Heart of the South West Trading Standards is reminding retailers about important new laws coming into force on Thursday 29 October 2026 that strengthen restrictions on the sale and promotion of tobacco, vape and nicotine products.

Under the new legislation, it will be illegal to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under 18. Adults will also commit an offence if they buy, or attempt to buy, these products on behalf of someone under 18.

The changes also ban vending machines that dispense tobacco, vaping or nicotine products, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers.

In addition, businesses will no longer be allowed to give away these products for free or offer them at substantial discounts where the purpose is to promote their sale.

Trading Standards is encouraging retailers to make sure they understand the new rules and have appropriate age verification procedures in place before the changes take effect.

Alex Fry, Heart of the South West Trading Standards Head of Intelligence and Investigations, said:

“These new laws are designed to help reduce young people’s access to vaping, nicotine and tobacco products and create a more consistent approach across the UK.

“We would urge all retailers to familiarise themselves with the changes now and ensure staff are properly trained.

“If there is any doubt about a customer’s age, businesses should always ask for proof of age before making a sale.

“Retailers in the south west can also sign up free for the ‘No Proof of Age – No Sale’ online toolkit which is aimed at all businesses that sell age restricted goods or services. It provides easy to use guidance on how to prevent the illegal sale of age restricted goods and services.”

Steve Brown, Director of Public Health Devon, said:

“These changes are a positive step for public health. We know that nicotine addiction often starts at a young age, and the earlier people begin using these products, the harder it can be to quit.

“By reducing access to vapes, nicotine products and tobacco, this legislation will help protect children and young people and support healthier futures for the next generation.”