Waitrose is backing the government’s ban on disposable vapes as it reaffirms its commitment as the only supermarket not to have ever stocked the products.

Parliament today (24 October) confirmed that the sale and supply of disposable vapes will be banned in England and Wales from June next year, a move set to impact retailers and vape brands across the country.

However, Waitrose commercial director Charlotte Di Cello said: “As the only UK supermarket that decided never to sell disposable vapes, we absolutely support the government’s ban.

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“Not only are the devices being picked up by huge numbers of younger, non-smokers, they’re also an environmental nightmare, with over five million binned each week.

“We look forward to finally seeing collective action to help protect young people and prevent unnecessary and dangerous waste going to landfill.”

The commercial directors comments come after the supermarket announced in December 2022 that it would not stock the products.

Last year, Waitrose came under fire by online vape retailers who called the upmarket grocer’s stance against disposable vapes “woke hypocrisy”.