| Product | Age of sale today (England, Wales & NI) | From 29 Oct 2026 (whole UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Nicotine e-liquid, nic salts and nic shots | 18+ | 18+ |
| 0mg shortfills and nicotine-free kits | Not age-restricted | 18+ |
| Nicotine pouches | Not age-restricted | 18+ |
Scotland already treats nicotine-free vapes as 18+.
Three promotional restrictions also come into force. Giving away vaping or nicotine products, or coupons for them, becomes an offence when it promotes them. So does selling either at a substantial discount. Normal discounts and clearance sales are still fine. The Department of Health and Social Care's guidance on selling vaping and nicotine products has the full detail.
Who Gets in Trouble for Underage Vape Sales?
The offences fall on sellers, and on adults who buy for under-18s.
From 29 October, selling a vaping or nicotine product to an under-18 can mean a £200 fixed penalty notice in England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland plans a £250 fixed penalty, subject to Assembly approval. Prosecution can bring a larger fine instead.
Proxy purchasing is an offence too. A proxy purchase is when anyone 18 or over buys, or tries to buy, a vape or nicotine product for someone under 18. The existing rules cover nicotine vaping products, while Scotland already has wider restrictions. From October, the rules will cover all vaping and nicotine products across the UK.
What to Expect When Buying Your First Kit?
Many retailers use a Challenge 25 policy. If you look under 25, you may be asked for ID, even though the legal age is 18. Common forms of ID include a passport, photocard driving licence or PASS card, although accepted ID can vary by retailer.
Online shops are covered too. They must be satisfied you're 18 or over before they sell to you.
The sale and supply of single-use vapes has been banned across the UK since 1 June 2025. Rechargeable and refillable devices remain available. Our guide to the best vape pens is a good place to start, or buy VOOPOO vapes for a proven pod system.
Stick to legal products. Nicotine vapes and e-liquids must be notified to the MHRA before they can be sold in the UK. You can check any product on the MHRA's notified product lists.
FAQs
Does the 2027 smoking ban apply to vapes?
No. From 1 January 2027, nobody born on or after 1 January 2009 can ever be sold tobacco, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers. Vapes aren't included, so someone born in 2009 can still buy a pod kit at 18. GOV.UK's tobacco selling guidance explains how it works.
Can you vape in a car with children?
Yes, currently. The 2015 ban on smoking in cars with under-18s doesn't cover vaping. However, the new Act gives government powers to restrict vaping where smoking is already banned, so the rules could change.
Can you vape in pubs or at work?
Currently, there's no blanket legal ban. In England, Wales and Scotland, vaping isn't covered by the indoor smoking ban, so there's no nationwide rule against vaping in pubs. Employers can set their own rules at work. Always check house rules first.
Can I still get a free vape to help me quit smoking?
Yes. Stop-smoking services can still hand out free vapes. It just has to be part of a programme arranged with a public authority, like a council or the NHS. Ask your local service what's on offer.
Can a shop refuse to sell to me if I'm over 18?
Yes. If staff suspect you're buying for someone underage, they can refuse the sale. They can also turn you away if you can't show ID when asked.
Shop at Hill Crest Clouds
Start simple with a pod kit or vape pen. Browse our starter kits at HillCrest Clouds, an online vape shop in the UK and find one that suits your style.