UK's impending ban on disposable vapes draws mixed reactions from major supermarkets

Oct.25.2024
UK's impending ban on disposable vapes draws mixed reactions from major supermarkets
The UK will ban the sale of disposable vapes from 1 June 2025. Major supermarkets have taken varying positions on the policy, with some already stopping the sale of these products while others continue to stock them.

The UK will ban the sale of disposable e-cigarettes from 1 June 2025, The Sun reported on 25 October. Despite government action, some supermarkets have stopped selling certain e-cigarettes due to company policy, but others continue to sell them.

 

Here’s a summary of each supermarket’s stance on the upcoming UK disposable vape sales ban:

  • Aldi: Does not sell any form of e-cigarettes or tobacco products in its 1,020+ UK stores.
  • Waitrose: Has never sold disposable vapes but stocks reusable e-cigarettes. A spokesperson expressed full support for the government ban.
  • M&S: Does not sell disposable or reusable e-cigarettes, nor tobacco products, in any of its stores.
  • Lidl: Does not sell any form of e-cigarettes or tobacco.
  • Co-op: Currently sells several disposable vape brands, including Vuse, Cirro, and ELFBAR, on its website. Implements a "challenge 25" policy for age-restricted products. Declined to comment on whether it will preemptively halt e-cigarette sales before the June 2025 ban.
  • Tesco: Sells brands like LOST MARY and SKE on its website and cited the British Retail Consortium (BRC) statement, affirming compliance with existing regulations.
  • Sainsbury's: Offers TEREA, Edge, and BLU e-cigarettes on its website. Similarly, referred to the BRC when asked about potential future restrictions.
  • Morrisons: Stocks a variety of brands, including Blu Bar, VUSE, ELFBAR, and IVG. A spokesperson indicated there are currently no plans to ban e-cigarette sales in the near term.
  • Asda: Offers Blu Bar, 88Vape, and LOST MARY e-cigarettes on its website but did not respond to inquiries regarding the impending ban.
  • Iceland: Sells brands like 88Vapes and Zillion on its website.

 

 

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