Sale of tobacco to under 18s
The law for selling tobacco changed on 1 October 2007. It is now illegal for businesses to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18 (an increase from 16) in England and Wales.
Products affected include cigarettes, cigars, loose rolling tobacco and rolling papers. Smoking tobacco is highly addictive and dangerous to health.
The importance of this is clear when you realise that:
- One in two lifelong smokers will be killed by their addiction.
- The younger a smoker starts the more likely they are to be killed by their addiction.
- Someone who starts smoking at 15 is three times more likely to die from cancer due to smoking than someone who starts smoking in their mid-20s.
I own/run a business in Lambeth that sells tobacco. What does the new legislation mean for me?
All businesses that sell tobacco need to take steps to make sure that employees and customers obey the new law. Authorised council officers will enforce the law and offer business support.
For more information on what you need to do to comply with the new legislation go to:
If you would like someone to visit your premises and go through the new laws and what you will need to do to comply either email the council's Smokefree Team at smokefree@lambeth.gov.uk or call us on 020 7926 6109.
What are the penalties for businesses selling tobacco to people under 18?
The penalties for selling tobacco products to someone under the legal age are the same as they were and can result in a fine of up to £2,500.
Both the sales person and the business owner can be prosecuted for any illegal sales, even if it was believed that the purchase was being made on behalf of an adult or if the person looked like they were over 18.
Businesses failing to display the statutory notice will face a fine of up to £1,000. This applies both to over the counter and vending machine sales.
I am a smoker aged 16 or 17. What does the law mean for me?
You are no longer be able to legally buy tobacco or tobacco products in England and Wales.
I am a smoker aged over 18. What does the law mean for me?
You are able to purchase tobacco and tobacco products. However, if you look under 21 you may find that you are asked for ID so make sure you carry some that has your date of birth on with you, for example;
- a passport
- a photo driving licence
- a citizen card
- a Portman 'Prove It' card
- a Validate card
Maybe now is the time for me to give up smoking. Who do I talk to?
There is a national helpline – you can call the NHS Smoking Helpline on 0800 169 0169 or Lambeth Stop Smoking Service on 0800 856 3409. They have specialist advisors you can speak to. They can also put you in touch with local services to help you quit. Lines are open daily from 7am to 11pm.
You are four times as likely to quit smoking with support as going it alone, so if you are thinking of quitting give the helpline a call.
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