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UK Law Raises the Age for the Sale of Tobacco

The UK laws regarding the sale of cigarettes and tobacco changed on October 1st 2007. It is now illegal to sell any tobacco product, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, pipe tobacco, rolling tobacco and rolling papers to anyone under the age of 18.

This change affects England and Scotland and the change raises the legal age of sale from 16 to 18. It is not illegal for anyone under 18 to be in possession of cigarettes and tobacco products. It is illegal to sell cigarettes and tobacco products to anyone under 18.

Why the change?

Surveys have shown that the majority of smokers started when they were teenagers. The law changes are an attempt to alter that statistic. An older person is more likely to understand and be aware of the dangers of smoking, the addictive nature of nicotine and the dramatic and devastating effects the smoking can have on appearance.

Smoking prematurely ages skin by between 10 and 20 years; gives a sallow, yellow-grey complexion and a gaunt look; causes gum disease and bad breath; stains teeth and fingers; and increases the risk of cellulite.

Children who start smoking during their teenage years are more likely to die from cancer or heart disease if they carry on smoking. Their undeveloped body cannot cope with the influx of the poisons from smoking and this makes them more susceptible to cancer later on in life.

A child who starts smoking at 15 is three times more likely to die from cancer than someone who starts smoking in their mid-20s.

Who is responsible?

The seller or vendor of the cigarettes and tobacco products. If someone under 18 buys cigarettes then they are liable to a hefty fine.

If you are under 18 or don’t look old enough then do not be offended if a shopkeeper asks for ID. The minimum age for the sale of cigarettes is now in line with alcohol. As many people still associate alcohol and tobacco, the two matching ages will now enable an easier job for shop owners.