Selling tobacco from 1 January 2027: what your shop must do
From 1 January 2027 it is illegal to sell tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. The under-18 rule goes, and the cut-off date stays fixed, so it applies to those customers for life. Last checked on 11 November 2026.
The rule
You must not sell tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009. It also becomes an offence for an adult to buy them for someone born on or after that date.
Customers born before 1 January 2009 can still buy tobacco as now. The rule applies across the UK and to online sales.
Do these before you open on 1 January
- Change the notice. Wherever you sell tobacco, display a notice that reads: "It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009." The old under-18 notice must come down.
- Change the till check. Staff now check a date of birth, not an age. If your till prompts for "over 18", ask your till supplier to update it.
- Train everyone who serves. Ask for ID when unsure, and refuse a sale if you think an adult is buying for someone born in 2009 or later.
- Keep a record. Note who was trained and when, and keep your refusals log up to date. It is your evidence if Trading Standards visit.
What it costs to get it wrong
Since 29 October 2026, Trading Standards can issue on-the-spot fines for tobacco, vape and nicotine offences. In England and Wales most are £200, or £100 if paid within 14 days. Not displaying the new notice can also bring a fine. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own penalties.
Three offences within five years can lead to an order stopping a shop from selling these products for between 28 days and 3 years.
Also in force since 29 October 2026
You must not give tobacco, vapes or nicotine products away free, and vapes and nicotine products must not be sold to under-18s.
Still to come
The government plans to consult during 2027 on a licence to sell tobacco and vapes in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. No fees or dates are set. We'll email you when they are.
Sources
- GOV.UK: selling tobacco, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers
- GOV.UK: tobacco, vaping and nicotine products: fixed penalty notices
- Business Companion: Trading Standards guidance for retailers
This page is a summary to help you plan, not legal advice. Your council's Trading Standards team can confirm what applies to your shop.