E-cigarettes: Banned but available...!

Local pans shops, and even general merchant shops sell these items despite ban imposed in 2019, reveals an HT investigation

- Animesh Mishra and Aakash Ghosh [e-mail]

LUCKNOW: Despite a ban imposed on the sale, production, import, export, transportation, and advertisement of e-cigarettes, it is being openly sold across the state capital. Several shops, including those in VIP areas, continue to stock and distribute these banned items, raising concerns over lax enforcement by the authorities.

The government banned e-cigarettes or vapes on September 18, 2019, citing serious health risks. However, sellers in the city have found ways to continue the business through pan shops and general stores, making these products easily accessible to customers.

An HT investigation has revealed that multiple vendors in the city not only sell vapes but also offer home delivery services, bypassing legal restrictions with ease.

During an on-ground visit conducted by HT on February 15 and 16 between 1 pm and 4 pm, at least four to five shops in key areas such as Hazratganj, Gomti Nagar, and Indira Nagar were found openly selling vapes. Shopkeepers in these localities displayed a wide range of flavours, including watermelon, kiwi, ice grapes, mixed berry, blue razz, and strawberry kiwi ice.

These sellers offered disposable vapes ranging from 6,000 puffs to 30,000 puffs, despite the strict prohibition on such products.