Last week, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill gained Royal Assent, the final step in becoming law.
This means that on 1st January 2027, anyone born on or after 1st January 2009 will never legally be able to be sold tobacco.
What counts as a tobacco product?
- Cigarettes, cigars or cigarellos
- Hand rolled tobacco, pipe tobacco, nasal tobacco and cigarette papers
- Herbal smoking products heated tobacco, chewing tobacco and waterpipe tobacco products
How will it work?
From 1st January 2027, store staff will need to check whether a customer was born on or after 1st January 2009.
You’ll also be required to swap out your mandatory age of sale notice for one with the following wording: ‘It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1st January 2009’.
What retailers need to do now
For now, you should continue to use Challenge 25.
As we approach 2027, it’s a good idea to keep up to date with what’s required from you as a retailer and plan for staff training.
Where to find more information
The Association of Convenience Stores (ASC) have launched a campaign called ‘Decline09’ to support retailers with the incoming legislation and to act as a reminder that if someone is born in 2009 or later, you must decline the sale of tobacco.
Decline09 resources can be found here.Â