People under the age of 18 will no longer be able to buy nicotine-free vapes and nicotine pouches.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the restrictions, which came into force on Thursday (29 October), also make it illegal for adults to buy the products for under-18s.
Promotional giveaways and substantial discounts in shops and online are also banned.
Figures cited by the government show around one million children have tried vaping in the UK and 370,000 vape regularly. The habit can severely jeopardise their health.
Chris Whitty, chief medical officer, said: ‘Addicting children to nicotine or encouraging them to vape could lead to the risk of serious health harms – it is completely unacceptable.
‘These measures will help protect children from marketing of nicotine products and attempts to encourage them to vape.’
Dame Diana Johnson, minister of state for public health and patient safety, added: ‘Our landmark Tobacco and Vapes Act was the greatest piece of public health legislation in a generation.
‘Six months to the day since the Act became law, we’re extending protections for young people and stopping businesses from cashing in on our children’s health.’
Trading Standards can issue retailers with £200 fines for breaking the rules, but those who fail to pay could face prosecution and higher fines imposed by the courts.
Maree Todd, publish health minister for Scotland, said nicotine products, ‘particularly pouches’, have become very popular with young people.
‘By banning the sale of these products to under-18s, the Scottish government is taking a crucial step in protecting people’s health,’ she said. ‘This in turn is helping people across Scotland to live longer, healthier lives.’
Robbie Butler, health minister for Northern Ireland, described the rise of vapes and nicotine products among young people as ‘very concerning’ and said ‘the changes today will prevent future generations form the serious harm caused by nicotine addiction.’
Image: E-Liquids UK/UnSplash
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