Tobacco control

Find out about tobacco control guidance for retailers.

Information for Retailers

The Tobacco and Vapes Act introduces significant changes to the sale, promotion and regulation of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products. Retailers must ensure they understand and comply with the new legal requirements as they come into force.

Key Changes and Important Dates

29 October 2026

The following measures come into effect:

  • An age of sale of 18 years for all vaping and nicotine products.
    • Products include:
      • Vape Devices
      • E-Liquids and other substances intended to be vaped, including nicotine free e-liquids
      • Vape components and accessories such as pods, coils and cartridges
      • Nicotine pouches, strips and pearls
      • Other consumer nicotine products containing nicotine including synthetic nicotine products.
  • A ban on tobacco and vaping product vending machines.
  • A ban on the free distribution of vaping and nicotine products where the purpose or effect is to promote the product.
  • A ban on the sale of vaping and nicotine products at substantial discounts where the purpose or effect is to promote the product.
  • Introduction of a new £200 Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) regime for certain offences.

1 January 2027

The smokefree generation age of sale begins. It will be an offence to sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.

Retailers will be required to display updated age-of-sale notices at points of sale.

Retailers are encouraged to review the Government guidance and update their policies, staff training and point-of-sale materials ahead of the relevant implementation dates.

Guidance

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has published guidance to help retailers understand their responsibilities:

  1. Selling tobacco, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers
  2. Selling vaping and nicotine products
  3. Tobacco, vaping and nicotine products: fixed penalty notices
  4. Tobacco and vaping product vending machine ban

These documents explain age-restricted sales requirements, age verification, proxy purchasing offences, enforcement powers and retailer responsibilities.

Why These Changes Are Being Introduced

The new legislation aims to reduce smoking and nicotine addiction, prevent young people from accessing tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, and support future generations to live healthier, smoke-free lives.

Further Information

For detailed information about the legislation and implementation timetable, visit the Tobacco and Vapes Act FAQs published by the Local Government Association.

Further information can also be found at An introduction to the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 | Business Companion

If you have a Trading Standards issue to report visit Report a trading standards issue | Knowsley Council

Information on illicit vapes, tobacco and alcohol can be found at Illicit substances | Knowsley Council

Details on the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) which is now in force across a range of public spaces in Knowsley can be found here.

Future legislation

Further legislation, listed below, will come in to force from April next year, which retailers will need to be aware of. Further information will be available in the coming months.

1 April 2027

All vaping products sold or supplied in the UK must carry a valid vaping duty stamp on retail packaging.

1 June 2027

Planned implementation date for restrictions on vaping and nicotine advertising and sponsorship.

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