Tobacco and nicotine age limits in the United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: In England and Wales the age of sale for tobacco and nicotine inhaling products is 18. England has a smoke-free premises rule for enclosed public places and workplaces.

RuleWhat applies
Minimum age to buy tobaccoTobacco and nicotine products; England and Wales18 years [1]
Minimum age to buy e-cigarettesTobacco and nicotine products; England and Wales18 years [2]
Nicotine pouchesTobacco and nicotine products; England and Wales⚠ Not yet verified
Smoking ban in indoor public placesTobacco and nicotine products; EnglandYes [3]
Smoking ban on public transportTobacco and nicotine products; England and Wales⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate law and are not covered here. The Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is to omit section 7 of the 1933 Act with effect from 1 January 2027 and replace it with new age-of-sale rules.
  • Applies to nicotine inhaling devices, cartridges and refills. Section 10 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 is listed as coming into force on 29 October 2026.
  • No current age-of-sale rule for nicotine pouches was found in the sources read. Section 10 of the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 (England and Wales) bans sale of nicotine products to under-18s and is listed as coming into force on 29 October 2026.
  • Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own provisions and are not covered here. Exemptions apply under section 3 (for example some residential premises).
  • The sources read did not state whether public transport vehicles are covered.

Sources

  1. legislation.gov.uk: Children and Young Persons Act 1933, section 7: Sale of tobacco, &c. to persons under eighteen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. legislation.gov.uk: The Nicotine Inhaling Products (Age of Sale and Proxy Purchasing) Regulations 2015, regulation 3 (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. legislation.gov.uk: Health Act 2006, section 2: Smoke-free premises (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.