HomeTobacco sales to under 18s
Changes to the law
On 1 September 2008 two new changes to the law on selling tobacco products were introduced to Belfast:- Selling cigarettes: it is now illegal to sell cigarettes or any tobacco products (including cigarette papers) to anyone under 18. If you do sell these products to anyone under 18 you can be fined up to £2,500, and
- warning notices: shops selling tobacco must now display a warning notice: "It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18." Anyone selling tobacco who does not display the notice can be fined up to £1,000. Copies of the warning notice are available from our consumer safety team.
Selling cigarettes
Cigarettes must be sold in their original packs. If you open a pack and sell individual cigarettes from it, to children or adults, you can be fined up to £1,000.You should only sell cigarettes or tobacco products to people who have identification proving they are over 18.
Smoking facts
- 80 per cent of smokers started smoking before the age of 19
- almost a third of all 13 year old girls in Northern Ireland smoke
- 78 per cent of 12 - 15 year old smokers are currently buying cigarettes from shops.
For more information
Telephone: 028 9027 0428Email: safety@belfastcity.gov.uk
