Single-use vape ban pushed back by two months

The date for a ban on the sale and supply of single-use vapes in Northern Ireland been pushed back by two months.

Environment Minister Andrew Muir had previously said he intended to ban them from April 2025, but on Wednesday he said the ban would not come into effect until 1 June.

The new date ties in with planned new laws being developed separately by the Scottish, Welsh and UK governments.

Muir said aligning the dates would provide clarity for businesses which sell single-use vapes.

"The environmental damage created by the rise in the littering and incorrect disposal of used vapes, as well as their poor recyclability, is a key concern for me," he said.

"Single use vape waste can have a devastating impact on our environment and biodiversity and I welcome this ban which will have better benefits for our environment and consequently for our general health and well-being."

Businesses have will be able to prepare for the change by selling any existing stock of single-use vapes.

During this period, the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera) will work with retail organisations to ensure those affected understand the ban and their new responsibilities.

UK-wide guidance for businesses is being prepared and is due to be published on Daera's website later in December.

The legislation will provide for criminal sanctions with a maximum penalty of up to two years' imprisonment and a fine.

As many as five million single use vapes are thrown away every week in the UK, rather than being recycled.

In the 2023 UK government consultation, 90.4% of individual respondents from Northern Ireland agreed there should be restrictions on the sale and supply of single use vapes and 84.9% agreed that restrictions should take the form of a ban on their sale and supply.