Lancashire Council issues warning to shops ahead of vape ban

The sale of single-use vapes will be banned from June 1 <i>(Image: Lancashire County Council)</i>
The sale of single-use vapes will be banned from June 1 (Image: Lancashire County Council)
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Single-use vapes are set to be banned across the UK from June 1, with shops urged to clear stock before the end of the month.

Lancashire County Council's trading standards officers have been working closely with shops across the county to prepare for this law change.

Paul Noone, head of service at Lancashire's trading standards, stressed the significance of compliance, stating: "We are keen to see businesses in Lancashire trading successfully, but it is crucial that they do so in compliance with the law in order to ensure that the health of local residents is not put at risk by the products they sell."

He also warned shops to run down their stocks before the ban takes effect, as any business found in possession of single-use vapes after June 1 risks prosecution, which might result in an unlimited fine, a prison sentence, or both.

He added: "Any business continuing to supply single-use vapes after June 1 will risk the stock being seized.

"They may end up being prosecuted, which could result in an unlimited fine, a prison sentence, or both."

This ban also aims to lessen the risk of fires caused by "hidden batteries" that are improperly disposed of in regular bins.

Steve Scott, head of service at Lancashire's waste management, said: "The banning of single-use vapes will be a great step forward for improving the safety of waste and recycling services in Lancashire.

"Single-use vapes contain hidden batteries, which caused a number of serious fires at our recycling facilities last year."

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