Trading standards

Tobacco age change

Tobacco law to change on the 1st October 2007

On the 1st October 2007, the current law will change so that it will be an offence for anyone to sell tobacco to a person under the age of 18 years, whether or not for the child’s own use.

Retailers, who currently sell tobacco products should already be aware of the current age restriction preventing the sale of tobacco to persons under 16 and the requirement to display a warning notice.

In preparation for the changes on the 1st October 2007, tobacco retailers should revise and update their existing procedures and training. This should include alerting staff to the changes and displaying up to date warning notices.

From the 1st October 2007, a notice stating, “IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18", should be displayed in a prominent position, readily visible at the point of sale. It is an offence to fail to display such a notice. The size of the notice is prescribed and should not be less than 297mm x 420mm. The letters should not be less than 36 mm high.

For further information on the changes (including the updated warning notice) click here.

To alert small businesses of the changes, Westminster Trading Standards will be writing to selected small retailers. If you are a Westminster business and need further advice, please click here.