New Tobacco and Vaping Laws Take Effect on 29 October | Harrogate Informer

City of York Council's Trading Standards officers are helping retailers prepare for new tobacco, vaping and nicotine product laws that take effect on 29 October 2026. The rules make it illegal to sell vaping or nicotine products to anyone under 18 and an offence for adults to buy them on behalf of minors, covering nicotine and non-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches and other nicotine products, though nicotine replacement therapies and medical devices are excluded. Retailers must review age-verification procedures and train staff. The legislation also bans vending machines selling tobacco, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping products or nicotine products, applying to anyone responsible for premises where such machines are installed even if payment occurs elsewhere. Businesses also face restrictions on free samples and large promotional discounts, with non-compliance risking a £200 fixed penalty notice. Cllr Jenny Kent, Executive Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, called the changes an important step in protecting children and young people, urging retailers to check covered products, refresh staff training and ensure effective age checks. The council also promotes its free Health Trainers stop-smoking service, offering up to 12 weeks of one-to-one support, access to the Smoke Free app and the Swap 2 Stop programme providing regulated vaping products, plus six months of free Smoke Free app use. Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health, said the laws help prevent children and young people from nicotine addiction and support a smoke-free generation, encouraging adults who smoke to seek support.

(Source：Harrogate Informer)