Is your business ready for new tobacco and vaping rules? – Lincolnshire County Council
Lincolnshire retailers must prepare for new tobacco and vaping laws starting October 29, 2026, including underage sales bans, vending machine restrictions, and a generational tobacco sales phase-out from 2029.Summary
Lincolnshire County Council is urging retailers to familiarize themselves with new laws affecting tobacco and vaping sales. From 29 October 2026, it becomes an offence to sell any vaping or nicotine product to under-18s, including nicotine pouches and zero-nicotine vapes, both online and in shops. A ban on vending machines selling tobacco, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, and vaping/nicotine products also takes effect, except in adult mental health inpatient settings in England and Wales. Giving such products away for free or at a substantial discount is prohibited. New fixed penalty notices will aid enforcement. Mark Keal, Head of Trading Standards, stressed that businesses must ensure staff are aware of these changes, review vending machine products and promotional offers, and prepare for major changes on 1 January 2029, when it will be illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, with the age of sale increasing annually to phase out tobacco sales across the UK. He advised businesses to check age-verification policies and consider additional signage. Further information is available at www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-vaping-and-nicotine-products.
(Source：Lincolnshire County Council)
