A ban on the sale of electronic cigarettes to under-18s will come into force from the beginning of next month, Nottingham City Council has revealed
From October 1, retailers in England will face prosecution if they attempt to sell electronic cigarettes to children under the age of 18; it will also become a criminal offence to buy tobacco or e-cigarettes on behalf of under-18s.
Community Protection’s Nottingham City Trading Standards Service is working with local e-cigarette retailers to ensure that they are ready for the changes by providing advice on how to comply with the new rules.
After the start of the age restriction, Nottingham City Trading Standards Service will carry out test purchases around Nottingham to check that businesses are not selling e-cigarettes to under-18s. Businesses found selling e-cigarettes to children under 18 could face fines of up to £2500.
E-cigarettes are used by an estimated 1.3 million people in the UK. A recent Public Health England report estimates that e-cigarettes are around 95% safer than smoking and the majority of users are ex-smokers or smokers who are trying to quit.
Councillor Nicola Heaton, Portfolio holder Community Services said: “Protecting the health and well-being of young people is a high priority for Nottingham City Trading Standards Service which is why we welcome the new legislation. It will make it an offence to sell to under 18s and also for an adult to buy or attempt to buy tobacco or e-cigarettes for any young person under the age of 18.
“There is little to show that young people are using e-cigarettes as a gateway into smoking, but it is vital that we take all possible steps to protect children and young people from the harmful effects of smoking. Smoking is an addiction of childhood with the majority of smokers taking up the habit before the age of 18.”
Businesses across Gedling selling e-cigarettes and tobacco products can gain advice from Trading Standards by calling 0115 8445018.
