As changes to tobacco and vaping laws are introduced, Trading Standards officers are urging businesses across the borough to familiarise themselves with their legal responsibilities.
Trading Standards in North East Lincolnshire is joining forces with Humber and North Yorkshire’s regional prevention programme – the Centre for Excellence – to encourage businesses selling tobacco, vapes, and other nicotine products to get on board with new legislation.
With the changes coming into force this week, the Tobacco and Vapes Act introduces tougher restrictions on underage sales, vending machines and promotional offers. The changes give Trading Standards officers additional powers to tackle illegal sales and help protect children and young people from accessing vaping and nicotine products.
From the end of October, it is illegal to sell any vaping or nicotine product to anyone under the age of 18. It also now an offence for an adult aged 18 or over to buy, or attempt to buy, these products for someone under 18, known as proxy purchasing.
Products covered by the new age restriction include nicotine vapes, non-nicotine vapes, nicotine pouches and other nicotine products. Medicinal products and medical devices, such as nicotine replacement therapies, are exempt.
Trading Standards officers are encouraging retailers to review their age-verification procedures, ensure staff understand the new requirements and take appropriate steps to prevent illegal sales.
Tom Amblin-Lightowler, Head of Regulation & Sustainability for North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“These changes are an important step in protecting children and young people from the risks associated with vaping and nicotine products.
“We urge businesses to familiarise themselves with the new legislation, review their procedures and ensure staff are fully prepared.
“Trading Standards is committed to supporting responsible retailers, but businesses that fail to comply with the new rules could face enforcement action.”
The new legislation also includes a ban on vending machines selling tobacco products, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers, vaping products and nicotine products. It will be an offence for anyone responsible for premises to have a vending machine that sells or dispenses these products, even if customers make payment elsewhere.
Further restrictions will prohibit businesses from giving away products as free samples for promotional purposes or offering substantial promotional discounts on products covered by the legislation.
Businesses that fail to comply with the new rules could face a £200 fixed penalty notice.
Scott Crosby, Associate Director at the Centre for Excellence, Humber and North Yorkshire’s regional prevention programme, said:
“We’re encouraging all retailers to familiarise themselves with the new guidance and take responsibility for helping to keep children safe. It’s vital that nicotine products are not promoted or sold in ways that could attract young people.
“The guidance supports landmark legislation aimed at preventing future generations from taking up smoking, while ensuring those who already smoke continue to receive the support they need to quit. Together, these measures could make a significant difference to public health and help save thousands of lives across our region.”
North East Lincolnshire Council Trading Standards officers are encouraging retailers to get in touch if they need more detailed advice or guidance via trading.standards@nelincs.gov.uk.
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