UK Extends Age Limits and Promotion Bans to All Vaping and Nicotine Products

The U.K. will extend strict age limits to the full range of vaping and nicotine products beginning Oct. 29 under the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, tightening the rules for retailers across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The law applies the minimum purchase age of 18 to nicotine-free vaping liquids, nicotine pouches and other nicotine products that were previously exempt from certain restrictions, bringing them under age-verification requirements. It also prohibits adults from buying, or attempting to buy, vaping and nicotine products on behalf of anyone under 18. New promotional restrictions ban free samples, promotional coupons and substantial discounts intended to encourage purchases, while ordinary price reductions will not automatically be prohibited. Certain offenses carry fines of roughly $3,300 in England and Wales. For unattended retail, the change accompanies the previously announced ban on publicly accessible vending machines selling tobacco, vaping and nicotine products, which also takes effect Oct. 29. The measures follow the introduction of a vaping liquid tax on Oct. 1 and are part of a broader effort to discourage nicotine use among young people, with further rules on packaging, flavors, product displays and retail licensing expected as the act is implemented. Source: Vending Times — https://www.vendingtimes.com/news/uk-expands-age-restrictions-bans-promotions-for-vaping-and-nicotine-products/