SHOP workers have been given a seven-day warning they face jail for selling disposable vapes.
A ban on single-use e-cigs kicks in from June 1 under a government crackdown to stop kids getting hooked.
Retailers caught selling disposable vapes will be given a £200 fine as a first punishmentAFP
GettyA disposable vape sells for £3-£10 depending on the brand[/caption]
Retailers caught pushing the throwaway puffers will be given a £200 fine as a first punishment.
Serial offenders risk criminal charges of an unlimited fine or prison sentence of up to two years.
Ahead of the ban, Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: “Single-use vapes get kids hooked on nicotine and blight our high streets, and we won’t stand for this any longer.
“Shopkeepers have just one week until our ban comes in so must act now.
“Rogue traders will face action, and under our Plan for Change, these crooks will face serious penalties.”
The Sun first revealed Labour’s plans to outlaw the sale of disposable vapes next month to both stop children buying them and to reduce litter.
While chargeable e-cigs will still be allowed, retailers have reported users stockpiling disposable ones ahead of the ban.
Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, said: “We have seen a significant uplift in disposable sales over the last three to four weeks, with sales increasing by 50-100 per cent, in many cases.
“The most popular flavours have more than doubled.”
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