People have reacted to a planned ban on disposable vapes which is slated to come into force in June 2025 after the government confirmed the proposals this week.

The ban has attracted a variety of opinions from the public with some readers of The Northern Echo believing the ban should take effect sooner.

Kaz Langley said: "Should happen before then - end of this year." Similarly, Pauline Hardy added: "Should do it straight away and ban them all."

Concern was also raised about the potential for people to bypass the ban.

Lynn Davidson said: "Some people will escape through the net and find some way of getting hold of them, so what's the use?"

There is a belief that banning the vapes could lead to increased interest among youths.

Bob Page commented: "Banning things only makes them more tempting for kids, in my opinion."

The potential environmental benefits of the ban were recognised by some.

Neil Gray pointed out that disposable vapes are "thrown away after 200 puffs and cause fires in bin wagons and recycling centres."

However, the infringement on personal choice was criticised.

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David Carradus said: "Disgrace, where is freedom of choice? Why can't we decide, not the state?"

Some readers suggested stricter penalties for sellers could be more effective than a ban.

Brian Abbott suggested: "Just fine sellers a grand a pop. They will then stop selling to our next generation."

Others, like Joanne Foster, believe the ban will not deter determined individuals: "If people want them, then they will find a way to get them."

New legislation to ban the sale of single-use vapes from June 1, 2025 has been laid out in Parliament, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed on Wednesday.

Circular economy minister Mary Creagh said single-use vapes were “extremely wasteful and blight our towns and cities”.

Ms Creagh added: “That is why we are banning single-use vapes as we end this nation’s throwaway culture.

“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.”