Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026
2026 Chapter 18An Act to make provision about the supply of tobacco, vapes and other products, including provision prohibiting the sale of tobacco to people born on or after 1 January 2009 and provision about the licensing of retail sales and the registration of retailers; to enable product and information requirements to be imposed in connection with tobacco, vapes and other products; to control the advertising and promotion of tobacco, vapes and other products; and to make provision about smoke-free places, vape-free places and heated tobacco-free places.
Part 1 Sale and distribution: England and Wales¶
Sale of tobacco etc¶
1 Sale of tobacco etc¶
2 Purchase of tobacco etc on behalf of others¶
3 Tobacco vending machines¶
4 Sale of unpackaged cigarettes¶
5 Age of sale notice at point of sale: England¶
It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009
6 Age of sale notice at point of sale: Wales¶
It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009
Mae’n anghyfreithlon gwerthu cynhyrchion tybaco i unrhyw un a anwyd ar neu ar ôl 1 Ionawr 2009
Snus etc¶
7 Ban on manufacture of snus etc¶
8 Ban on sales of snus etc¶
9 Possession of snus etc with intent to supply¶
Sale of vaping and nicotine products etc¶
10 Sale of vaping or nicotine products to under 18s¶
11 Purchase of vaping or nicotine products on behalf of under 18s¶
12 Vaping and nicotine product vending machines¶
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“mental health hospital” means an institution (or part of an institution) maintained wholly or mainly for the reception and treatment of inpatients who—
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are aged 18 or over, and
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are suffering from mental disorder (within the meaning of the Mental Health Act 1983);
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“nicotine product vending machine” means a machine—
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from which nicotine products may be bought, or
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from which they are dispensed to a customer in connection with a sale;
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“vape vending machine” means a machine—
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from which vaping products may be bought, or
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from which they are dispensed to a customer in connection with a sale.
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Displays of products or prices¶
13 Displays of products or prices in England¶
14 Displays of products or prices in Wales¶
Free distribution and discounts¶
15 Free distribution and discount of products¶
Retail licensing: England¶
16 Prohibition of retail sales of tobacco products etc in England without a licence¶
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“grant” includes variation or renewal;
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“licensing authority” has the meaning given by paragraph 2 of Schedule 1;
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“personal licence” means a licence that is granted by a licensing authority and authorises an individual to do the things mentioned in subsection (1)(a), (b) and (c);
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“premises licence” means a licence that is granted by a licensing authority and authorises the use of premises by a person for the things mentioned in subsection (2)(a), (b) and (c);
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“relevant products” means—
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tobacco products;
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herbal smoking products;
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cigarette papers;
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vaping products;
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nicotine products;
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“supply” includes despatch.
17 Offences in connection with licences: England¶
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“grant” includes variation or renewal;
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“licensing authority” has the meaning given by paragraph 2 of Schedule 1;
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“personal licence” has the meaning given by section 16(8);
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“premises licence” has the meaning given by section 16(8);
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“relevant product” has the meaning given by section 16(8).
18 Financial penalties for breach of licence conditions: England¶
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“personal licence” has the meaning given by section 16(8);
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“premises licence” has the meaning given by section 16(8);
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“relevant district council” means a district council that—
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is specified as a licensing authority under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1, and
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is not a local weights and measures authority.
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Retail licensing: Wales¶
19 Prohibition of retail sales of tobacco products etc in Wales without a licence¶
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“grant” includes variation or renewal;
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“licensing authority”, in relation to the doing of things or the use of premises in a county or county borough in Wales, means the council of the county or county borough;
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“personal licence” means a licence that is granted by a licensing authority and authorises an individual to do the things mentioned in subsection (1)(a), (b) and (c);
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“premises licence” means a licence that is granted by a licensing authority and authorises the use of premises by a person for the things mentioned in subsection (2)(a), (b) and (c);
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“relevant products” means—
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tobacco products;
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herbal smoking products;
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cigarette papers;
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vaping products;
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nicotine products;
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“supply” includes despatch.
20 Offences in connection with licences: Wales¶
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“grant” includes variation or renewal;
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“licensing authority”, in relation to the doing of things or the use of premises in a county or county borough in Wales, means the council of the county or county borough;
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“personal licence” has the meaning given by section 19(8);
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“premises licence” has the meaning given by section 19(8);
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“relevant product” has the meaning given by section 19(8).
21 Financial penalties for breach of licence conditions: Wales¶
22 Repeal of register of retailers of tobacco and nicotine products in Wales etc¶
In the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 (anaw 2), in Part 3 (tobacco and nicotine products) omit Chapter 2 (retailers of tobacco and nicotine products).Restricted premises orders¶
23 Restricted premises orders¶
24 Restricted premises orders: interested persons¶
25 Restricted premises orders: appeals¶
An appeal against an order made under section 23 or 24 may be brought to the Crown Court.26 Breach of restricted premises orders¶
27 Power to extend restricted premises orders in Wales¶
Restricted sale orders¶
28 Restricted sale orders¶
29 Restricted sale orders: appeals¶
An appeal against an order made under section 28 may be brought to the Crown Court.30 Breach of restricted sale orders¶
Offences by bodies¶
31 Liability of others for certain offences committed by bodies¶
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“body” means—
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a body corporate,
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a partnership, or
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an unincorporated association;
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“relevant person” means—
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in relation to a body corporate other than one whose affairs are managed by its members, a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body;
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in relation to a limited liability partnership or other body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, a member who exercises functions of management with respect to it;
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in relation to a limited partnership, a general partner (within the meaning given by section 3 of the Limited Partnerships Act 1907);
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in relation to any other partnership, a partner;
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in relation to an unincorporated association, a person who exercises functions of management with respect to it.
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Enforcement functions¶
32 Enforcement authorities¶
33 Programme of enforcement action: England¶
34 Programme of enforcement action: Wales¶
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section 51A (offence of handing over tobacco etc. to people born on or after 1 January 2009);
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section 52 (offence of handing over vaping or nicotine products to under 18s).
Powers of ministers to take over enforcement¶
35 Power of ministers to take over enforcement functions¶
36 Power of ministers to take over proceedings¶
Fixed penalties: England¶
37 Fixed penalty notices: England¶
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section 1 (sale of tobacco etc to people born on or after 1 January 2009);
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section 2 (purchase of tobacco etc on behalf of others);
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section 5 (age of sale notice at point of sale: England);
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section 10 (sale of vaping or nicotine products to under 18s);
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section 11 (purchase of vaping or nicotine products on behalf of under 18s);
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section 13 (displays of products or prices in England);
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section 15 (free distribution and discount of products);
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section 17 (offences in connection with retail licences: England).
38 Fixed penalties in England: use of proceeds¶
39 Power to change amount of fixed penalties: England¶
Fixed penalties: Wales¶
40 Fixed penalty notices: Wales¶
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section 1 (sale of tobacco etc to people born on or after 1 January 2009);
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section 2 (purchase of tobacco etc on behalf of others);
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section 6 (age of sale notice at point of sale: Wales);
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section 10 (sale of vaping or nicotine products to under 18s);
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section 11 (purchase of vaping or nicotine products on behalf of under 18s);
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section 14 (displays of products or prices in Wales);
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section 15 (free distribution and discount of products);
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section 20 (offences in connection with retail licences: Wales).
41 Fixed penalties in Wales: use of proceeds¶
42 Power to change amount of fixed penalties: Wales¶
Handing over tobacco etc to underage people in Wales¶
43 Handing over tobacco etc to underage people in Wales¶
Schedule 5 contains amendments to Chapter 4 of Part 3 of the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 (anaw 2) (handing over tobacco, cigarettes and nicotine products to persons under 18), including—Consequential, transitional and transitory provision¶
44 Consequential amendments to do with Part 1¶
45 Application of programmes of enforcement to old age of sale offences¶
Sections 33 and 34 have effect in relation to times before 1 January 2027 as if subsection (2) of each of those sections included a reference to—46 Application of fixed penalty regime to old age of sale offences¶
47 Transitional provision: general¶
Powers to adjust scope¶
48 Power to extend Part 1 to other products¶
Crown application¶
49 Crown application¶
Interpretation etc¶
50 Interpretation of Part 1¶
In this Part—-
“cigarette papers” includes anything intended to be used for encasing tobacco products or herbal smoking products for the purpose of enabling them to be smoked;
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“filter” means a filter that is intended to be used when smoking a tobacco product or herbal smoking product (including a filter that forms part of, or that is intended to be inserted into, an item such as a cigarette holder or pipe);
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“herbal smoking product” means a product consisting wholly or partly of vegetable matter and intended to be smoked but not containing tobacco;
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“medical device” has the meaning given by the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/618);
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“medicinal product” has the meaning given by the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1916);
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“nicotine product” has the meaning given by section 51;
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“premises” means any place (including a vehicle or moveable structure);
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“relevant enforcement authority in England” has the meaning given by section 32(2);
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“retail packaging”, in relation to a product, means the packaging in which it is, or is intended to be, presented for sale by retail;
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“sell” means sell by retail;
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“tobacco product” means a product consisting wholly or partly of tobacco and intended to be smoked, sniffed, sucked, chewed or consumed in any other way;
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“tobacco related device” means—
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a device, other than a vape, which enables a tobacco product to be consumed (for example, a heated tobacco device or pipe), or
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an item which is intended to form part of such a device;
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“tobacco retailer” means a person who carries on a business involving the sale of tobacco products by retail;
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“vape” means—
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a device which—
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vaporises substances, other than tobacco, for the purpose of inhalation through a mouthpiece (whether or not it also vaporises tobacco), and
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is not a medical device or a medicinal product, or
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an item which is intended to form part of a device within paragraph (a) (including anything intended to be attached to it with a view to imparting flavour);
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“vaping product” means—
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a vape, or
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a vaping substance;
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“vaping substance” means a substance, other than tobacco, that is intended to be vaporised by a vape;
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“vaporises” includes aerosolises (and “vaporised” is to be construed accordingly);
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“vehicle” means every type of vehicle, including a vessel, aircraft and hovercraft.
51 Meaning of “nicotine product”¶
Part 2 Sale and distribution: Scotland¶
Sale of tobacco etc¶
52 Age of sale for tobacco products etc¶
53 Sale of unpackaged cigarettes¶
54 Repeal of offence of purchasing tobacco products by under 18s¶
55 Repeal of power to confiscate tobacco products from persons under 18¶
Omit section 7 of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) (confiscation of tobacco products from people under 18).56 Extension of tobacco legislation to herbal smoking products¶
57 Power to make provision about warning statements¶
Snus etc¶
58 Ban on manufacture of snus etc¶
After section 9 of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) insert—59 Ban on sales of snus etc¶
After section 9A of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) (inserted by section 58 of this Act) insert—60 Possession of snus etc with intent to supply¶
Vaping and nicotine products¶
61 Extension of offences to vaping and nicotine products¶
62 Meaning of “nicotine product”¶
Before section 36 of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) insert—Age verification¶
63 Age verification in relation to tobacco and vaping products etc¶
Displays of products or prices¶
64 Displays of vaping and nicotine products¶
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section 15(3)(d) and (4)(b);
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section 16(3)(a);
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section 26(2)(a);
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section 27(1);
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section 32(1) and (4).
Free distribution and discounts¶
65 Free distribution and discount of products¶
Alignment of definitions¶
66 Alignment of definition of “filter” etc¶
67 Alignment of definition of “tobacco product”¶
In the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3), in section 35 (interpretation of Part 1), in subsection (1), for the definition of “tobacco product” substitute—68 Alignment of definition of “vaping product”¶
Schedule 8 contains provision for the purposes of aligning the definition of “vaping product” in the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) with that used elsewhere in this Act.Extension of retailer register etc¶
69 Extension of retailer register etc¶
Schedule 9 contains amendments to the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) for the purposes of extending Chapter 2 of Part 1 of that Act (register of tobacco and nicotine vapour product retailers) so that it applies in relation to herbal smoking products and nicotine products.Miscellaneous¶
70 Crown application of 2010 Act¶
In section 36 of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) (Crown application), in subsection (3), after “on the application” insert “of the Scottish Ministers or”.71 Power to extend 2010 Act to other products¶
Part 3 Sale and distribution: Northern Ireland¶
Sale of tobacco etc¶
72 Age of sale for tobacco products etc¶
For Article 3 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) substitute—73 Purchase of tobacco on behalf of others¶
For Article 4A of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) substitute—74 Tobacco vending machines¶
After Article 4A of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 73 of this Act) insert—75 Sale of unpackaged cigarettes¶
After Article 4B of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 74 of this Act) insert—76 Age of sale notice at point of sale¶
After Article 4C of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 75 of this Act) insert—Snus etc¶
77 Ban on manufacture of snus etc¶
After Article 4D of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 76 of this Act) insert—78 Ban on sales of snus etc¶
After Article 4E of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 77 of this Act) insert—79 Possession of snus etc with intent to supply¶
Vaping and nicotine products¶
80 Sale of vaping or nicotine products to under 18s¶
After Article 4G of Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 79 of this Act) insert—81 Purchase of vaping or nicotine products on behalf of under 18s¶
82 Vaping and nicotine product vending machines¶
After Article 4I of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 81 of this Act) insert—Displays of products or prices¶
83 Displays of products and prices in Northern Ireland¶
After Article 4J of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 82) insert—Free distribution and discounts¶
84 Free distribution and discount of products¶
After Article 4K of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 83) insert—Enforcement¶
85 Programme of enforcement action by district councils¶
Before Article 7 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) insert—Interpretation of 1978 Order¶
86 Interpretation of 1978 Order¶
For Article 7 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) substitute—Retailer register and licensing¶
87 Extension of retailer register¶
Schedule 10 amends the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 4 (N.I.)) to extend certain provisions about the registration of tobacco retailers so that they apply in relation to retailers of vaping products and nicotine products.88 Prohibition of retail sales of tobacco products etc without a licence¶
Powers to extend legislation¶
89 Power to extend legislation to other products¶
Consequential etc, transitional and transitory provision¶
90 Consequential and other amendments¶
91 Transitional provision¶
In relation to times before 1 January 2027, Article 6A(2) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)) (inserted by section 85 of this Act) has effect as if it included a reference to an offence under Article 5 of the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/2872 (N.I. 25)) (display of warning statements).Part 4 Snus etc: seizure and detention powers¶
92 Power of officer of Revenue and Customs to seize and detain snus etc¶
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“enforcement authority”—
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in relation to England or Wales, means a local weights and measures authority;
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in relation to Scotland, means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994;
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in relation to Northern Ireland, means a district council;
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“non-working day” means—
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a Saturday or Sunday, or
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a day which is a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 in any part of the United Kingdom;
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“relevant offence” means an offence under any of the following (which relate to possession of relevant oral tobacco products with intent to supply)—
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section 9 (England and Wales);
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section 9C of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) (Scotland);
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Article 4G of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26));
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“relevant oral tobacco product” means a tobacco product that—
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is intended for oral use,
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is not intended to be inhaled or chewed, and
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consists wholly or partly of tobacco in powder or particulate form.
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93 Extension of section 92 to filters¶
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“filter” means a filter that is intended to be used when smoking a tobacco product or herbal smoking product (including a filter that forms part of, or that is intended to be inserted into, an item such as a cigarette holder or pipe);
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“herbal smoking product” means a product consisting wholly or partly of vegetable matter and intended to be smoked but not containing tobacco;
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“relevant offence” means an offence created by virtue of regulations under—
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section 48(2),
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section 34A(4) of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3), or
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Article 6B(2) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26));
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“tobacco product” means a product consisting wholly or partly of tobacco and intended to be smoked, sniffed, sucked, chewed or consumed in any other way.
Part 5 Product and information requirements etc¶
Product requirements etc¶
94 Retail packaging¶
95 Features of products¶
96 Contents and flavour¶
97 Substances released into human body and emissions¶
Non-compliant images¶
98 Non-compliant images¶
Registration and information requirements¶
99 Registration¶
100 Information¶
101 Studies¶
102 Responsible person¶
Quality control and safety¶
103 Testing¶
104 Product safety¶
Matters dealt with by 2016 Regulations¶
105 Matters dealt with by 2016 Regulations¶
106 Treatment of 2016 Regulations¶
The Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/507), so far as they contain provision that could be made under a regulation-making power conferred by this Part, are treated for the purposes of section 14 of the Interpretation Act 1978 (implied power to amend or revoke) as having been made under that power.Supplementary and miscellaneous¶
107 Offences¶
108 Enforcement¶
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“appropriate national authority” means—
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in relation to England, the Secretary of State,
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in relation to Wales, the Welsh Ministers,
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in relation to Scotland, the Scottish Ministers, and
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in relation to Northern Ireland, the Department of Health;
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“relevant enforcement authority” means—
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in relation to England, a local weights and measures authority,
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in relation to Wales, a local weights and measures authority,
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in relation to Scotland, a local weights and measures authority, and
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in relation to Northern Ireland, a district council;
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“supplying” includes—
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agreeing to supply;
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offering or exposing for supply.
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109 Sub-delegation¶
Regulations under this Part may confer discretions.110 Power to make provision binding the Crown¶
111 Power to amend legislation¶
The consequential provision that may be made by regulations under this Part by virtue of section 172(1)(a) includes provision amending, repealing or revoking any legislation (whenever passed or made).112 Consequential repeal¶
In the Children and Families Act 2014 omit section 94.113 Enforcement of 2016 Regulations¶
In Schedule 15 to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (consumer protection enactments), in Part 1—Consultation and consent¶
114 Consultation¶
Before making regulations under this Part the Secretary of State must consult any persons the Secretary of State considers it appropriate to consult.115 Consent to regulations under Part 5¶
Before making regulations under this Part the Secretary of State must obtain the consent of—Interpretation¶
116 Interpretation of Part 5¶
In this Part—-
“cigarette papers” includes anything intended to be used for encasing tobacco products or herbal smoking products for the purpose of enabling them to be smoked;
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“filter” means a filter that is intended to be used when smoking a tobacco product or herbal smoking product (including a filter that forms part of, or that is intended to be inserted into, an item such as a cigarette holder or pipe);
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“herbal smoking product” means a product consisting wholly or partly of vegetable matter and intended to be smoked but not containing tobacco;
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“importer”, in relation to a product, means a person who imports the product into the United Kingdom in the course of business;
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“medical device” has the meaning given by the Medical Devices Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002/618);
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“medicinal product” has the meaning given by the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (S.I. 2012/1916);
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“nicotine product” has the meaning given by section 117;
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“packaging”, in relation to a product, means—
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the external packaging of the product (including any wrapper),
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the internal packaging of the product, or
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any other material attached to or included with the product or anything within paragraph (a) or (b);
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“production”, in relation to a product, means—
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the manufacture of the product, or
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the putting of a name, trademark or other distinguishing mark on the product by a person, the effect of which is to hold the person out as being the manufacturer of the product;
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“retail packaging”, in relation to a product, means the packaging in which it is, or is intended to be, presented for sale by retail;
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“supply”, in relation to a product, includes—
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offering or agreeing to supply it, or
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exposing or possessing it for supply;
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“tobacco product” means a product consisting wholly or partly of tobacco and intended to be smoked, sniffed, sucked, chewed or consumed in any other way;
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“tobacco related device” means—
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a device, other than a vape, which enables a tobacco product to be consumed (for example, a heated tobacco device or pipe), or
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an item which is intended to form part of a device within paragraph (a);
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“vape” means—
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a device which—
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vaporises substances, other than tobacco, for the purpose of inhalation through a mouthpiece (whether or not it also vaporises tobacco), and
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is not a medical device or a medicinal product, or
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an item which is intended to form part of a device within paragraph (a) (including anything intended to be attached to it with a view to imparting flavour);
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“vaping product” means—
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a vape, or
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a vaping substance;
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“vaping substance” means a substance, other than tobacco, that is intended to be vaporised by a vape;
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“vaporises” includes aerosolises (and “vaporised” is to be construed accordingly).
117 Meaning of “nicotine product”¶
Part 6 Advertising and sponsorship¶
Advertising¶
118 Publishing advertisements¶
119 Designing advertisements¶
120 Printing advertisements¶
121 Distributing advertisements¶
122 Causing publication, designing, printing or distribution¶
123 Internet services¶
124 Exceptions for internet service providers (conduits, caching and hosting)¶
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“internet service provider” means a provider of—
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a service that is made available by means of the internet, or
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a service that provides access to the internet;
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“relevant advertisement” means an advertisement whose purpose is, or effect will be, to promote—
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a tobacco product,
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a herbal smoking product,
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cigarette papers,
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a vaping product, or
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a nicotine product;
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“user”, in relation to an internet service provider, means a user of a service provided by the internet service provider.
125 Advertising defences: general¶
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“relevant person”: a person is a “relevant person” involved in a relevant trade if the person is engaged in, or employed by, a business which is part of that trade and the person—
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is responsible for making decisions on behalf of that business about the purchase of tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping products or nicotine products which are to be sold in the course of the business,
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occupies a position in the management structure of the business which is equivalent in seniority to, or of greater seniority than, that of a person who is responsible as mentioned in paragraph (a), or
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is responsible for the conduct of the business or is a member of the board of directors or other body of persons (however described) that is responsible for the conduct of the business;
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“relevant trade” means—
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the tobacco products trade,
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the herbal smoking products trade,
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the cigarette papers trade,
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the vaping products trade, or
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the nicotine products trade.
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126 Advertising defence: public health campaigns¶
127 Specialist tobacconists¶
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“appropriate national authority”—
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in relation to specialist tobacconists in England, means the Secretary of State,
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in relation to specialist tobacconists in Wales, means the Welsh Ministers,
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in relation to specialist tobacconists in Scotland, means the Scottish Ministers, and
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in relation to specialist tobacconists in Northern Ireland, means the Department of Health in Northern Ireland;
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“shop” includes a self-contained part of a shop (and, in relation to a self-contained part of a shop, “premises” means that self-contained part);
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“specialist tobacconist” means a shop selling tobacco products by retail (whether or not it also sells other things) more than half of whose sales on the premises in question derive from the sale of cigars, snuff, pipe tobacco and smoking accessories.
128 Exclusion for advertisements that are displays¶
Brandsharing¶
129 Brandsharing¶
Sponsorship¶
130 Sponsorship: tobacco products¶
131 Sponsorship: vaping and nicotine and other products¶
Audiovisual services and radio broadcasting¶
132 Audiovisual services and radio broadcasting¶
This Part does not apply in relation to anything included in—133 Extension of provisions about audiovisual and radio broadcasting¶
Schedule 16 contains—Offences by bodies¶
134 Liability of others for offences committed by bodies¶
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“body” means—
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a body corporate,
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a partnership, or
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an unincorporated association;
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“relevant person” means—
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in relation to a body corporate other than one whose affairs are managed by its members, a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body;
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in relation to a limited liability partnership or other body corporate whose affairs are managed by its members, a member who exercises functions of management with respect to it;
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in relation to a limited partnership, a general partner (within the meaning given by section 3 of the Limited Partnerships Act 1907);
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in relation to any other partnership, a partner;
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in relation to an unincorporated association, a person who exercises functions of management with respect to it.
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Enforcement¶
135 Enforcement authorities¶
136 Power of ministers etc to take over enforcement functions¶
137 Power of ministers etc to take over proceedings¶
Alignment of definition in old advertising legislation pending replacement¶
138 Alignment of definition of “tobacco product” in old legislation¶
In section 1 of the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002 (interpretation), for the definition of “tobacco product” substitute—Power to extend advertising legislation¶
139 Power to extend Part 6 and Communications Act 2003 to other products¶
Crown application¶
140 Crown application¶
Interpretation¶
141 Interpretation of Part 6¶
In this Part—-
“cigarette papers” has the meaning given by section 116;
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“distributes” includes making available;
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“enforcement authority” has the meaning given by section 135(2);
-
“filter” has the meaning given by section 116;
-
“herbal smoking product” has the meaning given by section 116;
-
“nicotine product” has the meaning given by section 117;
-
“tobacco product” has the meaning given by section 116;
-
“vaping product” has the meaning given by section 116.
Part 7 Smoke-free places, vape-free places and other free-from places¶
England¶
142 Addition of smoke-free places in England¶
143 Smoke-free premises: recasting of power to exempt performers¶
144 No-smoking signs in England¶
145 Vape-free places in England¶
146 Heated tobacco-free places in England¶
147 Amendments consequential on sections 142 to 146¶
Schedule 17 contains amendments consequential on sections 142 to 146.Scotland¶
148 No-smoking premises in Scotland¶
149 No-smoking signs in Scotland¶
150 Vape-free premises in Scotland¶
151 Heated tobacco-free premises in Scotland¶
152 Amendments consequential on sections 148 to 151¶
Schedule 18 contains amendments consequential on sections 148 to 151.Wales¶
153 Smoke-free places and vehicles in Wales: duty to consult¶
154 Smoke-free vehicles in Wales¶
155 No-smoking signs in Wales¶
156 Vape-free places in Wales¶
157 Heated tobacco-free places in Wales¶
158 Amendments consequential on sections 153 to 157¶
Schedule 19 contains amendments consequential on sections 153 to 157.Northern Ireland¶
159 Additional smoke-free places in Northern Ireland¶
160 No-smoking signs in Northern Ireland¶
161 Vape-free places in Northern Ireland¶
162 Heated tobacco-free places in Northern Ireland¶
163 Amendments consequential on sections 159 to 162¶
Schedule 20 contains amendments consequential on sections 159 to 162.Ships¶
164 Power to prohibit vaping etc on ships¶
Part 8 General¶
165 Review of Act¶
166 Application to Parliament¶
To the extent that this Act or regulations made under it would not (but for this section) apply in relation to the Parliamentary Estate, they do so apply.167 Further consequential amendments¶
Schedule 21 contains further consequential amendments.168 Power of Secretary of State to make consequential provision¶
169 Power of Scottish Ministers to make consequential provision¶
170 Power of Welsh Ministers to make consequential provision¶
171 Power of Northern Ireland department to make consequential provision¶
172 Regulations: general¶
173 Regulations and orders: procedure¶
174 Extent¶
175 Commencement: Parts 1 to 4¶
176 Commencement: Parts 5 to 8¶
177 Transitional provision¶
178 Short title¶
This Act may be cited as the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026.Schedules
Schedule 1 ¶
Retail licensing scheme: England
Section 16(6)
1 Introduction¶
This Schedule is about the provision that may be made by regulations under section 16(4).2 Licensing authority¶
The regulations must specify a description of local authority (a “licensing authority”) which is to grant licences.3 Grant of licence¶
4 Licence fee¶
5 Licence conditions¶
6 Duration etc of licence¶
7 Publication of licence information¶
The regulations may make provision for the publication by a licensing authority of information relating to licences granted by the licensing authority.8 Reviews and appeals¶
9 Guidance¶
The regulations may require a licensing authority, in carrying out functions under the regulations, to have regard to guidance published by the Secretary of State.10 Sub-delegation¶
The regulations may confer discretions.11 Interpretation¶
In this Schedule—-
“grant” includes vary or renew;
-
“licence” means a personal licence or a premises licence;
-
“licensing authority” has the meaning given by paragraph 2;
-
“local authority” means—
-
a county council in England;
-
a district council in England;
-
a London borough council;
-
the Common Council of the City of London (in its capacity as a local authority), the Sub-Treasurer of the Inner Temple or the Under Treasurer of the Middle Temple;
-
the Council of the Isles of Scilly;
-
-
“personal licence” has the meaning given by section 16(8);
-
“premises licence” has the meaning given by section 16(8);
-
“relevant products” has the meaning given by section 16(8).
Schedule 2 ¶
Financial penalties for breach of retail licence conditions: England
Section 18
1 Introduction¶
2 Notices of intent¶
3 Right to make representations¶
4 Final notices¶
5 Appeals¶
6 Recovery¶
7 Use of proceeds¶
Schedule 3 ¶
Retail licensing scheme: Wales
Section 19(6)
1 Introduction¶
This Schedule is about the provision that may be made by regulations under section 19(4).2 Grant of licence¶
3 Licence fee¶
4 Licence conditions¶
5 Duration etc of licence¶
6 Publication of licence information¶
The regulations may make provision for the publication by a licensing authority of information relating to licences granted by the licensing authority.7 Reviews and appeals¶
8 Guidance¶
The regulations may require a licensing authority, in carrying out functions under the regulations, to have regard to guidance published by the Welsh Ministers.9 Sub-delegation¶
The regulations may confer discretions.10 Interpretation¶
In this Schedule—-
“grant” includes vary or renew;
-
“licence” means a personal licence or a premises licence;
-
“licensing authority”, in relation to the doing of things or the use of premises in a county or county borough in Wales, means the council of the county or county borough;
-
“personal licence” has the meaning given by section 19(8);
-
“premises licence” has the meaning given by section 19(8);
-
“relevant products” has the meaning given by section 19(8).
Schedule 4 ¶
Financial penalties for breach of retail licence conditions: Wales
Section 21
1 Introduction¶
This Schedule makes further provision in connection with the imposition of financial penalties under section 21.2 Notices of intent¶
3 Right to make representations¶
4 Final notices¶
5 Appeals¶
6 Recovery¶
7 Use of proceeds¶
Schedule 5 ¶
Handing over tobacco etc to underage people in Wales
Section 43
Schedule 6 ¶
Part 1: consequential amendments commencing after 6 months
Section 44
Children and Young Persons Act 1933¶
Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991¶
Tobacco Advertising and Promotion Act 2002¶
Health Act 2006¶
14 Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008¶
In the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 omit section 143 and the italic heading before that section.15 Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008¶
Health Act 2009¶
Children and Families Act 2014¶
23 Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/507)¶
In the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 omit regulation 17.Public Health (Wales) Act 2017 (anaw 2)¶
29 Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024¶
In Schedule 15 to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, in Part 1, in the first part of the Table (Acts of Parliament), at the appropriate place (according to alphabetical order of Acts mentioned) insert—Schedule 7 ¶
Part 1: consequential amendments commencing on 1 January 2027
Section 44
1 Children and Young Persons Act 1933¶
In the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 omit section 7.2 Protection of Children (Tobacco) Act 1986¶
The Protection of Children (Tobacco) Act 1986 is repealed.3 Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991¶
The Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991 is repealed.4 Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994¶
In Schedule 13 to the Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994 omit paragraph 169 and the italic heading before that paragraph.5 Police Reform Act 2002¶
In Schedule 5 to the Police Reform Act 2002 omit paragraph 6 and the italic heading before that paragraph.6 Courts Act 2003¶
In Schedule 8 to the Courts Act 2003 omit paragraph 72.Regulatory Enforcement and Sanctions Act 2008¶
10 Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3)¶
In Schedule 2 to the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3) omit paragraph 2 and the italic heading before that paragraph.11 Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011¶
In Schedule 16 to the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 omit paragraph 67.12 Children and Families Act 2014¶
In the Children and Families Act 2014 omit section 91.13 Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024¶
In Schedule 15 to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, in Part 1, in the Table omit the entries relating to—Schedule 8 ¶
Alignment of definition of “vaping product” in Scottish legislation
Section 68
Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 3)¶
20 Transitional provision¶
In any legislation passed at a time before this Schedule comes into force, and in any instrument or other document made before that time under or for the purposes of the Tobacco and Primary Medical Services (Scotland) Act 2010, any reference to a nicotine vapour product (within the meaning of section 35A of that Act before its repeal by this Schedule) is to be read, in relation to times after this Schedule comes into force, as a reference to a vaping product (within the meaning of section 35 of that Act).Schedule 9 ¶
Extension of retailer register etc: Scotland
Section 69
Schedule 10 ¶
Extension of retailer register: Northern Ireland
Section 87
Schedule 11 ¶
Retail licensing scheme in Northern Ireland
Section 88(2)
In the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 4 (N.I.)), after section 26 insert—
Schedule 12 ¶
Financial penalties for breach of retail licence conditions in Northern Ireland
Section 88(3)
After Schedule 1 to the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 4 (N.I.)) (inserted by Schedule 11 to this Act) insert—
Schedule 13 ¶
Licensing of retail sales of tobacco products etc: consequential amendments
Section 88(4)
Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 4 (N.I.))¶
15 This Act¶
Schedule 14 ¶
Part 3: consequential and other amendments commencing after 6 months
Section 90
Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26))¶
Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/2872 (N.I. 25))¶
Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 4 (N.I.))¶
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 26 (N.I.))¶
31 Health Act 2009¶
In the Health Act 2009 omit section 23.32 Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024¶
Schedule 15 ¶
Part 3: consequential amendments commencing on 1 January 2027
Section 90
1 Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1907 (N.I. 26)¶
In the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 omit Articles 5 and 6.2 Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/2872 (N.I. 25))¶
The Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 is revoked.3 Police (Northern Ireland) Act 2003¶
Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2957 (N.I. 20))¶
Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014 (c. 4 (N.I.))¶
13 Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024¶
In Schedule 15 to the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, in Part 1, in the Table omit the entry relating to Article 5 of the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (S.I. 1991/2872 (N.I. 25)).Schedule 16 ¶
Advertising etc: audiovisual and radio broadcasting
Section 133
Schedule 17 ¶
Amendments consequential on sections 142 to 146
Section 147
Schedule 18 ¶
Amendments consequential on sections 148 to 151
Section 152
Schedule 19 ¶
Amendments consequential on sections 153 to 157
Section 158
Schedule 20 ¶
Amendments consequential on sections 159 to 162
Section 163
Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (S.I. 2006/2957 (N.I. 20))¶
5 Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 (c. 26 (N.I.))¶
In section 5 of the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 omit subsection (8).Schedule 21 ¶
Consequential amendments: general
Section 167