Brighton businesses react to disposable vapes ban

The government has announced it will end the sale of single-use vapes in England and Wales from June 1 next year. 

Nafees Kahlon, who works at Fone World in North Street, Brighton, said the move will be a “big hit” for his business.

He said: “We will lose 30 per cent of sales straightaway – it’s a big chunk of the business and we will lose customers.

“As far as health is concerned, it’s a good decision – especially for kids – but it’s the most popular product in convenience and mobile phone shops.

“The government will lose money in terms of taxes because it’s the hottest selling product for many businesses.”

Louie Purdom, centre, predicts that convenience shops will suffer more than specialist vape stores (Image: NQ) Vape Store, also in North Street, is more confident it can weather the change. Louie Purdom, who works at the specialist shop, said while the business can expect to lose 20 per cent of sales, many of its customers switched to reusables six months ago.

He said: “There was a large push by the company to move over to reusables back when there was speculation the ban would come in at the new year.

"Since then, it has been pushed back to June but we’re now well prepared in terms of stock.

“It will be corner shops rather than specialist vape stores which will suffer the most.”

Amira Makram, owner of convenience store Thingslicious in Preston Street, thinks that the government should prioritise cracking down on businesses which “sell cigarettes under the counter” rather than disposable vapes.

She said: “I know it’s about health but if people want to, they will. Most people who buy them are buying them for a night out at the weekend.

“Rechargeable vapes are more expensive and lots of people don’t vape regularly so they don’t need a rechargeable one.”

The disposable vape stock at West Pier News is not as visible as in other convenience shops (Image: NQ) Not all corner shops and newsagents rely so heavily on vape sales. The stock in West Pier News on King’s Road is hidden from view and Mike Osim, who works in the shop, said “we don’t sell too much”.

He said: “It’s not a big part of the business – we might sell one every two to three days. We mainly sell chocolate, drinks and crisps.”