New legislation in Britain, effective immediately, aims to curb underage vaping by prohibiting adults from purchasing e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products for individuals under 18. This prohibition, known as 'proxy purchasing,' extends to zero-nicotine vapes and vape components such as coils.
Adults caught buying or attempting to buy these products for minors can now receive a fixed penalty notice of £200 in England, Wales, and Scotland, or £250 in Northern Ireland. Retailers are also empowered to refuse sales if they suspect the purchase is intended for someone underage.
The new rules, established under the Tobacco and Vapes Act, introduce a UK-wide minimum age of 18 for the sale of nicotine pouches, which previously had no statutory age restriction. Retail staff are advised to be vigilant for patterns indicative of proxy purchasing, such as an adult buying immediately after a refused sale to a minor or purchasing while a younger person waits nearby.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to address concerns about youth vaping. Experts point to a growing body of evidence linking vaping to respiratory issues in children and teenagers, including coughing, wheezing, bronchitis-like symptoms, and exacerbated asthma. A 2026 survey indicated that nearly 20% of 11- to 17-year-olds in Britain have tried vaping, a figure that has remained consistent since 2023.
The legislation also aligns with existing policies regarding tobacco and alcohol sales. Furthermore, it maintains the 'smokefree generation' provisions, originally proposed by the Conservatives, which will take effect from January 1, 2027. Under these provisions, anyone born on or after January 1, 2009, will be legally barred from purchasing cigarettes, with the minimum age for sale rising annually.