West Midlands in top three UK teenage vaping hotspots - but industry warns against government restrictions

The government will ban single-use e-cigarettes from April 2024 in a bid to discourage underage vaping, while the vape industry warns of the negative consequences

The government is set to ban the sales of disposable vapes across the country, in a bid to curb the rising trend of underage vaping. The ban will affect vape shops in Birmingham and the West Midlands, which have seen a fluctuation in the number of stores in recent years.

According to the latest data from The Local Data Company Ltd, the number of dedicated vape shops in the Birmingham area increased by almost 10% from 2022 to 2023 - up from 57 shops to 61 shops. Vapers can also buy products in supermarkets and newsagents.

The number of vape shops in the West Midlands region, however, has declined from 318 shops in 2022 to 336 shops in 2023.  The ban on disposable vapes comes as a response to the alarming statistics on youth vaping in England, especially in the West Midlands. 

West Midlands teenage vaping hotspot

A recent study by Go Smoke Free, a leading vape retailer, revealed that the West Midlands is among the top three regions with the highest levels of teenage vaping in England, according to NHS Digital.

The study found that 11% of teenagers in the West Midlands regularly use e-cigarettes, 28% higher than the national average. The study also showed that teenage girls are more likely to vape than teenage boys, with 6% of girls and 5% of boys vaping in the region.

The spokesperson for Go Smoke Free said: “Youth vaping is on the rise. In fact, recent research has shown that the proportion of 11 to 17-year-old e-cigarette users doubled from 3.3% in 2021 to 7.6% in 2023. To tackle the rise in underage vaping, the government is issuing a nationwide ban on disposable vapes, with the legislation hoping to discourage children and teenagers from vaping while maintaining access for adults who wish to go smoke free.”

When do the government vaping restrictions come in?

The ban on disposable vapes will take effect from April 1, 2024, and will apply to all types of e-cigarettes that are designed to be used once and then thrown away. The ban will not affect refillable or rechargeable devices, which are more popular among adult smokers who want to quit or reduce their tobacco consumption.

The government hopes that the ban will reduce the appeal and availability of e-cigarettes for young people, who may be attracted by the variety of flavours and the convenience of disposable vapes. The government also plans to introduce stricter regulations on the advertising and packaging of e-cigarettes, as well as raising the minimum age of sale from 18 to 21.

What concerns does the vape industry have over the ban on single use e-cigarettes?

The vape industry, however, has expressed concerns over the impact of the ban on the businesses and the consumers. The U.K. The Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) said that the ban will harm public health by limiting the choices and access for smokers who want to switch to a less harmful alternative.

The UKVIA also argued that the ban is based on a misconception that disposable vapes are the main source of youth vaping, when in fact, most young people use refillable or rechargeable devices that are not affected by the ban. The UKVIA said that the ban will only create a black market for disposable vapes, which will pose more risks and dangers for the users.

John Dunne, director general, UK Vaping Industry Association, said: “We agree with the government that we need to protect our children from vaping, we need to also avoid discouraging smokers from quitting. We would also urge the government not to implement further legislation when we already have appropriate legislation – we just need to enforce it properly.

“The UKVIA has been advocating for stronger measures to stop rogue retailers selling vapes to under-18s, including on the spot fines of up to £10,000 and a licensing scheme for retailers.

How will the ban on single use e-cigarettes affect vape shops in Birmingham?

The ban on disposable vapes will affect the vape shops in Birmingham and the West Midlands, which will have to adapt to the changing market and consumer demand. The vape shops will have to rely more on the sales of refillable or rechargeable devices, which may require more investment and maintenance. The vape shops will also have to comply with the new rules and regulations that will be introduced by the government, which may affect their profitability and viability.

The ban reflects the government’s intention to protect the health and welfare of the young people, but also raises questions about the rights and freedoms of the adults who choose to vape. The ban will have significant implications for the vape industry, the vape consumers, and the public health in the U.K.

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