At a meeting of Knowsley Council’s Cabinet on 21 March, Elected Members agreed a new Single Use Vapes Enforcement Policy.
The policy aims to protect the environment, improve public health and protect children and young people from the impact of nicotine addiction.
National ban on single use vapes
In June 2025, the UK Government introduced a nationwide ban on the sale and supply of single use vapes in England, Scotland and Wales. This was in response to growing concerns about the role of disposable vapes in youth vaping and their impact on the environment.
Local enforcement
The new policy clearly sets out how Knowsley Council’s Trading Standards Team will enforce the national ban. This includes:
- Civil financial penalties of £200 for businesses that break the rules
- Other enforcement notices where needed
Businesses will have the option to appeal against any enforcement, and the policy has been developed to ensure that all action taken is consistent.
Ensuring the voice of residents was heard
Before finalising the policy, the council carried out an eight‑week public consultation. Responses to the consultation demonstrated a strong desire for the environmental damage caused by disposable vapes to be addressed, and this has been emphasised in the policy.
Overall, the policy received a positive reception with many comments in support of it.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities, said: “We know from our eight-week public consultation how strongly local residents feel about vapes and the impact they have on our young people and the environment.
“By formally agreeing this new policy, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet has demonstrated our commitment to enforcing new national policy and ensuring that those who break the ban face action.”
Further information
The policy is available in full here.