Britons must now follow a series of fresh vaping regulations that took effect on October 29, as the government tightens its crackdown and introduces fines of up to £600 for breaches.
It is now unlawful to sell any vaping items to anyone under 18, even if the product contains no nicotine. Adults who try to purchase vaping or nicotine goods on behalf of a minor are also committing an offence.
Providing vaping products for free as a promotion, or offering coupons that lower the cost, is likewise prohibited.
The full list of prohibited actions includes:
- Selling any vaping or nicotine product to a person under 18
- Any adult buying or attempting to buy vaping or nicotine items for a person under 18
- Giving away a vaping or nicotine product for free to promote it
- Selling a vaping or nicotine product at a substantial discount to promote it
- Offering or selling a coupon at a substantial discount for a vaping or nicotine product to promote it
Those who break these rules face a fixed penalty notice. In England and Wales the standard fine is £200, reduced to £100 if paid early. Scotland sets the fine at £200, dropping to £150 for early payment.
If an individual has received an FPN or criminal conviction for a similar offence in the past two years, the penalty rises by £200 for each prior enforcement action. For example, a person with two previous actions would face a £600 fine, lowered to £550 for early payment.
At the start of October, the price of vape liquids also rose, with a flat charge of 22p per millilitre or £2.20 per 10ml, regardless of nicotine strength. Consequently, a 10ml bottle that previously cost £3.99 now costs £6.63.
