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Tag: UK ban

  • Survey: UK Vape Bill Threatens Corner Shops

    Survey: UK Vape Bill Threatens Corner Shops

    A survey of 500 UK corner shops revealed that one in 10 owners would consider closing their business if the Tobacco and Vapes Bill is enacted. The survey, commissioned by retailer platform C-Talk, found that 79% of shop owners view the Bill as an unprecedented threat, with 35% planning to reduce staff hours or lay off employees, and 26% considering price hikes to offset losses.

    The legislation, which returned to Parliament earlier this week, proposes banning tobacco sales for anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, and restricting e-cigarette marketing, packaging, and flavors. Retailers warn these measures could push consumers toward the black market.

    In response, C-Talk founder Paul Cheema delivered 1,435 letters from concerned shop owners directly to Business Secretary Peter Kyle, urging the government to consider the impact on local businesses and jobs.

  • UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Faces Scrutiny as it Goes to Committee

    UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill Faces Scrutiny as it Goes to Committee

    The UK’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill enters its committee stage in the House of Lords today (October 27), drawing sharp focus from the vaping and retail sectors over its potential market impact. The bill aims to ban tobacco sales to anyone born after January 1, 2009, and introduces new limits on vape advertising, flavors, and packaging. While positioned as a public health milestone, industry stakeholders warn that the legislation could disrupt the legitimate vape trade and accelerate the illicit market if not implemented carefully.

    John Patterson, president of IKE Tech, said that while the government’s intent is commendable, the proposals rely too heavily on traditional retail enforcement.

    “The current proposal won’t make the vision of a vape-free youth generation a reality,” Patterson said. “The UK has a unique opportunity to set a global benchmark for responsible vaping regulation. To make a real difference, we must move beyond surface-level fixes and shift the focus to preventing access at the point of use, using robust, technology-driven age verification.”

    Retailers also voiced concern over compliance burdens and unfair competition from unregulated sellers. Kay Patel, of Best One, said responsible retailers already face rising costs and enforcement pressures, while illicit sellers continue to “flood the market unchecked.” He urged lawmakers to include manufacturer-level safeguards and coordinated supply-chain accountability. Industry figures warn that without such measures, the bill could penalize compliant businesses while failing to achieve its youth protection goals.

  • SKE’s ‘Less is More’ Strategy Working in UK

    SKE’s ‘Less is More’ Strategy Working in UK

    SKE says its cautious approach to the UK single-use vape ban is delivering strong results, with its SKE 600 PRO pre-filled pod device exceeding sales expectations. The company, previously a leading single-use vape provider, says it spent a year preparing for the June ban and launched the 600 PRO early to ensure a smooth transition for consumers. By keeping product changes minimal, SKE said, it aimed to make the shift to refillable devices as frictionless as possible, a strategy that has resonated with both retailers and distributors.

    Company executives said that around 14% of vapers are still using stockpiled single-use devices, signaling that gradual change is preferred and highlighting the success of SKE’s “less is more” approach.

  • E-liquids.com Launches New Line After UK Ban

    E-liquids.com Launches New Line After UK Ban

    With the UK’s ban on traditional single-use vapes, E-liquids.com introduced a wide range of disposable vape alternatives featuring brands like Lost Mary BM600, Elf Bar 600, SKE BAR 600 Pre-filled Pod Kit, and PIXL 8000. E-liquids.com’s new lineup includes vape kits, vape pods, and juices in 3,000 flavors and strengths.

    Designed to deliver the same flavors and convenience as banned single-use models, the new alternatives include pre-filled and refillable pod kits, starter kits, and advanced vape devices. The company hopes these options offer a more sustainable, cost-effective, and customizable vaping experience.

  • Haypp Survey Tracks UK Nicotine Pouch Explosion

    Haypp Survey Tracks UK Nicotine Pouch Explosion

    According to research by Haypp, the UK nicotine pouch market grew 95% between 2023 and 2024, spurred by the recent ban on disposable vapes. The perceived social acceptability of pouches compared to other products also appears to be a factor driving the market growth, as 78% of nicotine pouch users surveyed believed that nicotine pouches were socially acceptable, compared to 30% who felt vapes were socially acceptable, and 13% who believed cigarettes were socially acceptable. 

    According to survey respondents, the main advantages of pouches compared to other nicotine products are that they are discreet (68%), they feel healthier (64%), and they do not affect others (54%). 

    Based on survey responses, the typical first-time user of nicotine pouches is 33 years old. Only 3% of those surveyed report having started using nicotine pouches before the age of 18. The research also found 57% of UK nicotine pouch users say they began using pouches as a way to quit smoking and 27% to transition from other nicotine products, primarily vapes.

    “These results suggest that while the nicotine pouch market is growing rapidly, users are typically a more mature demographic that value the more discreet nature of the product,” Markus Lindblad, director of Haypp, said. “It is also notable that many people have started using pouches to transition away from vaping. This could become an important trend in the UK’s drive to go smoke-free while introducing ever stricter regulations on vaping.”