We proactively ensure responsible tobacco and e-cigarette sales among local retailers.
Our officers regularly visit tobacco and e-cigarette retailers to ensure that they are aware of their responsibilities and the law in order to avoid fines which may be imposed if they do not comply.
We may also carry out test purchase initiatives of tobacco and nicotine-inhaling products by under age children to check that retailers are complying with their responsibilities.
Fines
If you sell cigarettes or any other tobacco product or nicotine-inhaling products to anyone under 18 years of age you can be fined up to £5,000 and/or face up to two years imprisonment.
It is illegal to break open a packet of cigarettes and sell them individually. If you do, you can be fined up to £1,000.
If you do not display the appropriate signage, you can be fined up to £1,000.
Register to sell tobacco or tobacco products
You must be registered on the Tobacco Register NI to sell tobacco/tobacco products.
The registration process is free and requires you to fill in a form either:
You can also download and print the form at www.tobaccoregisterni.gov.uk (link opens in new window) and return it to:
Tobacco Register NI
City and Neighbourhoods Services Department
Belfast City Council
The Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP
Complying with the law
You must display a warning notice stating “it is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18”. The notice should be A3 and displayed at the point of sale at a position where it can be clearly seen.
View a sample warning notice poster
You must take all reasonable steps to ensure that any person buying cigarettes/e-cigarettes is 18 years of age or over e.g. don’t sell items to anyone in a school uniform, ask for ID if unsure, ensure all staff are trained on your policy and procedures.
Ultimately the message to retailers is to remember: NO ID, NO SALE
Reporting non-compliance
We urge you to contact us in confidence by phoning 028 9244 7300 or emailing: ehealth@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
We will investigate your concerns.