Tobacco sales are regulated by law in Northern Ireland. There are restrictions on who can buy and sell tobacco products, where and how they can be displayed, and what health warnings they must carry. The aim of these regulations is to protect public health and prevent underage smoking.
Nicotine inhaling products such as e-cigarettes are devices that deliver nicotine in a vapour without burning tobacco. They are not completely risk-free, but they are currently considered to be less harmful than smoking. E-cigarettes can help smokers quit or reduce their smoking, but they are not recommended for non-smokers or young people.
Any premises found selling tobacco or nicotine inhaling products (NIPs) to any person under 18 years of age will receive a fixed penalty notice for £250 and could potentially receive a maximum fine of £5,000 as set out in the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014. Derry City and Strabane District Council carries out test purchasing of these age restricted products at various times of the year to ensure retailers are compliant with the law.
Business owners must take reasonable precautions and show due care when selling tobacco and nicotine inhaling products to the public. You can do this by:
- Implementing a training programme for all your staff in relation to age restricted sales.
- Carrying out refresher training on a regular basis.
- Keeping a record of all training.
- Supporting the law and adopting a policy of ‘No ID, No Sale’.
- Implementing a “Think 21” or “Think 25” policy where appropriate.
- Displaying statutory warning notices, where needed.
- Keeping a record of any refusals.