18 publishers · first seen Wed, 28 Oct 2026 14:23 UTC · updated Fri, 30 Oct 2026 10:57 UTC
The UK government has introduced new restrictions on the sale and promotion of vapes and nicotine products, effective 29 October 2026, as part of the Tobacco and Vapes Act. The ban includes nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches, strips and pearls for under-18s, along with a prohibition on promotional giveaways, large discounts and vending-machine sales. Enforcement measures include a £200 fixed penalty notice, with court fines of up to £2,500 in England and Wales and up to £5,000 in Northern Ireland for severe cases. Adults buying vaping or nicotine products for under-18s will also commit an offence. The government estimates over one million children have tried vaping, with more than 370,000 regular users.
The measures are part of a broader crackdown continuing into 2027, including a ban from 1 January 2027 on selling tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The legislation covers vape devices, tanks, coils, e-liquids and nicotine oral pouches, but exempts licensed medicinal nicotine products. Further proposals include restrictions on packaging, flavours, product displays and expanding smoke-free and vape-free areas.
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