Filshill launches AI bot for instant answers on upcoming vape ban

Glasgow-based JW Filshill has created an AI-powered programme that can provide “instant answers” on the upcoming disposable vape ban to convenience retailers.

It is an extension of the wholesaler’s comprehensive guide for its KeyStore symbol retailers, which launched in March, outlining what they need to know and how to prepare for the UK-wide ban on 1 June 2025 in a PDF format.

The new AI bot, called Vapora, works by allowing retailers to ask a question via email to vape.questions@filshill.co.uk, which the bot will reply instantly to.

Vapora also enables retailers to request a list of compliant products as well as how to safely dispose of all non-compliant stock.

It is has been made available to all retailers across the UK, regardless of their fascia, Filshill added.

“As a result of this positive response to our market-leading guide we have decided to use an innovative AI approach to make it available to all retailers – regardless of the trading groups to which they are affiliated – to help the wider convenience sector,” said JW Filshill CEO Simon Hannah.

The wholesaler has also warned that retailers found selling non-compliant vapes after 1 June may face severe legal consequences via fixed monetary penalties (FMPs) with initial fines starting at £200, with the possibility of this being reduced to £100 if paid within 28 days.

However, continued non-compliance repeat offences may result in stop notices, preventing retailers from selling all vaping products. Larger fines could be imposed and a prison sentence is a possibility.

JW Filshill category manager for tobacco and vape Derek Cowan said: “Any legislation that affects convenience stores is important and requires retailers to be fully compliant with all aspects of it – and the new UK-wide regulations around vapes are particularly important.

“From record-keeping and preparing for the shift to compliant vaping and ensuring stores continue to provide a dedicated vape recycling bin for customers – even after disposables are no longer available – our PDF guide, and our new AI bot application, should be studied by all retailers and staff who sell vapes to help them understand the many aspects of this upcoming legislation.”

It was also crucial for stores to phase out disposable vape stock as soon as possible before replacing it with long-term, compliant alternatives, the wholesaler said.

“As a responsible wholesaler, it’s important that we communicate to our retailers – and now those operating in the wider convenience sector – when they should transition from non-compliant to compliant SKUs, as unfortunately ranges are transitioning at different times, and also what the optimum range and planograms are that they should execute going forward,” said Cowan.