Government confirms no consultation on vapes and tobacco retail licensing scheme until 2027

The UK Government has confirmed that its long‑anticipated consultation on a proposed retail licensing scheme for tobacco, vapes and nicotine products will not take place until 2027, according to a newly published written parliamentary answer.

In response to a question tabled in June 2026, ministers stated that although the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 gives England, Wales and Northern Ireland the power to introduce a retail licensing scheme, the Government is still analysing evidence gathered during a call for evidence conducted between October and December 2025. This call for evidence explored potential models for licensing, enforcement mechanisms, and how a scheme could support compliant retailers while tackling illicit sales.

The Department of Health and Social Care confirmed that proposals for consultation are still under development, and that the Government “intends to consult on the new retail licensing scheme in 2027.”

This means there will be no consultation launched in 2026, despite ongoing regulatory activity in related areas. Recent government and devolved‑nation consultations have focused on packaging, device appearance and retail display of vapes and some tobacco products, but these are separate and not part of the licensing scheme itself.

The delay places the retail licensing scheme on a slower trajectory than other measures enabled by the Tobacco and Vapes Act, including the smoke‑free generation provisions due to begin in January 2027 and the advertising and sponsorship ban for vapes and nicotine products scheduled for June 2027.

The Government says the licensing scheme remains a key enforcement tool intended to support legitimate retailers and strengthen action against illegal tobacco and vape sales. However, stakeholders will now have to wait until 2027 before being able to formally respond to detailed proposals.