Vapers Overtake Smokers in UK for the First Time

For the first time, more adults in Great Britain vape than smoke, according to new figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The 2024 survey reveals that 5.4 million people are now using vapes daily or occasionally, compared with 4.9 million who smoke cigarettes.

Daily vaping is most common among adults aged 25-49, and its use is rising among women. Meanwhile, smoking rates continue to fall, reflecting a decade of decline driven by public-health campaigns and tougher anti-tobacco laws.

Why the Shift?

Experts say the move toward vaping is linked to lower health risks compared to smoking.

The NHS notes that vaping carries only a fraction of the harm of traditional cigarettes, which contain thousands of toxic chemicals produced by burning tobacco.

However, doctors stress that vaping is not risk-free, and non-smokers and children should not start.

Disposable Vape Ban and New Rules

The UK banned the sale of single-use disposable vapes in June, aiming to cut youth vaping and protect the environment.

Under the government’s Tobacco and Vapes Bill, anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will eventually never be able to legally buy cigarettes — a world-first generational tobacco ban.

The bill also proposes stricter rules on flavours, packaging, and nicotine strength to stop vapes appealing to children. New laws will also ban nicotine pouches for under-18s.

Youth Vaping Still a Concern

While overall vaping has risen, usage among 16-24 year-olds dropped slightly to 13%, down from 15.8% last year.

Experts say this is a positive sign — but warn that vaping among non-smokers and teens remains a key issue.