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.
Authentic Turkish street food is coming to Kirkgate.
Leeds city centre is gearing up to welcome yet another new food spot, and this one is all about homemade lahmacun, shawarma wraps and plenty of signature tahini sauce.
Tahin will open its doors at 10 Kirkgate, next to The Cat Cafe, and with signs already up we don't think it'll be long until they welcome their first customers.
The restaurant is listed as a Turkish restaurant that specialise in their homemade tahini sauce, hence the name.
According to the restaurant's Instagram profile which has been going for a few years, Tahin also specialises in home-made lahmacun wraps alongside shawarma wraps.
For anyone unfamiliar with lahmacun, the Turkish staple is often described as a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a richly seasoned mixture of minced meat, herbs and vegetables.
Wrapped up with fresh salad and sauces, it makes for a satisfying and flavourful lunch to enjoy on-the-go.
Their Instagram suggests that Tahin once existed before back in 2022, so although this may not be a completely new venture, we're nevertheless very glad to see them back.
Its location puts it right in the middle of one of Leeds' busiest areas, making it the perfect mid-shopping pit stop for those wandering around Briggate or stopping for a bite to eat before heading out on the town.
The new opening comes at a time when Leeds' food scene is continuing to expand, with a string of independent restaurants and street-food concepts opening across the city centre throughout 2026.
This Leeds bistro has been named one of the best restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around
Clementine Hall
A much-loved neighbourhood Leeds restaurant has been given another major accolade.
There’s no shortage of brilliant places to eat in Leeds, but one Horsforth bistro has just been given a pretty huge seal of approval - and it might be worth planning your next staycation around.
The brilliant Bavette has been named one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the UK to plan a staycation around by Condé Nast Traveller, appearing alongside a handpicked list of restaurants from across the country.
The list celebrates neighbourhood restaurants that are worth travelling for, with the magazine highlighting the growing appeal of venturing outside of busy city centres in search of smaller, more intimate places to eat.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And Leeds has bagged itself a spot thanks to Bavette, and we can't say we're surprised.
The French-inspired neighbourhood bistro is run by chef Sandy Jarvis and his husband Clément Cousin.
Since opening in 2024, Bavette has quickly become one of the city's most talked-about restaurants, attracting diners far beyond its Horsforth home and scooping up accolades such as the 2024 Good Food Guide's Best UK Local Restaurant, a 2025 and 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand, and a place in the 2026 National Restaurant Awards Top 100.
Condé Nast Traveller hails Bavette as "a true neighbourhood gem", saying: "The restaurant takes its cues from the couple’s London bistro roots, serving hearty yet elegant dishes made with seasonal ingredients.”
They finish by saying: "Reservations are hard to come by - but so worth it once you get your foot in the door."
We really couldn't agree more.
And while a trip to Horsforth might not technically count as a staycation for us Leeds locals, Bavette is certainly one restaurant worth crossing the city for.
Danny Jones -
25th October 2024 
