Rules Related to Sales

Across the UK, it is illegal to sell vape products to anyone under the age of 18. However, it’s worth noting that there are different regulations in place for the sale of vaping products in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

England & Wales

  • It is illegal for an adult to buy or attempt to buy tobacco, cigarette papers, or nicotine inhaling products for someone under 18. This is a ‘proxy purchase’, and the buyer – not the seller – commits an offence.

Scotland

  • It is illegal for staff under the age of 18 to make a sale without written authorisation.
  • Businesses must have an age verification policy in place.
  • It is illegal to sell vape products through a vending machine.

Northern Ireland

  • It is illegal for an adult to buy or attempt to buy vape products on behalf of someone under 18. This is a ‘proxy purchase‘ and is an offence.
  • All retailers who sell tobacco or vape products must also have an age verification system in place to show that they took ‘all reasonable precautions’ and exercised ‘all due diligence’ to prevent underage sales. For example, this could include staff training.

This page will be updated when the Tobacco & Vapes Bill progresses through the legislative process.