Vapers could face £200 fines as new UK law comes into force today

New nicotine laws bring tougher penalties for UK retailers

The legislation introduces a range of changes covering England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. 

One of the main provisions makes it illegal for anyone to sell vaping or nicotine products to people under the age of 18. 

Adults are also breaking the law if they buy, or attempt to buy, these products for someone who has not reached the legal age.

The crackdown also targets promotional offers. Businesses are no longer allowed to hand out vaping or nicotine products for free when doing so is intended to promote them or has that effect. 

The same restrictions apply to selling these products at significant discounts, as well as giving away vouchers or offering heavily discounted vouchers to encourage purchases.

The rules cover more than just disposable vapes and vape pens. They also apply to substances used in vaping devices, along with components such as pods and coils. 

Nicotine products, including pouches, strips and pearls, are covered by the legislation too.

The rules carry £200 penalties for offenders

The amount offenders could be ordered to pay depends on where the offence occurs. In England, Wales and Scotland, a fixed penalty notice carries a £200 charge.

Northern Ireland is set to introduce a £250 penalty, subject to approval by the Northern Ireland Assembly.

A case taken to court could result in a much larger bill. Maximum fines stand at £2,500 in England, Wales and Scotland, while Northern Ireland has a potential maximum of £5,000. 

Adults caught purchasing or attempting to purchase the products for someone under 18 can face the same consequences.

NHS and local council schemes can still offer free vaping aids

Although the legislation tightens restrictions across the country, it does not prevent public authorities from supporting people who want to quit smoking. 

Vapes, nicotine products and vouchers can still be supplied through qualifying stop-smoking services when arrangements have been made with a public authority.

The Government said this could include a council-funded smoking cessation programme or an NHS organisation that commissions or delivers services to help people stop smoking. 

In these circumstances, vaping products may be provided free of charge as a quitting aid.

Stop-smoking services can also continue to offer coupons that people can exchange for vapes at participating local shops or online retailers, provided an agreement with a public authority is in place.