Bromley Council is preparing for the implementation of a ban on single-use vapes, set to take effect on 1 June 2025, across England. The ban aims to reduce environmental pollution and mitigate harm to wildlife and ecosystems caused by the improper disposal of these devices. Single-use vapes have been linked to increased litter, fire risks at waste facilities, and the release of hazardous chemicals.

The Public Protection and Enforcement Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee discussed updates to the Bromley Council Public Protection Enforcement Policy to incorporate new Trading Standards powers related to single-use vapes and plastics. The changes are being made under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008.

Under the new regulations, authorised officers will have the power to enter business premises where they suspect single-use vapes are being sold or supplied and to seize any such vapes found. A range of sanctions will be available, including fixed monetary penalties, variable monetary penalties, compliance notices, stop notices, and enforcement undertakings. Trading Standards will play a key role in enforcing this ban, and the introduction of civil sanctions will not require additional budget allocations as enforcement activities will be carried out by existing Trading Standards staff using current resources.

The committee reviewed a briefing paper on Tobacco and Vaping Policy Development, which highlighted the national policy context, local vaping profiles, and enforcement considerations. The Tobacco and Vapes Bill (2025) aims to create a smoke-free generation by making it illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It also introduces retail licensing, extends smoke-free legislation, and comprehensively regulates vaping products.

Image of a person in handcuffs with the Metropolitan Police logo and the word
Image of a person in handcuffs with the Metropolitan Police logo and the word \"Arrested\"

The disposable vape ban, enacted separately under environmental legislation, seeks to address the environmental challenges and limit youth access to vapes. As of 1 June 2025, businesses in Bromley will be prohibited from selling or stocking single-use vapes. Retailers specializing in refillable vaping devices are expected to experience minimal disruption, while sellers of prohibited items will need to adjust stock holdings. Small businesses face a brief administrative burden to audit and remove banned products.

Bromley Council will take steps to inform businesses about the upcoming ban and the new regulations, with general guidance available via the Bromley trading standards web page.

According to the briefing paper, the ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey 2025 found that 20% of 11-17 year olds have ever vaped, with 7% being current vapers. The survey also noted a rise in ever smokers from 14% in 2023 to 21% in 2025. Smoking declined until 2023–2024 but rose to 21% ever smokers in 2025. Intentions to smoke and actual experimentation with cigarettes are rising among younger cohorts, with ever-smoking among youth increasing by 7 percentage points in two years. The report suggests that parental smoking, peer networks, and social attitudes play a role in addition to vaping.

The government has doubled funding for stop smoking services, increased national public health campaigning, and mandated all hospitals to provide opt-out cessation support.

The briefing paper also noted that 46% of young vapers buy from shops, despite age restrictions, and that 71% of young people are aware of vape advertising, mainly in shops and online.

To combat underage sales, Trading Standards Officers will be able to issue £200 on-the-spot fines. Retailers will also require a license to sell vape or tobacco products, with failure to comply resulting in criminal prosecution. The Bill establishes a licensing regime for the sale of tobacco and vaping products, allowing authorities to issue on-the-spot £200 fines for underage sales.

Bromley Council's Public Protection and Enforcement Policy Development & Scrutiny Committee is now tasked with considering how national reforms intersect with local priorities, demographics, and service delivery.