Imperial Brands is urging retailers across the UK to make their voices heard as the deadline for the latest consultation arising from the Tobacco and Vapes Act approaches.
Retailers have until Friday 2 October to respond to the consultation, which covers the future of the packaging, appearance and display of vapes and other nicotine-based products within UK retail outlets.
The Government’s final policy is set to be shaped by responses to the consultation. Imperial Brands believes it is important that as many retailers as possible share their views given the likely impact and cost on their businesses of any changes to regulation.
An initial response to the consultation is expected from the Government by the end of the year. New display restrictions on vapes and nicotine pouches are proposed by the Government to take effect from June 2027, with new product appearance measures likely to come into force at a later date.
New regulations are also expected to apply to products such as cigarette papers, herbal smoking products and heated tobacco devices.
Significant changes under the Act are already imminent. The sale of all consumer nicotine products will be restricted to those aged 18 and above from 29 October 2026. Meanwhile, from 1 January 2027, the legal age of sale for tobacco, including heated tobacco, will increase by one year, every year, ensuring younger generations can never legally buy a tobacco product.
While Imperial Brands supports measures which prevent youth access to nicotine products, the company believes regulations should be practical, evidence-based and workable for responsible law-abiding retailers, as Deirdre Healy, Head of Legal & Corporate Affairs at Imperial Brands, explained: “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.
“Furthermore, if plain white packaging with standard, non-promotional text typography is introduced, individual transaction times are likely to increase as it will be much more difficult to differentiate between products. Retailers and their staff will need to account for this.
“Irrespective of what measures are finally chosen, the timelines for implementation are likely to be very challenging and disruptive for retailers – especially in instances where store modifications are required – so it is vital they share these concerns.”
Deirdre Healy concluded: “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. For further information, visit https://www.imperialbrandsplc.com/our-brands.