UK Nicotine Regulations:

Rules and regulations on tobacco use and sale

How old do you have to be to buy cigarettes

The legal age for purchasing cigarettes was raised from 16 to 18 in 2007. This marked the first alteration to the age restrictions on these products since 1908. In the same year, a significant change occurred with the ban on smoking in public places, further protecting public health.

Packaging rules and regulations:

• Regulations dictate that cigarette packs must take on a simple cuboid shape and be adorned in a non-reflective, drab dark brown colour.
• Cigarette packs are allowed brand names to be present on the packaging but under strict regulations. These regulations dictate the position, font, and maximum size of brand names to ensure a consistent presentation of tobacco products.
• Health warnings and other allowed features must be presented in a standardised manner, conveying the associated health risks. Internal packaging requirements prohibit the use of trademarks, logos, distinct colour schemes, and promotional images to discourage appealing packaging that may entice young individuals.

Rules and regulations on smoking in public spaces:

• Smoking is strictly prohibited in enclosed public places and workplaces throughout the UK. This ban extends to indoor areas of restaurants, pubs, bars, and all forms of public transportation, ensuring smoke-free environments indoors. Some establishments offer designated smoking areas, generally located outdoors and equipped with ashtrays. These areas cater to smokers while maintaining smoke-free indoor environments. 
• Smoking is not permitted on public transportation, including buses, trains, trams, and taxis. Enclosed transportation hubs, such as railway stations and bus terminals, also enforce no-smoking rules.
• In outdoor public spaces, smoking is generally allowed. However, certain restrictions may apply in specific areas like outdoor dining spaces, children's playgrounds, and near hospital entrances.
• Smoking is allowed in private vehicles. However, The Children and Families Act of 2015 established a legal offence concerning smoking in vehicles with children. This legislation unequivocally states that it is against the law to smoke in a private vehicle when there is an individual under the age of 18 present.

Rules and regulations on vape use and sale

Age to purchase vape products:

To purchase e-cigarettes and e-liquids, individuals must be 18 years or older.

Packaging rules and regulations on vape products:

• Vape products must be sold in child-resistant packaging to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure to young children.
• Vape product packaging is required to prominently display health warnings, including messages about nicotine content, potential health risks, and instructions for seeking medical advice in case of contact with skin or eyes.
• Packaging should clearly indicate the nicotine content, ensuring that consumers can make informed choices and understand the level of nicotine in the product.
• Vape products fall under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR).
• Regulations also cover advertising and promotion, restricting marketing in certain places and prohibiting tactics that might appeal to children.

Rules and regulations on vape usage:

• There is no prohibition on vaping in typically enclosed public spaces, such as restaurants, bars and workplaces, where traditional smoking is banned. However, it is often left up to the interpretation of the institution whether they allow vaping in their own establishment.
• Some establishments may designate outdoor areas where vaping is permitted.
• In outdoor public spaces, vaping is generally allowed. However, it's important to be considerate of others and respect their personal space.
• Vaping is prohibited on public transportation, including buses, trains, trams, and taxis.
• Read More about Where can you vape in our guide.

Rules and regulations on nicotine pouch use and sale

Can under 18’s buy nicotine pouches (UK)?

Nicotine pouches, distinct from conventional tobacco products and e-cigarettes, due to their lack of tobacco, are regulated under general consumer product safety rules, allowing sales to those under 18.  

At Velo we have voluntarily set standards for sales to minors and product strength, meaning that we prohibit the sale of Velo products to anyone under the age of 18 years old. 

However, the regulatory framework remains less comprehensive than that for traditional tobacco products.

Packaging rules and regulations on nicotine Pouches:

The packaging of nicotine pouches must adhere to certain regulations that are put in place to protect the health of the consumers. These requirements are put in place to promote responsible usage and increase safety, including child-resistant packaging and clear labelling.

Rules and regulations on nicotine pouch usage:

There is currently no legislation that prevents the use of nicotine pouches in public spaces, they are available to be used in all enclosed spaces including bars, restaurants, public transport and workplaces.

What’s next for nicotine products?

Smoking age ban:

The government has plans to gradually increase the legal smoking age by banning the sale of tobacco products to individuals born after January 2009.

Disposable vape ban:

From June 1st, 2025, single-use, or "disposable," vapes will be banned across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. That means it will be illegal to sell, supply, offer to sell, or even possess them for sale or supply, whether online or in brick-and-mortar shops. This ban applies to all disposable vapes, regardless of whether they contain nicotine. Reusable vapes are still a go, so you can still vape responsibly.