New rules on nicotine come into force
New UK laws restrict the marketing and sale of nicotine products, including a ban on under-18 sales and free samples.Summary
New legal requirements under the Tobacco & Vapes Act 2026 came into force on 29 October across the UK, restricting how retailers market and sell nicotine products. It is now an offence to sell vaping products, nicotine pouches, and zero-nicotine vapes to anyone under 18, and proxy purchasing for under-18s is also banned. Additional restrictions prohibit sales via customer-facing vending machines (with an exemption for inpatient mental health settings), free distribution, samples, coupons, and substantial discounts on vaping, nicotine, and tobacco products. Enforcement authorities can issue fixed penalty notices, and in Scotland, retailers committing relevant offences three times within two years may face banning orders of up to two years. Hazel Cheeseman of Action on Smoking and Health welcomed the regulations for protecting children while noting the importance of balancing access for smokers seeking to quit.
(Source：Scottish Grocer & Convenience Retailer)
