Tobacco and Vapes

Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026

The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026.

The new law establishes a statutory framework for regulating tobacco and vaping products.

Its provisions include a prohibition on the sale of tobacco to individuals born on or after 1 January 2009, alongside broad powers to regulate vaping and nicotine products, including advertising, packaging and product standards.

It also enables the designation of smoke-free and vape-free places and introduces enforcement mechanisms, including offences and penalties.

Retail Licensing of Tobacco and Vaping Products

An important part of the new law is that it provides a framework for the introduction of a retail licensing scheme for tobacco and vaping products.

Further details of the licensing scheme will be provided in regulations published at a later date, and the likely timescale for the implementation of the licensing scheme is currently unclear.

It is understood that the licensing scheme will eventually require premises and persons involved in the retail sale of relevant products to be licensed by the relevant local authority.

Enforcement authorities, including trading standards, are expected to be given powers to issue penalties and take action against non-compliant businesses, including the suspension or revocation of licences.

Register to receive more information

The Council is committed to sharing information on the new retail licensing requirements as and when further details become available.

This webpage will be updated as more details become available.

In addition, if any retailer or other person would like to receive relevant updates from us via email, they can complete this short form to register.