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 and product standards.
From 29 October 2026, new measures will come into effect to make it harder for children and young people to access vapes and nicotine products. These measures cover:
- vape devices, including disposable and reusable vapes
- e-liquids and vape refills
- vape components
- nicotine pouches, strips and pearls
The measures will also introduce stricter rules on the sale and promotion of these products:
- No sales to under 18s: Sales to anyone under the age of 18 will be prohibited, including in-store and online purchases
- No proxy purchasing: Adults must not buy or attempt to buy these products on behalf of anyone under 18
- No promotional giveaways: Businesses must not give away products or promotional coupons to encourage their purchase or use
- Restrictions on promotional discounts: Promotional discounts intended to encourage the purchase of these products will be prohibited
Retailers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new requirements and ensure they comply with the relevant legislation. Parents, carers and members of the public can also help by staying informed and supporting efforts to protect young people from the harms associated with vaping and nicotine use.
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.