Raising the Age of Tobacco Purchase

From 1st October 2007 the legal age at which tobacco and tobacco products (including cigarette papers) may be purchased rose from 16 to 18 years old.

There  is  currently a Department of Health campaign  aimed at retailers to raise awareness of the imminent change in age.

This change  comes about by The Children and Young Persons (Sale of Tobacco etc.) Order 2007, amending the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 and the Children and Young Persons (Protection from Tobacco) Act 1991.

If you sell  tobacco or  tobacco products you must be aware of this change in the law, and ensure that old signage referring to the old age limit is changed to reflect the new age restriction, and that any staff are also notified of the new age limit.

For more information visit http://www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk/

For downloads & resources goto http://www.tobaccoagechange.co.uk/downloads.html

Please note The sign must be printed at least A3 in size (420mm x 297mm). It is possible that your printer may automatically resize the images. Please ensure the printed format meets the criteria below.

If you choose to produce your own or use another, in order to comply with the law:

• It must state, ‘It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18’.
• It must be at least A3 in size (420mm x 297mm) and have letters at least 36mm high.

For more information you can contact Trading Standards  on 01633 644102.