The Tobacco and Vapes Act has now received Royal Assent

The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (the “Act) has now received Royal Assent. In broad terms, the Act will introduce a range of measures in relation to tobacco, vapes and other nicotine products, including the “smoke-free generation” ban (prohibiting the sale of tobacco to those born on or after 1 January 2009), enhanced controls on advertising and products, and new provisions for smoke-free, vape-free and heated tobacco-free places.

Alongside these wider changes, a key impact for operators will be the introduction of a new licensing regime for retailers selling tobacco, vaping and other nicotine products in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The Act establishes a retail licensing regime under which any individual selling, exposing for sale or possessing for sale tobacco, vapes or other nicotine products will require a personal licence. In addition, the premises from which such products are stored, exposed or supplied (including dispatch to customers) will require a premises licence. We await the publication of further Regulations which will set out the detailed structure and operation of the new licensing regime.

We will continue to monitor developments, including the forthcoming regulations, and provide further updates and advice to those operating in the sector. In the meantime, businesses should anticipate additional compliance requirements and changes to how sales are authorised and monitored.

View our full page on the Tobacco and Vapes Act.

For further information or queries, please feel free to contact Suraj Desor and Nick Landells or any of our licensing solicitors on 0115 953 8500.