Department of Health published four pieces of guidance to support understanding of initial measures in the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026. These measures will commence on 29 October 2026 and 1 January 2027. These are:
1. Selling tobacco, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-tobacco-herbal-smoking-products-and-cigarette-papers
2. Selling vaping and nicotine products: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/selling-vaping-and-nicotine-products
3. Tobacco, vaping and nicotine products: fixed penalty notices: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tobacco-vaping-and-nicotine-products-fixed-penalty-notices
4. Tobacco and vaping product vending machine ban: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tobacco-and-vaping-product-vending-machine-ban
Link to the guidance page is here: Search - GOV.UK
The guidance covers a number of areas, including:
- the age of sale for tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping products and nicotine products, including restrictions on proxy purchasing
- age of sale notice requirements for tobacco retailers
- restrictions on free distribution and substantial discounts of relevant products
- offences that fixed penalty notices can be issued for
- the vending machine ban for relevant products and the exemption to vending machine offences for mental health hospitals across England and Wales
This guidance is mainly intended for retailers who will need to understand the changes in the law. It may also be useful for wholesalers, business owners, enforcement authorities and people who use these products.
The Department are also working with local councils in Northern Ireland to provide tailored guidance for a Northern Ireland audience.
