Retailers in Staffordshire are being reminded to prepare for major changes to tobacco and nicotine product laws as the next phase of the Tobacco and Vapes Act comes into force.
The new rules are designed to protect young people from becoming addicted to nicotine while continuing to support adult smokers who use vaping products to help them quit smoking.
From 29 October, a new minimum age of sale of 18 for all nicotine products comes into affect. From the same date, vending machines selling vapes or nicotine products will be banned.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards team is urging retailers to familiarise themselves with the changes and ensure staff are aware of the new requirements.
Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience at Staffordshire County Council, said: "These new laws are an important step in protecting young people from the harms of nicotine addiction.
“We want Staffordshire businesses to be ready for the changes and to continue playing their part in preventing underage sales. Further changes in the new year will also see the introduction of the “smokefree generation” law where it will be illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.”
Trading Standards officers also continue to tackle and disrupt the illicit tobacco and vape trade market across the county.
Cllr Screen added: Illegal tobacco and vapes often evade safety regulations, undermine legitimate businesses and can make tobacco products more accessible to young people. We’re working hard to tackle the issue, close down shops and take tough action against those found breaking the law.”
Other changes being introduced on 1 October will see An excise duty of £2.20 per 10 ml on vaping products. This will apply to all vaping liquids, bottles, cartridges and pods and includes nicotine free products.
Further information on Trading Standards is available at Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards webpage.
