The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026.
The Act sets out a legal framework for how tobacco and vaping products can be regulated.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026.
The Act sets out a legal framework for how tobacco and vaping products can be regulated.
A key part of the Act is that it creates a framework for a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and vaping products.
More detail will be set out in regulations, which will be published at a later date. At this stage, the timescale for introducing the licensing scheme is not confirmed.
It is expected that, in future, businesses that sell these products and the people involved in selling them will need to be licensed by the relevant local authority.
Enforcement bodies (including Trading Standards) are expected to have powers to issue penalties and take action where businesses do not comply, including suspending or revoking licences.
| What this will mean for retailers
|
|
|---|---|
| Age-of-sale checks | You will need robust age-verification procedures for tobacco sales, particularly for younger customers. The Act bans the sale of tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. |
| Staff training | Ensure staff understand which products are covered, how to refuse a sale appropriately, and how to handle challenges or complaints. |
| Product and marketing compliance | Future rules may cover vaping and nicotine product advertising, packaging and product standards. Be prepared to review product ranges and in-store/online marketing when regulations are published. |
| Prepare for retail licensing | A retail licensing scheme is expected. This may involve applying for a licence for your business and/or named individuals involved in sales, paying fees, and meeting licence conditions (to be confirmed). |
| Keep good records | Maintaining clear purchasing and supplier records can support due diligence and help you respond to any compliance checks. |
| Enforcement action for non-compliance | Trading Standards and other enforcement bodies are expected to have powers to issue penalties and take action, including suspension or revocation of licences (once licensing is introduced). |
| Stay informed | We will update this page when new details are published. |
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