Wirral Council is responsible for enforcing legislation designed to protect young people from certain products. Guidance can be found on the Business Companion website. It ranges from basic ‘getting started’ advice to more detailed guides about specific legal requirements.
If you sell tobacco you must display a notice that reads:
'IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL TOBACCO PRODUCTS TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18'
The notice must be displayed in a prominent position and be easily visible at the point of sale. The notice must be no less than 297mm x 420mm (A3) and the characters must be no less than 36mm in height.
Tobacco products can no longer be on ‘open’ display. This is in line with the Tobacco Advertising and Promotion (Display) (England) Regulations 2010.
Changes to the law from 29 October 2026
Age of sale
The age of sale for all vaping and nicotine products is 18 and over. It is an offence for anyone aged 18 or over to buy, or attempt to buy, these products on behalf of someone under 18.
Vending machines
It is an offence for a person with management or control of premises in the UK to have a vending machine for:
- vaping products
- nicotine products
- tobacco products
- herbal smoking products
- cigarette papers
This applies even if payment does not take place at the machine.
Free distribution and substantial discounts
It is an offence to do the following to promote the products listed above:
- to give these products away for free
- to sell them at a substantial discount
- to give or sell a coupon for them at a substantial discount
This also applies to items that promote these products. An example would be a vape charger with vaping product branding.
Fixed penalty notices
Enforcement authorities will be able to issue fixed penalty notices for offences relating to:
- tobacco products
- herbal smoking products
- cigarette papers
- vaping and nicotine products
Find out more about selling vaping and nicotine products on the GOV.UK website .
Refusals register
If you sell age-restricted products, you should keep a note of when you have refused a sale.
Print a blank copy of the refusals register, to keep a record of your refusals.
Other guidance and documents (including the Tobacco Notice) can be found on the No ID No Sale website.
Challenge 25
Trading Standards supports Challenge 25. The ability to determine the age of young people has become increasingly difficult over the years. This has led to problems for both retailers and young people when trying to purchase and sell age-related goods. Retailers are encouraged to ask customers who look under 25 to produce proof of age to help prevent underage sales.
Many retailers and most authorities support the PASS Scheme, which is the UK’s National Accreditation Scheme. Customers can apply for a PASS-accredited Citizen Card and you can accept this as proof that they are the appropriate age.