Smoking - New age limit

The legal age to buy tobacco is now 18. Find more information here

New age limit for the sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products

The smoking age has been raised from 16 to 18 years. Traders face a fine of up to £2,500 if caught selling cigarettes or other tobacco products to anyone under this legal limit.

The change of law is designed to cut the number of young people taking up smoking in the first place. Research shows most smokers take up the habit in their teens. It aims to help prevent young adults from becoming addicted to tobacco and facing the consequences for their health later in life.

To help avoid this, trading standards at Hertfordshire County Council, recommend shops only accept three types of identification - a passport, a photo driving licence, or a proof of age card with a PASS hologram. The 'Think 21' policy used for alcohol sales is also suggested as a precaution.

Their advice to retailers is to adopt a cautious approach to sales. If they are in any doubt, ask for ID. As with underage alcohol sales, the cost of getting caught is not worth the risk.

The Department of Health is sending out a 'toolkit of information about the changes to all retailers who sell cigarettes (approximately 135,000) and this includes a copy of the required signage.

Any business that has not received this information can contact Trading Standards at Hertfordshire County Council on 01727 813849.

The Smoke Free Hertfordshire group, is also supporting the change by producing 10 banners, 3,000 pens pencils, and rulers, and 5,000 postcards to hand out at schools and colleges across the county.

Anyone wishing to kick the habit can contact the Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service on T: 0800 389 3998.