Tobacco and vapes
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 became law on 29 April 2026. It changes how tobacco, vapes, and other nicotine products are sold and regulated across the UK.
This page explains the key changes, what they mean for residents and businesses, and what happens next.
A smoke-free generation
The Act introduces a ‘smoke-free generation’.
Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be able to legally buy tobacco products. This restriction will apply for their lifetime.
New controls on vapes and nicotine products
The Act gives the government new powers to regulate vapes and other nicotine products. These powers are designed to reduce their appeal, especially to children and young people.
The controls include:
- advertising and promotion
- packaging and product presentation
- flavours
- product standards
Smoke-free and vape-free areas
The Act allows for the creation of new smoke-free and vape-free areas. These measures will strengthen existing public health protections in public places.
Enforcement and penalties
Enforcement is a key part of the Act.
It introduces new and updated offences, along with civil sanctions such as fixed penalty notices.
Enforcement authorities will also have stronger powers to tackle:
- underage sales
- the supply of illicit tobacco and vaping products
Retail licensing for tobacco and vapes
The Act creates a legal framework for a future retail licensing scheme for businesses that sell tobacco or vaping products.
Details of the scheme will be set out in future regulations and are not yet available. The timescale for introducing the scheme is currently unclear. It is expected there will be a transition period to give businesses time to prepare.
The scheme is likely to work in a similar way to the Licensing Act 2003.
This could include:
- a personal licence
- a premises licence
Enforcement authorities, including Trading Standards, are expected to have powers to issue fixed penalty notices and take action against businesses that do not comply. This may include suspending or removing licences where appropriate.
What happens next
Many parts of the Act will be introduced gradually through secondary legislation. Some measures, including the retail licensing scheme, will not take effect straight away.
If you sell tobacco or vaping products, you should keep up to date with changes and begin preparing for stricter requirements.
We will update this page as more information becomes available.