Sheffield teens banned from buying nicotine-free vapes as new rules introduced
Government implements new restrictions on the sale and promotion of vapes and nicotine products across the UK
New restrictions on the sale and promotion of vapes and nicotine products come into force across the UK.
Selling nicotine-containing vapes to under-18s was already illegal. But from today, products that were not previously covered by existing age-of-sales rules, such as nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches, strips and pearls, will become illegal.
For the first time, adults aged 18 or over will also commit an offence if they buy, or attempt to buy, a vaping or nicotine product on behalf of someone under 18.
The measures also prohibit promotional giveaways and substantial promotional discounts in shops and online, alongside vending-machine that either sell or dispense vapes or nicotine products.
Local authority stop smoking services can continue providing products to help adult smokers to quit.
Trading Standards will lead retail enforcement, supported by new fixed penalty powers which will enable swifter action against rogue retailers.
Enforcement agencies are receiving up to £30 million a year until 2028/29. This includes up to £10 million a year for Trading Standards and the recruitment of 120 specialist apprentices to strengthen the workforce tackling illicit and underage tobacco and vape sales.
Dame Diana Johnson, Minister of State for Public Health and Patient Safety, said: “Our landmark Tobacco and Vapes Act was the greatest piece of public health legislation in a generation.
“Six months to the day since the Act became law, we’re extending protections for young people and stopping businesses from cashing in on our children’s health.”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said: “Addicting children to nicotine or encouraging them to vape could lead to the risk of serious health harms - it is completely unacceptable.
“These measures will help protect children from marketing of nicotine products and attempts to encourage them to vape.
“The public health advice remains clear: Vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help adult smokers quit, but it is not risk-free. Children and adult non-smokers should never vape.”
From 1 January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after January 1, 2009. Anyone born after this date will never be legally sold tobacco.