Trading Standards welcomes ‘closure of loopholes’ as new tobacco and vape laws take effect
New UK laws now ban sales of all vaping and nicotine products to under-18s, closing loopholes and giving Trading Standards stronger enforcement powers.Summary
From today, it is an offence across the UK to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under 18. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this now includes non-nicotine vapes and nicotine products such as nicotine pouches for the first time. The changes, which Trading Standards say close long-standing loopholes, also make it an offence for adults to buy these products on behalf of under-18s, ban free distribution and substantial discounts that promote them, and allow enforcement authorities to issue fixed penalty notices for a range of related offences. John Herriman, chief executive of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), said the changes close loopholes Trading Standards have raised concerns about for years, noting that most people would be surprised it had been legal to sell nicotine pouches and nicotine-free vapes to children. Kate Pike, CTSI lead officer for tobacco and vapes, welcomed the new regulations, penalties and investment in new officers through the Tobacco and Vapes apprenticeship scheme. Eve Peters, director of government affairs for Elfbar in the UK, welcomed the new laws but called for a quick introduction of a retail licensing system, warning that rogue retailers can commit relevant offences on at least three occasions within two years before a ban can be imposed, leaving a key enforcement gap.
(Source：Talking Retail)
