The law: what you need to know
The Health Act, passed by Parliament in 2006, included a power to change the age of sale of tobacco from 16 to 18. This came into effect on Monday, 1st October 2007, when it became illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18. This includes cigarettes, cigars, tobacco for roll your own and pipes as well as rolling papers. This applies both to over the counter and vending machine sales.
As before you need to display a sign clearly stating the age restriction on selling tobacco products. Details of signage requirements are available from this site along with downloadable signage. The requirements are the same as before in all respects other than the age change from 16 to 18. This means you need to display a notice saying: “It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18”. If you sell only by vending machine you need to ensure the following words appear on the vending machine: "This machine is only for the use of people aged 18 or over".
Selling tobacco products to someone under the legal age could result in a fine of up to £2,500. Failing to display the statutory notice could result in a fine of up to £1,000. This applies both to over the counter and vending machine sales.
