Bad news for all those who partake but a big win for public health as disposable vapes are officially set to be banned in England and Wales next year.
After reports first began circulating back in January , retailers stocking disposable vapes will have until the summer to remove them from the shelves.
The legislation was handed down by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on 23 October, with ratification in England and Wales coming on Thursday; it is expected that Scotland and Northern Ireland will follow suit.
Local councillors had already called for the ban earlier this year due to the ‘environmental impact’ and it has remained a priority for Public Health England virtually ever since the advent began.
Announcing the impending ban this week , DEFRA confirmed that what they have labelled as an “extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities” – not to mention a gateway substance for non-smokers and children – will finally be banned by June 2025.
Image: The Manc Group
In addition to a marked increase in users who have never even smoked before, it is estimated that around 9% of the British population now enjoy vaping and that the popularity among young people is alarming and only increasing.
The Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne said: “It’s deeply worrying that a quarter of 11-15-year-olds used a vape last year and we know disposables are the product of choice for the majority of kids vaping today.
“Banning disposable vapes will not only protect the environment but importantly reduce the appeal of vapes to children and keep them out of the hands of vulnerable young people.”
Meanwhile, Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh, who announced the new law on Wednesday, added: “This is the first step on the road to a circular economy, where we use resources for longer, reduce waste, accelerate the path to net-zero and create thousands of jobs across the country.”
69% of those who responded to the consultation were in favour of doing away with disposable vapes which are not only a public health risk but a massive detriment environmentally, as plastic, lead, and mercury leaching into waterways and/or other habits to harm wildlife is a prevailing concern.
The usual type of vape pens bought from off-licenses and most major retailers cannot typically be recycled, meaning that they usually end up in landfill or being incinerated, which also poses a fire risk due to their lithium-ion batteries and can cause poor air quality.
Despite still being a hugely profitable industry, the government is also set to introduce a landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill , first submitted in September of this year, set to be the biggest public health intervention in a generation.
In theory, it aims to protect young people from nicotine addiction and pave the way for a smoke-free UK by 2030 – banning disposable vapes is just the latest in the comprehensive nationwide plans.
The final go-ahead is expected to be given for work to start on a major new £15million sports hub in Holbeck.
Senior councillors are expected to give the approval next Wednesday 11 March at an executive board meeting.
An agreement will be made on a contractor to complete the work which will bring state-of-the-art sports pitches and a community space to the city.
Holbeck Sports Hub will provide three full-size artificial grass football pitches, two multi-use games areas and a building with changing rooms and a café.
Image: Supplied
Work is expected to begin in August 2026 and is set to be built at the site of the former Matthew Murray High School.
The plan is to also provide a home to a new GP surgery as well as a children’s play area and walking and running routes through the green space which sits off Brown Lane East and Ingram Road.
Image: Supplied
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said: “We look forward to the work starting on the Holbeck Sports Hub, which will be a significant asset to the local community and residents in south Leeds.
“It will provide affordable and accessible quality sports pitches, providing more opportunities for physical activity and play and spaces to meet up and connect.
“We are also working towards an agreement with a GP practice so that the area can benefit from new high-quality healthcare provision to meet the needs of the community.”
The programme is joint funded by the Football Foundation and Leeds City Council capital funding.
New grassroots music space aiming to make DJing and music more accessible opening in Headingley this month
Clementine Hall
A new grassroots music space is opening in Headingley with a mission to make DJing, vinyl and music culture more accessible.
Meanhood Studios, founded by long-time LS6 residents Jim and Katie Young, will combine a professional DJ rehearsal studio, record shop, performance space and tuition hub all under one roof.
Their aim is simple, "to level the playing field in a scene that has often felt exclusive and gatekept.”
Meanhood started as a guerrilla pop-up record shop in lockdown when Jim started selling records from his personal collection.
Built solely on quality and word-of-mouth reputation, the venture quickly grew into a respected local record spot known for its carefully curated vinyl selection.
Images: Supplied
Jim’s roots trace back to Manchester’s late-90s free party scene, he began DJing at 17 and from Hyde Park house parties to residencies at legendary clubs, he went on to host nights featuring artists who would later become major names in UK dance music.
Katie grew up in rural Cumbria, discovering music through pirate radio, library tapes and out-of-town raves. After moving to Leeds for university, she built a 20-year corporate career while supporting events, fly-posting for club nights and working behind the scenes.
“DJing is so much more than pushing buttons,” says Jim. “You’ve got to love it when no one’s watching. We want to share that knowledge and remove some of the barriers we experienced.”
Meanhood Studios will open on Friday 13 March and will offer access to equipment, rehearsal space, vinyl records and tuition for aspiring DJs and music lovers.
It's more important now than ever to support grassroots music venues, and we can't wait to check out this new space.
Danny Jones -
25th October 2024 
