading Standards officers will be able to seize any single use vapes they find. Reusable vapes which have a rechargeable battery, a replaceable coil, and which are refillable remain legal.
“Vaping remains a helpful and effective way to help people quit smoking. Our Living Well Stop Smoking Service can give you free confidential support to keep you motivated to quit smoking altogether.”
There had been some concerns about the plan, with UK Vaping Industry Association director general John Dunne saying:
“Vaping was invented to help adult smokers quit, and disposable products became the most successful vape products to do so because they are simple to use and most closely replicate the sensation of smoking.
“We are concerned that this ban will encourage former smokers who have already transitioned from cigarettes, which kill 220 people every day in the UK, to return to combustible tobacco or opt for unregulated vapes.
“We also have clear evidence, from countries including the USA and Australia, showing that black market, counterfeit and illicit vape sales spiked when vape bans and restrictions are introduced.”
Support to quit is available on the website https://mylivingwell.co.uk/smoking/support-to-quit/
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