Respond now to Tobacco & Vapes Act consultation
NICOTINE products firm Imperial Brands has urged convenience store retailers to make their voices heard as the deadline on the Tobacco & Vapes Act consultation approaches.
Retailers have until Friday 2 October to respond to the consultation, which covers potential restrictions across packaging, appearance and display for both vapes and wider nicotine-based products within the UK.
Imperial Brands has warned that the UK Government’s final policy will be shaped by responses to the consultation as the firm has said it believes that as many retailers as possible should share their views on how these moves could likely impact sales across their businesses.
An initial response to the consultation is expected by the end of the year, with potential display restrictions on vapes and nicotine products proposed to take place as early as June 2027.
Deirdre Healy, head of legal & corporate affairs at Imperial Brands, said: “This latest consultation provides a vital opportunity for retailers to shape the Government’s final decision on the packaging and in-store display of vapes nicotine pouches which are such a footfall driver for many stores.
“New measures like these will mean big changes in-store. If mandatory, behind the counter closed storage is introduced for these products, then retailers will need to invest in additional fixtures and even change counter and store layouts altogether to ensure sufficient space is available.”
Further to this, Imperial has also called on UK retailers to prepare for the changes that are imminent. This will include that all consumer nicotine products will be restricted to those aged 18 years and above from 29 October, closing a loophole that was previously identified with nicotine pouch products.
Additionally, the generational tobacco ban will come into force on 1 January 2027 meaning the legal age of sale for tobacco, including heated tobacco, will increase by one year, every year ensuring younger generations will never legally be able to purchase tobacco.
Imperial Brands has stressed that the business will continue to support those measures which prevent youth access to nicotine products however, it has also said any new regulations must be practical, evidence-based and workable for law-abiding retailers.
Healy said: “We believe that retailers have the power to help shape the future of their nicotine sales and we would urge them to share their opinions on the consultation.
“Their views are critical in ensuring that any future regulations are practical, proportionate and informed by real-world retail experience.
“It only takes a few minutes to submit your views online through the Government portal. Let’s ensure policymakers fully understand the views of the retailers who are set to be most affected by changes to the law.”
Retailers who wish to respond to this consultation can do so via the following link.
