From Thursday, October 29, adults who buy or attempt to buy vaping or nicotine products for someone under 18 will commit a criminal offence across the UK. The change in the law means a seemingly small favour for a teenager during half term could land an adult in trouble.
Wider restrictions on nicotine and vape products
While buying nicotine vapes for children was already illegal in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the new rules widen the restrictions to include nicotine-free vapes and a broader range of products. E-liquids, pods and coils will be covered, alongside nicotine pouches, strips and pearls, including products containing synthetic nicotine.
Scotland already restricts proxy purchases of all vapes, but the new rules extend the restrictions there to nicotine products too. The offence applies to the adult who buys, or tries to buy, the product for someone underage.
Penalties for proxy purchases
The penalties could be substantial for anyone caught making a purchase on a young person's behalf. Government guidance says adults may receive a fixed penalty notice of £200 in England, Wales and Scotland, rising to £250 in Northern Ireland if the necessary approval is secured.
If the matter goes to court, the maximum fine is £2,500 in England and Wales and £5,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Industry and retail impact
Shane Margereson, founder of UK online vape shop Ecigone, said some people may not realise the changes cover products beyond traditional nicotine vapes. He said: "Vapes and nicotine pouches are for adults, not children. A lot of people don't realise a nicotine-free vape or a tin of pouches counts, but from Thursday buying either for anyone under 18 is against the law."
The warning comes as schools across the country break up for half term, when teenagers may ask parents or older siblings to pick something up for them. Mr Margereson added: "With half term this week, the request could easily come up. If a teenager asks you to pick something up for them, the answer has to be no. Anyone who looks young should also expect to be asked for ID at the counter."
The new rules also place restrictions on retailers, including online sellers, who will be prohibited from selling vaping and nicotine products to under-18s. Free promotional samples, giveaway pods and coupons, as well as substantial discounts intended to promote the products, will also be banned, although ordinary price cuts can continue.
The latest ASH Smokefree GB Youth Survey highlights the challenge of keeping these products out of young people's hands. It found 72 per cent of young people who vape had been given their first vape, while 77 per cent of young vapers said vapes were easy to access.
