FLER at APE

Germany’s OLG Cologne ruled that adjusting an e-cigarette touchscreen while driving violates the “phone ban” under road traffic law. The driver, caught changing vape settings on the highway, was fined €150 and received one penalty point, as the court said such actions pose significant distraction risks.

Two recycling centres in Cumbria recently experienced fires that are believed to have been caused by improperly discarded batteries or vapes. Although the blazes were quickly extinguished and no injuries were reported, both sites were evacuated. Cumberland Council reminded residents that batteries and vapes must never be placed in general kerbside waste bins and should be taken to designated recycling points. In a separate incident, a fire at the Flusco household waste recycling centre was thoug

The Santa Fe Provincial Chamber of Deputies has passed a bill amending the 2005 Provincial Anti-Smoking Law (No. 12,432) to include e-cigarettes, vaping devices, and heated tobacco products. Lawmaker Sonia Martorano, who authored the initiative, said the reform aims to strengthen prevention policies amid growing youth use, stressing that “even without nicotine, these devices are toxic.”

Singapore schools are ramping up anti-vaping education through Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) and science lessons. Classes now use scenario-based discussions—for example, a friend asking you to hide their vape during a random bag check—to help students practise refusal, empathy and seeking help safely.

The European Patent Office’s Board of Appeal upheld British American Tobacco’s Nicoventures Trading Ltd. vape patent, rejecting Philip Morris International’s objections. The board ruled that the patent’s use of predefined heater activation parameters not based on user puffs was novel and valid.

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) UK has added two beverage-inspired variants—Cola Lime and Fizzy Peach—to its XQS nicotine pouch range. Both come in an 8mg strength and are available exclusively via the Vape Supplier website, with a recommended retail price of £5.50.