Polling 750 UK adults aged 18+ who vape, the research found that more than 42% would consider returning to cigarettes if all vapes were banned, and 17% said they would revert to smoking following the introduction of tax on further vaping products in October 2026.
The survey paints a picture of a nation still highly dependent on vaping as a tool to quit smoking:
- 44% of respondents said they originally began vaping to quit smoking
- Almost 27% said they have no plans to reduce how often they vape, even in light of the disposable ban
- 52% already use traditional refillable and chargeable vapes, suggesting many have already moved toward more sustainable alternatives
However, the ban on disposables, which are favoured for their convenience and flavour variety, may inadvertently cause harm:
- 48% still rely on disposable or chargeable disposable vapes
- 20% expressed concerns about the rising cost of vaping post-ban
- 11% are worried about a potential increase in unregulated black-market vape sales
Flavour restrictions are also a key issue for vapers. While 33% said they would continue vaping even if flavoured liquids were banned in the future, 23% admitted they would return to smoking cigarettes without access to flavoured options.
Chris Price, e-commerce manager at Vape shop commented: “We fully support efforts to reduce youth vaping and protect public health, but these findings show a real risk that following the disposables ban, we may see thousands pushed back to smoking – the very habit vaping helped them quit.
“With the 2030 smokefree ambition, it’s important that policy decisions don’t undermine progress made over the last decade.
“We urge the government to consider a more balanced approach, such as tighter age verification and packaging controls, rather than removing a tool relied upon by many adults trying to quit smoking.”
