Last updated: December 6, 2021
Penalties
Sales Restrictions
A violation of the ban on sale of single cigarettes is subject to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale (currently £1000).
A violation of the ban on tobacco vending machine sales is subject to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (currently £2500).
A violation of the ban on tobacco for oral use or a violation of restrictions on internet sales is subject to: 1) on summary conviction, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, a fine, or both; or 2) on conviction on indictment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, a fine, or both.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Tobacco sales are not restricted by location; therefore, there are no associated penalties.
Minimum Retail Package Size
Violations of the minimum retail package size are subject to: 1) on summary conviction, imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, a fine, or both, or 2) on conviction on indictment, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, a fine, or both. If the offense is committed by a corporate body with the consent, or due to negligence, of a corporate officer, the officer as well as the corporate body are subject to penalties.
Minimum Legal Sales Age
Violations of the ban on sales to persons below the age of 18 are punishable by a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale (currently up to £2500).
