Tobacco and vapes retailing is set to be overhauled after The Tobacco and Vapes Bill was granted Royal Assent on Wednesday 29th April, but BAT says the law falls short in several key areas.
From 1st January 2027, it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born after 2008. This means the legal age of sale for tobacco will increase each year, requiring ongoing updates to age verification processes in store.
The Act also includes new restrictions on vaping products, including a ban on advertising and sponsorship of vapes and nicotine products, and powers to introduce tighter controls on packaging, branding, and in-store displays.
The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) has highlighted that further detail and regulations on vape product compliance, merchandising, and display restrictions are expected and may require operational changes in store.
SGF is working on assets so that staff and retailers understand their obligations around the phased ban on tobacco sales by age and will share them with members in the coming months.
Asli Ertonguc, Head of BAT UK & Western Europe said:
“The Tobacco and Vapes Act should have accelerated progress towards a smoke-free UK, but it falls short in several key areas.
“Helping adult smokers switch relies on ensuring they have access to clear, responsible information about smokeless alternatives. Restrictions on advertising nicotine products risks limiting that awareness and, in turn, slowing progress.
“At the same time, the effectiveness of the Act will depend heavily on enforcement. Without strong and consistently applied penalties for those who sell to underage consumers or supply illicit products, the objectives of the legislation risk being undermined.
“With the Act now passed, focus turns to implementation. The forthcoming consultations will be critical in shaping a regulatory framework that supports harm reduction for adult smokers, while maintaining robust protections for young people.”
