Why people are stockpiling ahead of June deadline

Cara Hallinan expresses significant anxiety regarding the impending ban on disposable vapes.

She states: “I’m uncertain about what we will do.”

At 25 years old, she began vaping five years ago.

A friend’s introduction to vaping allowed her to move away from cigarettes.

Cherry fizz flavored vapes were her tools for quitting a 20-a-day smoking habit, and now, ahead of the ban, she is stockpiling before they become illegal in the UK.

“I’ve been purchasing boxes from my local discount shop. They are clearing them out; I’ve gotten ten vapes for £20.”

With about 40 vapes in her possession, she aims to stock enough to get her through summer as she fears returning to smoking.

Starting from June 1, buying or selling disposable vapes will be illegal. Only reusable devices equipped with rechargeable batteries, replaceable coils, and refillable features will be permitted.

Although Cara acknowledges that various vapes will still be available, she doubts their effectiveness for her.

“With everything happening in my life, what if I forget to charge my vape? I could wake up one morning without it or run out of battery at work.”

“I’m accustomed to the convenience of being able to purchase a disposable one when needed.”

Cara is among over three million ex-smokers who have transitioned from cigarettes to vapes in recent years.

While vapes are seen as a healthier option compared to cigarettes, concerns exist regarding their potential to lead to nicotine dependency, particularly among youth, attracted by fruity flavors and inexpensive prices.

Despite rechargeable vapes being favored, approximately 30% of vapers still opt for disposable variants.

Dan Marchant, owner of Vape Club and co-founder of the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), emphasizes the appeal of simplicity in disposables.

“Purchasing a disposable vape resembles buying a pack of cigarettes; just drop by the shop and grab one off the shelf.”

He reports a surge in sales of popular vape flavors as customers pile up their stock.

Similarly, Haypp, another online retailer, has noted an increase in sales leading up to the ban.

Dr. Marina Murphy, Haypp’s scientific director, mentions: “Our daily sales are currently exceeding even the peaks we typically see on Black Friday, which were once our busiest sales days.”

Concerns persist regarding flavor differences, as disposable vapes tend to be sweeter compared to refillable ones due to higher levels of sweeteners and nicotine salts in their e-liquids.

After smoking cigarettes for 40 years, Baroness Claire Fox of Buckley credits strawberry and banana flavored disposable vapes for her successful quit.

“They were remarkably effective, and I have been smoke-free for the past 18 months.”

At 64, she admits quitting wasn’t easy but was encouraged by two doctors to try vapes, transforming her from a “proud winner of the smoker of the year award” to a tobacco-free life.

Now, she is dreading the June 1st implementation of the disposable vape ban.

“I’ve stockpiled a collection of vibrant vape boxes at both home and work.”

“I dislike the metallic battery taste of rechargables.”

She believes disposable vapes have had a “miraculous impact on smoking rates”.

“Finally, we have a cessation device that works, and now we will ban it — it’s counterproductive and nonsensical.”

This vocal peer, known for critiquing legislation undermining civil liberties, argues that environmental concerns overshadow public health priorities.

The UK government aims to mitigate environmental issues, with an estimated five million disposable vapes discarded weekly last year, while also decreasing youth vaping.

Health specialists warn that vaping should not commence for those who do not smoke, due to possible long-term impacts on lungs, hearts, and brain health.

A Censuswide survey conducted by Vape Club queried 2,000 vapers in the UK about their future behaviors following the imminent ban.

49% of disposable vapers indicated they would shift to other rechargeable devices, while 16% planned to cease vaping entirely, revealing some alarming findings, according to Mr. Marchant.

“We discovered that 11% intend to stockpile by purchasing disposables abroad where they remain legal, then bringing them back to the UK.”

“More concerning, 18% would revert to smoking if they could not access disposable vapes after the ban.”

Nick, who operates Mist Vapes, is aware of such worries as he observes customers gravitate towards a nearby news agent.

“Many of my loyal customers have indicated they will cease vaping post-ban; they’ll switch to Booze and Cigs for cigarettes instead.”

He expresses concern over his business’s future.

Pointing to an array of pastel-colored boxes lining his shop’s walls, he features popular flavors such as pineapple ice, rainbow, and blueberry sour.

“They’ll need to go,” he notes, “leading to nearly £6,000 worth of merchandise wasted.”

Since starting his business only a year ago, he’s faced challenges, keeping inventory replenished due to the 90% disposable sales ratio.

He feels the government has neglected small retailers like himself.

“I doubt it will significantly alter vaping behaviors; many new rechargeable options mimic disposable designs, and you can purchase them pre-filled and charged.”

He turns one around, highlighting the single difference — the charging port at the base.

“I’m pricing the rechargeable at the same rate, but the profit margin is reduced.”

The government labels disposable vapes as a blight on urban life.

Circular economy minister Mary Creagh claims the ban will ultimately benefit the economy.

“This move marks a significant step towards a circular economy, extending resource usage, improving community cleanliness, progressing toward net-zero, and generating thousands of jobs nationwide.”