Businesses reminded of new tobacco and vaping laws – City of York Council
York businesses are urged to prepare for new tobacco and vaping laws effective 29 October 2026, which ban underage sales 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 prohibit adults from purchasing these products for minors (proxy purchasing). Covered products include nicotine and non-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products, but not medicines or medical devices such as nicotine replacement therapies. Businesses must check age-verification processes, train staff, and prevent underage sales. The laws also ban vending machines selling these products and restrict free samples and large promotional discounts. Non-compliance can result in a £200 fixed penalty notice. Cllr Jenny Kent emphasized the importance of protecting young people and encouraged retailers to act now. Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health, highlighted rising youth vaping and the availability of free support for smokers through the council's Health Trainers service, which offers up to 12 weeks of one-to-one support, access to the Smoke Free app, and the Swap 2 Stop programme. As York marks Stoptober, residents are encouraged to seek support, which makes quitting up to three times more likely. Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw stressed the importance of protecting children from nicotine addiction while supporting adults to quit.
(Source：City of York Council)
