Consultation launched on future vape retail licensing framework

The government has today (8 October) launched a call for evidence on proposals to introduce a licensing scheme for the retail sale of tobacco, vaping and nicotine products across England, Wales and Northern Ireland – a move set to reshape how convenience stores sell age-restricted goods.

Published by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the eight-week consultation will gather views on how a new licensing framework could operate – including how licences are granted, their duration, and the conditions retailers would need to meet. The stated aims are to protect public health, particularly children, and prevent crime by ensuring only law-abiding retailers are permitted to sell these products.

The call for evidence also seeks input on wider issues, such as:

• the ingredients and emissions used to create vape and nicotine product flavours;
• appropriate nicotine limits in nicotine-containing products like pouches;
• the size, shape and technology of vape devices; and
• a proposed product registration scheme, requiring manufacturers to submit product details before sale in the UK.

The call for evidence closes at 11:59pm on 3 December 2025, after which DHSC plans to move straight to consultation on rules restricting the display, branding, colour and packaging of tobacco and vaping products.

ACS calls for proportionate licensing

The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has welcomed the opportunity to contribute but stressed that a licensing scheme must be designed to target rogue traders without unfairly penalising legitimate businesses.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “The Tobacco and Vapes Bill will mark a significant change to the way that convenience retailers work, not just in terms of age-restricted sales policies and displays, but securing a licence to operate.

“We welcome the opportunity to respond to the call for evidence on behalf of local shops, and will continue to outline what we believe is an effective licensing system to increase compliance and stamp out the illicit trade.”

Lowman warned that unless properly structured, a licensing scheme could impose excessive administrative burdens on responsible retailers or restrict operations “just because of their location”.

“We are clear that the object of a new licencing scheme should be to clamp down on rogue sellers and the billions lost through illicit sales every year, but this must not come at the expense of legitimate businesses,” he said.

ACS will consult its members before submitting a formal response.

 Industry welcomes tighter controls

Vaping retailer VPZ said it strongly supports the government’s proposal, calling licensing a “vital step” to tackle illegal vape sales and protect young people.

Jamie Strachan, operations director at VPZ, said: “We welcome the government’s introduction of a licensing system for vape, tobacco, and nicotine product sales – a measure we have been calling for.

“This is a vital step to crack down on rogue traders who have been selling illegal and unsafe products, often targeting children. Licensing will help protect young people while supporting responsible retailers who follow the rules and provide safe, regulated products for adults looking to quit smoking.”

He added that stronger regulation would raise standards across the industry and ensure vaping remains “a trusted and effective tool for smoking cessation”.

The Independent British Vape Trade Association (IBVTA) has also welcomed the call for evidence.

IBVTA CEO, Gillian Golden said: “Policies designed to regulate vaping must be based on evidence rather than public opinion, which has too often been manufactured by media and political hysteria. We therefore welcome this call for evidence published today. Vaping remains the UK’s most successful and most popular way for adults to smoke to quit. This public health opportunity must be protected, while tackling the illicit trade and illegal underage sales.”

This call for evidence comes in advance of the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being voted through Parliament. Further public consultations will be published once secondary legislation is drafted.