About the bill

What is the Tobacco and Vapes
Bill 2024-25?

The UK Government is introducing a new law about selling tobacco and vape products in England and Wales. It is expected to become law from 1 January 2027 and will:

Create a licensing system for shops and staff who sell tobacco or vapes. This is designed mainly to stop illicit sales and illegal shops.
There will be a “generational ban” on selling tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
Councils and trading standards will have stronger powers to inspect, fine, and prosecute shops and people breaking the law.
There will be changes to how these products are displayed, stored, and sold.

1

What will The Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-25 change for shops?

To sell vape products you will need two licences: a premises licence for your shop, and a personal licence for the person responsible for sales.
These applications will be considered and issued by your local council.
You cannot sell, display, or even keep tobacco or vape products for sale without both licences.

Expect more inspections, record-keeping, staff-training, and background checks.
There will be fees for applying and renewing licences, but the amounts are not known yet.

2

What is the “Generational Ban” on Tobacco Sales?

Anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 can never buy tobacco — not even when they are over 18.
You must check the date of birth, not just “Are you 18 or over?”
It will also be illegal to buy tobacco for someone born after that date.

The same rule applies to cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, rolling tobacco, herbal smoking products, cigarette papers and chewing tobacco.
Acceptable photo ID: passport, UK/EU driving licence.
Shops must display a clear age restriction notice.

3

How will Vapes and Nicotine Products be
changed by the Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-25?

The new “generational ban” does not apply to vapes.
Vapes will still follow the current rule: no sales to under-18s.

Other nicotine products (like nicotine pouches) will also be 18+.
Future rules may also limit vape displays and change packaging to a plain style.

4

What are the Enforcement Powers for
Tobacco and Vapes Bill 2024-25?

Council officers will get more powers to enter and inspect your shop, seize goods, issue fines of up to £2,500, and prosecute serious offences.

Councils can also suspend or remove licences if rules are broken.

5

Other Key Details

Licence conditions are expected, such as following age verification best practice and displaying your licence clearly.

Councils may limit the number of licences in some areas, such as near schools.
Licences will probably be permanent but need renewal each year.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR ME?

Get in touch with our expert team for helpful advice

We’re supported by Duncan Craig, one of the UK’s top licensing barristers, and you can watch him explain the bill in this video. Our experienced team are happy to chat to you at any time and will take the stress and hassle out of successfully applying for your licence. It’s a good idea to get up to speed as early as possible so get some friendly, expert help now.