Businesses urged to get ready for new tobacco and vaping laws on 29 October – City of York Council
York businesses are urged to prepare for new tobacco and vaping laws effective 29 October 2026, which ban sales to under-18s and proxy purchasing.Summary
City of York Council is urging businesses to prepare for new tobacco and vaping laws that take effect on 29 October 2026. The laws make it illegal to sell vaping or nicotine products to anyone under 18, and for adults to buy such products for minors (proxy purchasing). Covered products include nicotine and non-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products, while nicotine replacement therapies are exempt. Trading Standards officers are advising retailers to review age-verification processes, train staff, and prevent underage sales. Cllr Jenny Kent emphasized the importance of protecting young people and encouraged retailers to act now. The laws also ban vending machines selling these products and prohibit free samples or large promotional discounts. Non-compliant businesses could face a £200 fixed penalty notice. Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health, highlighted rising youth vaping and the need for support for smokers, noting that free help through the council's Health Trainers service increases quit success rates. The article also mentions Stoptober and the Swap 2 Stop programme, which offers regulated vaping products and access to the Smoke Free app to help residents quit smoking.
(Source：City of York Council)
