Selling Tobacco

From 1 October 2007 the law for selling tobacco changed. Find advice and information for retailers.

The Law for Selling Tobacco is Changing

The Health Act, passed by Parliament in 2006, included a power to change the age of sale of tobacco from 16 to 18.

This came into effect from Monday 1 October 2007. It is now illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

Changing the legal age of the sale of tobacco follows the introduction of the smokefree public places legislation on 1 July 2007 and is aimed at reducing smoking prevalence rates among young people.

Under 18 Signage Requirements

Retailers must display the new required signage. The sign must include the words "It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18" and must be at least A3 in size (420 x 297mm). The letters must be at least 36mm in height.

All tobacco vending machines must display a notice stating "This machine is only for the use of people aged 18 or over." The notice must not be less than 60mm x 100mm, with characters no less than 6mm high. It must be clearly visible to anyone using the machine.

Advice and Resources

For advice call 020 7492 0980 or visit the Department of Health Tobacco Age Change Law website, where you can find out more and download signage and a factsheet for retailers.

Trading Standards Officers will continue to enforce the law relating to the sale of tobacco products to under-age consumers, and all other requirements remain unchanged.

Eastbourne Borough Council does not regulate the sale of tobacco - please contact East Sussex County Council Trading Standards, telephone 01323 418200.