The rise in vape usage in the UK has stalled ahead of the impending disposable vape ban. Between January 2024 to January 2025 the rise of vape usage had stagnated in comparison to the previous two years, as found by a new study by University College London. The results also found that usage of disposable vapes and e-cigarettes amongst 16 – 24-year-olds had halved in the same time period. But while the data initially seems positive, researchers theorise that the reduction in disposable vape use may be because users are adapting their habit ahead of the ban.
- Smoking rates in the South of England have suddenly increased, study finds
- Nearly one in ten secondary school students vape frequently, report finds
- Doctors call for ‘bold actions’ to end ‘vaping epidemic’ in young people
‘Our results [also] suggest that the Government’s ban on disposables, coming into force in June, may have limited impact on vaping rates in general, given that vapers are already moving away from disposable vapes,’ said lead author Dr Sarah Jackson. ‘It seems likely that people using these products will move to reusable versions rather than stop vaping completely.’
While the current rates of disposable vape usage are declining, researchers are warning the Government to take care in passing overly restrictive policies. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill currently being considered by Parliament has the power to restrict the sale and marketing of tobacco and vape products. Since smokers often switch from cigarettes to vapes when trying to quit smoking, researchers advise the Government to take caution when passing these policies to not deter smokers from quitting cigarettes.
‘While it is understandable that policymakers want to take action to reduce vaping among children and never smokers, smoking remains the number one public health priority,’ said senior author Professor Jamie Brown. ‘These findings should reassure policymakers that they can prioritise measures, such as restrictions on marketing, packaging and display, which are least likely to undermine how helpful vapes are for people trying to quit smoking.’