Scotland Delays Single-Use Vape Ban to June 2025

The Scottish Government has delayed the implementation of a ban on single-use vapes by two months, moving the enforcement date from April 1, 2025, to June 1, 2025, to align with new UK-wide legislation. Health Secretary Neil Gray emphasized the need for a consistent approach across the UK, highlighting that Scotland was the first nation to commit to such a ban. The UK government aims to address the significant environmental impact of disposable vapes, which are increasingly popular among youth, with recent data indicating that 22% of under-18s in Scotland have used them. UK circular economy minister Mary Creagh described single-use vapes as wasteful, stating that the ban is a step towards a circular economy and a means to protect vulnerable young people. The legislation will not provide a grace period for retailers, who must clear their stock before the ban goes into effect. Concerns have been raised about the potential for illegal sales as a result of the ban.