New vape laws come into force across the UK today, allowing adults to be fined for buying vaping or nicotine products on behalf of anyone under 18.
The offence, known as proxy purchasing, covers both completed and attempted purchases. In England, Wales and Scotland, those caught can receive a £200 fixed penalty notice, while the fine is £250 in Northern Ireland.
The rules apply to vapes, nicotine pouches and other nicotine products, including zero-nicotine vapes. Retailers can also refuse a sale if they suspect an adult is buying for a minor.
Staff have been told to look out for patterns that could indicate proxy purchasing, such as an adult attempting to buy immediately after a younger customer has been refused, or a younger person waiting nearby.
As a result, customers who are clearly over 18 may be asked additional questions or have a sale declined while retailers take a cautious approach to the new requirements.
The Tobacco and Vapes Act also introduces a minimum legal purchasing age of 18 for nicotine pouches across the UK. Until now, the products were not subject to a statutory minimum age of sale because they contain no tobacco and are not inhaled.
Retailers will also be prohibited from selling nicotine pouches, zero-nicotine vape liquids and vape components such as coils to anyone under 18.
Evidence of vaping risks among young people
The changes come amid concerns about the number of young people using vapes and evidence linking vaping with respiratory problems in children.
A review by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health examined more than 14,000 published papers, 325 studies in full and findings from 81 studies. It concluded that vaping was associated with several health problems in children and teenagers, particularly those affecting the lungs and breathing system.
Young people who vape were found to be more likely to experience coughing, wheezing, bronchitis-like symptoms and worsening asthma.
The 2026 Smokefree GB Youth Survey by Action on Smoking and Health found that nearly one in five 11 to 17-year-olds in Britain had tried vaping. That is equivalent to around one million young people, with the figure remaining at a similar level since 2023.
Separate provisions for a so-called smokefree generation are due to begin on January 1 2027. Anyone born on or after January 1 2009 will never legally be able to buy cigarettes, with the minimum purchasing age rising by one year annually.
