How Old Do You Have To Be To Vape?
Vaping has become more popular recently as an alternative to smoking. With its rise, there are questions about vaping laws.
Wondered ‘How old do you have to be to vape’? Knowing the legal age limits is crucial for following local laws. This post tells you how old you need to be.
If you are old enough, explore Bar Vape‘s range of Disposable Vapes for true convenience and satisfaction!
What is the Bar Vape legal age for vaping in the UK?
In the UK, the legal age to vape is 18. The UK set this age in 2015, matching the age for buying tobacco. Young people must be 18 to legally buy vape products like disposable vapes, kits, and nicotine-free e-liquids.
Selling nicotine products and devices to under-18s is completely illegal by law.
As of 2024, the Government introduced the Smokefree Generation policy. Starting 2027, the tobacco sales age will rise by one year annually to stop future generations smoking. The government also plans quicker £100 on-the-spot fines for shops in England and Wales selling tobacco and vapes underage.
Why are there Bar Vape age restrictions for vapes?
The vaping industry is becoming more regulated which is good. Clearer rules on making vape kits and e-liquids mean a safer experience.
Tighter checks on selling vape products help keep everyone protected and safe.
Vaping is not recommended for children or young people. Their lungs and brains are still developing and more sensitive. Nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking but not risk-free.
That’s why there is a minimum sales age for vaping products in the UK. Adults buying nicotine vaping products for under-18s is also illegal.
Bar Vape Legal consequences
If you are under 18 and caught vaping in the UK, you may face these consequences:
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Your e-cigarette or disposable vape may be taken away.
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You might need to attend classes about vaping risks.
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Underage vapers and retailers face penalties. Retailers selling to minors can get fined up to £2500. Adults buying for under-18s (proxy sales) could get a £90 fine.
Bar Vape age verification
Here at Bar Vape, we verify the age of all customers. This happens on the first order, often automatically by checking databases. If no match, our system asks for ID and a selfie. If that fails, we request passport/driving license photos for manual check. Online, some retailers use third-party age checks before allowing orders.
Adults buying or trying to buy tobacco or vaping products for under-18s is illegal. In Bar Vape stores, we use Challenge 25 and keep a refusals register.
For more information, see our guide about Tobacco and Vape Laws.
At Bar Vape, you must be 18 or older to buy any products.
How old do you have to be to Bar Vape in other countries?
Vaping age rules vary. Like the UK, most EU countries have an age limit of 18, with few exceptions.
Countries selling to 18-year-olds include:
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EU members (Except Belgium at 16, Norway needing doctor referral)
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Algeria, China, Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Fiji, Georgia, Malaysia, Moldova, Vietnam
South Korea allows purchase at age 19.
In America, the vaping age limit changed to 21 in December 2019. It’s illegal to market cigarettes, e-liquids, and e-cigarettes to under-21s.
Fix your cravings with Bar Vape!
This blog answered ‘How old do you have to be to vape in the UK’. The legal age is 18 and older. If caught vaping under 18, you risk a fine.
If you are over 18, check out Bar Vape‘s Vape Kits, suitable for all vapers and easy to use.
Contact us with any questions. Or see our Vape Guides for details on popular products!
Bar Vape Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you vape at 16 in the UK?
No. The legal age for buying vapes is 18, matching the age for cigarettes. It protects young people and is illegal to sell vapes to under-18s. - Why do teens vape?
Young people might vape due to marketing, appealing flavours, social media, influencers, and peer pressure. - What are the legal consequences for breaking age rules?
Breaking age rules leads to penalties for retailers, like fines, restricted sales, or licence loss. Age rules apply to all vaping products, even nicotine-free ones. - Is vaping in the UK regulated?
Yes. The main rules are the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016. These require companies to test devices and liquids and tell the authorities.