The United Kingdom will ban vape vending machines from October 29, alongside tighter restrictions on the sale and promotion of vaping and nicotine products, as the government steps up efforts to curb youth access to the products.

Under the new rules, businesses across the UK will be prohibited from allowing customers to obtain vaping products through vending machines. The restrictions will also make it illegal to sell vaping or nicotine products to anyone under 18, including products that were not previously covered by the same age limits in some parts of the country.

The changes form part of the government’s wider effort to reduce youth vaping and support its ambition to create a smoke-free generation.

According to guidance published by the UK Department of Health and Social Care, the new age restrictions will apply to vape devices, e-liquids, vape pods, coils and other related components, as well as nicotine products such as nicotine pouches, strips and pearls.

The rules will also prohibit adults from buying, or attempting to buy, vaping or nicotine products on behalf of anyone under 18.

Retailers will face restrictions on promotional offers, including giving away products for free or selling them at substantial discounts when the purpose or effect is to promote the products. Similar restrictions will apply to discounted promotional coupons.

The vending machine ban will affect businesses that make the products available to customers through the machines, including premises such as pubs. However, a limited exemption will allow vape vending machines in designated inpatient areas of mental health hospitals in England and Wales.

The exemption does not extend to other settings or to Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Retailers that sell vaping products will also be expected to verify customers’ ages where necessary and comply with the new rules. Under the government’s guidance, selling vaping or nicotine products to under-18s could attract a £200 fixed penalty notice in England, Wales and Scotland, while Northern Ireland is set to have a £250 penalty, subject to approval by its Assembly.

More serious cases may result in higher fines following prosecution.

The new restrictions come amid growing government efforts to regulate the vaping market, particularly concerns about young people gaining access to nicotine products.

The changes will take effect on October 29, 2026, giving retailers and businesses a deadline to ensure their sales practices, vending arrangements and promotional activities comply with the updated law.