Tobacco and Vapes Bill receives Royal Assent

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has now been granted Royal Assent (29th April), meaning it has now become law.This will introduce significant changes for tobacco and vape retailing across the UK.

Key measures for retailers

• The legislation introduces a phased ban on tobacco sales by age. It will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1st January 2009.

• This means the legal age of sale for tobacco will increase each year, requiring ongoing updates to age verification processes in store.

• The Act also includes new restrictions on vaping products:

  • A ban on advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products

  • Powers to introduce tighter controls on packaging, branding, and in-store displays, particularly where products may appeal to under-18s

The policy aim is to reduce long-term smoking rates and limit uptake among young people, while maintaining access to vaping products for adult smokers using them as a cessation tool.

Further detail and regulations on vape product compliance, merchandising, and display restrictions are expected and may require operational changes in store.

SGF is working on assets so that staff and retailers understand their obligations around the phased ban on tobacco sales by age and will share them with members in the coming months. We will keep retailers informed of any further legislative and regulatory changes relating to tobacco and vaping arising from this law.