The UK Government’s plan to ban disposable vapes by next summer has already been trashed, as the Government’s own impact assessment has admitted that the ban will lead to more people lighting up.
Riot has always been driven by a mission to innovate and lead responsibly, which is why we developed Riot Connex. We designed Connex as a high-quality, reusable option that helps tackle the environmental challenges of disposables head-on. We’re fully behind reducing waste in the vaping industry, and Connex is our commitment to giving vapers a more sustainable choice.
But banning disposables without adequately addressing the underlying issues of youth vaping and smoking cessation is a dangerous misstep. The Government is pushing this policy as if it’s a cure-all, yet its own impact assessment reveals serious unintended consequences. Here’s what they’re ignoring.
Reality Check #1: This Ban Won’t Stop Youth Vaping
We know that youth vaping is an issue that needs action, but banning disposables won’t solve it. Let’s face it: young people find ways around restrictions. The assessment admits that banning disposable vapes will have minimal impact on youth access to vaping products. In fact, it’s likely to push them toward black-market options that are unregulated, untested, and unsafe.
Rather than offering real protections for youth, this ban risks pushing vapers of all ages toward less safe alternatives. Restricting access and implementing strict penalties on those who sell to underage users would be a smarter move. But a full ban? It’s just not going to have the impact the government claims, and the consequences could be far-reaching.
Reality Check #2: Pushing Vapers Back to Smoking is a Step Backwards
Vaping is widely recognised as a harm-reduction tool for smokers looking to quit, and the government’s own impact assessment acknowledges a disturbing fact: 29% of current vapers are likely to return to cigarettes if disposables are banned. That’s an undeniable setback for public health, especially when vaping has proven so effective in helping millions quit smoking for good. We’re talking about people who have made the switch to something far less harmful than cigarettes. Forcing them back to smoking is counterproductive and dangerous.
In fact, the assessment warns that this ban could result in serious “health disbenefits.” Let’s call it what it is: a policy failure that’s putting lives at risk. The NHS has its hands full, and by driving people back to smoking, the Government is simply creating future strain on an already-stretched health service.
Reality Check #3: The Taxpayer and Small Businesses Take a Hit
The ban doesn’t just fail vapers and the environment—it fails taxpayers and small businesses, too. The government’s own numbers reveal that this ban would drain £8.6 million in lost landfill tax revenue and cost another £2.2 million in Trading Standards inspections. That’s millions of pounds that could be reinvested into meaningful environmental initiatives and youth prevention programs, rather than enforcing an ineffective ban.
Let’s talk about small businesses, too. They’re the lifeblood of the vape industry, and many have built their businesses around disposable products, serving communities and creating jobs. The Government’s impact assessment estimates that small businesses could lose over £11 million due to this ban. Riot is a champion of responsible innovation, but we know that supporting sustainable solutions means keeping small businesses strong, not undermining them with restrictive policies.
Riot Stands for Real Solutions, Not Reactionary Policies
At Riot, we’re all for reducing environmental waste and have backed that commitment with Riot Connex. But a ban that fails to curb youth vaping and risks driving people back to smoking is a policy that misses the point. We believe in responsible vaping that supports both public health and environmental goals. If the government is serious about making an impact, they need to rethink this ban and focus on targeted, effective solutions.
Let’s invest in practical programs that prevent youth access, regulate recycling, and strengthen consumer education. It’s time for the UK Government to ditch this flawed policy and deliver solutions that actually protect the environment, safeguard health, and respect the needs of responsible vapers.
At Riot, we’ll continue to push for meaningful change—without compromise.
