The Tobacco and Vapes Bill

Are you a retailer of tobacco, tobacco products, cigarettes, or vapes in England and Wales 

This page provides crucial information about upcoming changes to legislation that will have an impact on your  business.

Navigating the New Legislation

Are you aware that there's a significant change in legislation pending?

This change concerns the requirement to be licensed to sell tobacco, tobacco products, cigarettes and vapes.

Emag Licensing are here to help you understand and navigate these changes effectively.

Introducing the New Licensing Regime

 

The Bill is currently passing through the house of lords it is anticipated the commencement date will be MID 2026 

 

UPDATE     MARCH 2026 

Lords completes scrutiny of Tobacco and Vapes Bill

The House of Lords has completed its detailed examination of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, concluding its Third Reading on 9 March 2026, marking the final stage of scrutiny in the upper chamber. The Bill—one of the government’s flagship public health measures—will now return to the House of Commons for consideration of amendments proposed by peers.

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill forms a central part of the government’s long-term strategy to reduce smoking rates and curb youth vaping. While the Bill originated in the House of Commons during the 2024–26 parliamentary session, the Lords’ role has been to examine its provisions line by line, propose revisions, and ensure the legislation is workable and enforceable.

The Third Reading offered peers a final opportunity to refine the Bill. Although no major new amendments were introduced at this stage, the session confirmed the Lords’ final position on earlier changes made during Committee and Report stages.

With the Lords’ scrutiny now complete, the Bill enters the “ping-pong” phase, during which the Commons will consider the amendments made by the upper chamber. MPs may accept, reject, or propose alternatives to the Lords’ changes. The process continues until both Houses agree on the final text.

According to the parliamentary update, the Bill’s next step is formal consideration of Lords amendments by the Commons, scheduled following its return from the upper chamber.

Keep updated with our regular newsletters  

How Emag Licensing Can Help

Emag Licensing offers expertise to help you navigate the complexities of the new Tobacco and Vapes Bill.

A full new licensing regime is being introduced, encompassing both premises and personal licences, which will be essential to legally sell these products.

Let us guide you through the process.

UPDATE    APRIL 2026 

Tobacco and Vapes Bill set for Royal Assent after final Lords approval

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill has completed its passage through Parliament after the House of Lords considered Commons amendments on 20 April 2026. This final stage saw peers review and agree to changes made by the House of Commons, bringing the legislative process to a close.

With both Houses now in agreement, the Bill will proceed to Royal Assent. The date of Royal Assent has not yet been announced, and commencement of the legislation is expected to follow a phased approach, with key provisions dependent on secondary legislation and further guidance.

The Bill establishes a statutory framework for regulating tobacco and vaping products. Its provisions include a prohibition on the sale of tobacco to individuals born on or after 1 January 2009, alongside broad powers to regulate vaping and nicotine products, including advertising, packaging and product standards. It also enables the designation of smoke-free and vape-free places and introduces enforcement mechanisms, including offences and penalties.

A significant component of the legislation is the introduction of a retail licensing framework for tobacco and vaping products. According to local government briefings, the scheme is expected to require retailers to obtain a licence or be registered in order to sell such products, supported by the creation of a national or locally administered register. Enforcement authorities, including trading standards, are expected to be given powers to issue penalties and take action against non-compliant businesses, including the suspension or revocation of licences. The detailed operation of the licensing regime will be set out in secondary legislation.

 

 

 

 

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