‘The ban on single-use disposable vapes has convinced me to quit’

A woman who has vaped for more than four years says she will use Sunday’s ban on selling single-use disposables as an excuse to finally kick the habit.

Chloe Hunter said she started vaping before and after she stopped smoking traditional cigarettes, but describes it as “a nasty habit”.

The 28-year-old, from Nottingham, said the ban on selling some items that comes into force from the start of June is an impetus for quitting altogether.

She hopes it will help her save money and become healthier as a result.

“I’m quite excited – I’m happy to have an excuse to finally quit and get away from it,” she said.

“It’s a perfect excuse, it’s a perfect time, it’s a waste of money, and a nasty habit.”

While one study released last month suggested the use of certain vapes was falling ahead of the ban, some shops in Nottingham have reported bulk-buying of single-use disposables before it becomes illegal.

For Ms Hunter, the temptation to keep coils spare and carry on vaping was never there, and she said she will “go for a run” rather than reach for a vape if she needs to relieve stress.

She said she hopes the ban will bring “an effective change” in reducing litter and helping the environment, and added it was also helping persuade friends, colleagues and even her father to drop the habit.

“He’s been waiting for an excuse to finish for a while, so he’s been waiting for this ban [and] he’s been counting down the days so he can say ‘oh no, what a shame, now I have to stop’,” Ms Hunter said.

“Pretty much everyone that I know is more than happy to put it down and use this as a final excuse to push them over the edge to quit.”