Tobacco and Nicotine Vapour Products legislation

Scotland has strict laws to protect young people from the risks of smoking and nicotine addiction. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy tobacco or Nicotine Vapour Products (NVPs), and it is also illegal for adults to buy these products for them. These rules work in the same way as age restrictions for alcohol.

The aim is to stop young people from taking up smoking or using nicotine products. Early use can lead to addiction and serious long‑term health problems. Stronger rules help keep young people safe and reduce health harm in our communities.

Scottish Tobacco Retailer Register

If you sell tobacco, you must be registered on the Scottish Tobacco Retailer Register. It is illegal to sell tobacco without being registered. Retailers who break the law can be fined up to £20,000 and face up to six months in prison.

The register helps us enforce age‑restriction laws and make sure businesses follow the rules.

You can register on the Scottish Tobacco Retailer Register website.

Fixed penalty notices

If a person sells tobacco or NVPs to anyone under 18, they will receive a fixed penalty notice of £200, which, if paid within 14 days, will be reduced to £150.  Each subsequent offence raises the penalty by £200.  If caught 3 times, we will apply to Court for a Banning Order to prevent the sale of tobacco/NVPs by that person for a specified time period, up to 2 years.

Follow the instructions on the back of the notice to make your payment.

If you need advice about the law or support to comply with the rules, contact us.