Under-18 sales ban forms part of wider Tobacco and Vapes Act implementation

New restrictions on the sale and promotion of vaping and nicotine products have come into force across the UK, marking the latest phase of implementation of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. The measures extend existing age-of-sale protections and introduce new offences aimed at reducing youth access to nicotine products.

From 29 October 2026, it is illegal to sell any vaping product, including nicotine-free vapes, or non-medicinal nicotine products such as nicotine pouches, to anyone under the age of 18. The new rules also make proxy purchasing an offence, meaning adults cannot buy these products on behalf of under-18s. Restrictions have also been introduced on free distribution, promotional giveaways and substantial discounts designed to encourage uptake.

Responding to the changes, Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty said the measures are intended to prevent children and young people becoming addicted to nicotine and described the targeting of under-18s with vaping and nicotine products as “completely unacceptable”. He noted that the latest regulations are “the start of several measures to be introduced in stages” under the Tobacco and Vapes Act.

The Institute of Licensing has published a dedicated Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 resource hub to help licensing practitioners, regulators and stakeholders keep track of the legislation’s ongoing implementation and the wider regulatory changes affecting retailers and enforcement authorities.