UK plans law to license vape retailers; unlicensed sales could face heavy fines

Key Points

· Licensing regime (proposed): Only retailers holding valid licences would be permitted to sell vapes, cigarettes and other nicotine products; unlicensed sales would be illegal.

· Penalties (proposed): Unlicensed sales could incur unlimited fines, with on-the-spot penalties of up to £2,500.

· Expert consultation: The government will seek views on vape flavours, nicotine strength/formulations, packaging and product design to refine detailed rules.

· Regulatory context: The current system allows “any business” to sell tobacco and vapes, which is seen as a loophole making cheap, non-compliant products more accessible to minors.

· Legislative progress: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to advance a “smoke-free generation”; specific measures and penalties will depend on Parliament’s final approval.

2Firsts, 9 October 2025 — Citing 8 October reports from Daily Mirror and Nottingham Post, the UK government is drafting a national retail licensing scheme that would make it illegal to sell vapes and cigarettes without a permit. It will also consult experts on vape flavours, nicotine strength/formulations, packaging and product design to curb youth uptake and crack down on non-compliant retail.

Key Information (proposed)

• Licensing: Only retailers with valid licences may sell vapes, cigarettes and other nicotine products; unlicensed sales would be illegal.
• Penalties: Unlicensed sellers could face unlimited fines or on-the-spot fines of up to £2,500.
• Consultation: The government is seeking expert input on flavours, nicotine strength/formulations, packaging and appearance.
• Loophole: Under the current framework, “any business” can sell tobacco and vapes, a situation described as a loophole that can make cheap, illicit products easier for minors to obtain.
• Legislative track: The Tobacco and Vapes Bill aims to promote a “smoke-free generation” and deter long-term addiction among minors; measures are subject to parliamentary process.

The government says the drafting effort is intended to close gaps in the law, use a licensing mechanism to clarify compliant retail channels and support enforcement, protect minors, and help adults identify legitimate shops and products.

Alongside this, officials are consulting on flavours, nicotine strength and product design to inform detailed rules. All penalty and licensing requirements are proposals and will ultimately depend on Parliament’s approval and implementing regulations.

Cover image: Nottingham Post.