Tobacco and Vapes Bill set for Royal Assent after final Lords approval

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has completed its passage through Parliament after the House of Lords considered Commons amendments on 20 April 2026. This final stage saw peers review and agree to changes made by the House of Commons, bringing the legislative process to a close.

With both Houses now in agreement, the Bill will proceed to Royal Assent. The date of Royal Assent has not yet been announced, and commencement of the legislation is expected to follow a phased approach, with key provisions dependent on secondary legislation and further guidance.

The Bill establishes a statutory framework for regulating tobacco and vaping products. Its provisions include a prohibition on the sale of tobacco to individuals born on or after 1 January 2009, alongside broad powers to regulate vaping and nicotine products, including advertising, packaging and product standards. It also enables the designation of smoke-free and vape-free places and introduces enforcement mechanisms, including offences and penalties.

A significant component of the legislation is the introduction of a retail licensing framework for tobacco and vaping products. According to local government briefings, the scheme is expected to require retailers to obtain a licence or be registered in order to sell such products, supported by the creation of a national or locally administered register. Enforcement authorities, including trading standards, are expected to be given powers to issue penalties and take action against non-compliant businesses, including the suspension or revocation of licences. The detailed operation of the licensing regime will be set out in secondary legislation.

The Institute of Licensing has confirmed it will keep members informed as further details emerge on implementation and regulatory requirements. Updates will be made available through its resources hub and via the IoL members’ forum, where practitioners can monitor developments and guidance as the Bill moves towards enactment.