Following a ban on the sale of single-use vapes that came into force last month, penalties for breaking the new rules have been outlined in a new Council policy that all are invited to comment on.
The ban, which was introduced owing to significant concerns about disposable vapes, mainly the rise in young people vaping and the environmental damage caused by improper disposal, came into force on 1 June 2025. This makes it illegal for businesses to sell or supply disposable vapes.
Local authority trading standards teams are now required to introduce a policy for how they will enforce against businesses who continue to sell or supply single-use vapes. The law also states that councils must consult on the policy before it is formally introduced.
Croydon Council’s proposed policy suggests reviewing each offence on a case by case basis. A range of enforcement approaches from fines to further legal action are listed to be used as appropriate, dependant on factors such as the seriousness of the case and any past issues with traders.
The Council is asking for residents, businesses and partners to have their say on the policy before it is finalised later this year. The survey is open until 11.59pm, Wednesday 10 September.
“It’s important that we as a Council respond to changes in the law.
“We are proposing to approach enforcement for this in the same way we do for other areas – working with and educating people who do not mean to break the rules, and firm penalties for those who do it purposefully.”
Jason Perry, Executive Mayor of Croydon
