Retailers urged to prepare for tobacco and vape laws
Retailers must prepare for new tobacco and vape laws raising the sale age and banning sales to those born after 2009.Summary
Retailers are being urged to prepare for upcoming changes to tobacco and vape laws in the UK. From 29 October 2026, selling any vaping or nicotine product, including nicotine pouches and zero nicotine vapes, to under-18s becomes an offence, applying to online sales as well. From 1 January 2027, selling tobacco, herbal smoking products, or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 becomes illegal, with the age of sale rising annually. Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor of the LGA's Health and Wellbeing Committee advised retailers not to delay preparations, noting that many overlook the October change and still sell nicotine pouches without ID checks. She emphasized that from January, staff will need to verify dates of birth against a fixed date, requiring practice and communication with evening and weekend workers. Government guidance is available free, and councils' trading standards services can answer questions. Steve Turnbull, Wakefield Council's director of public health, highlighted the opportunity to protect future generations from smoking harms and stressed collaboration among retailers, local authorities, and enforcement agencies with 100 days to go.
(Source：Healthcare Management Magazine)
