Even though it is illegal to sell tobacco or nicotine vape products to anyone under the age of 18, most adult smokers first try smoking when they are under 18.
It is also illegal for adults to buy tobacco or nicotine vape products and give them to someone under the age of 18.
How can you help
Stopping the sale of tobacco and nicotine vape products to people under the age of 18 requires a community effort.
Here’s how you can help:
Report underage sales
If you have seen the sale of these products to young people aged under 18, or you believe a business is selling unregulated products, please report it to the Citizens Advice consumer service – 0808 223 1133.
Don’t buy tobacco or nicotine vapes for people under the age of 18
Choosing not to buy tobacco or nicotine vapes for people under the age of 18 not only stops you from breaking the law but also helps to reduce the number of young people smoking or vaping. It also helps to protect their health and your health by reducing the amount of second-hand smoke around you.
Spread the word
Educate friends, family, and colleagues about the risks of selling tobacco and nicotine vapes to people under the age of 18 and the impact it has on the community. The more people are aware of the dangers, the harder it becomes for underage sales to take place.