Key Service Telephone Numbers
Smoke Free, Tobacco Control & Vapes
Smoke Free
Smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable illness and premature death in Northern Ireland, killing around 2,300 people each year.
In April 2007, smoke free legislation was introduced to ban smoking inside and workplaces and public places. This also includes work vehicles and public transport.
The purpose of the legislation is to protect employees and the public from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Offences and Penalties
It is an offence for anyone – employee or member of the public – to smoke in a smoke free premises or vehicle.
Penalties include:
- A £50 fixed penalty notice, or
- A maximum £1,000 fine if prosecuted and convicted.
No Smoking Signage
Those responsible for smoke free premises or vehicles must:
- Display “No Smoking” signage at all entrances and in each compartment of smoke free vehicles.
- Take reasonable steps to prevent smoking on the premises or in the vehicle.
Smoking Shelters
There is no legal requirement to provide a smoking shelter. However, many premises choose to provide one for staff or customer comfort.
Any smoking shelter must meet smoke free legislation. This means:
- If an area has a roof, smoking is only allowed if less than 50% of the perimeter is enclosed by sides (including doors, walls, windows or other fittings).
- A roof includes any fixed or moveable structure, such as canvas awnings.
Smokers must only use specified smoking shelters/areas. Smoking elsewhere in a smoke free premises may result in a £50 fixed penalty or a fine of up to £1,000. The proprietor is legally required to prevent smoking.
Inspections
Under the Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, Tobacco Control Officers and Environmental Health Officers may visit premises to:
- Check compliance with the law
- Offer advice and support
- Take enforcement action when required
For concerns or further information, contact Environmental Health (Tobacco Control):
T: 0330 137 4024
Tobacco Retailers Register
Anyone with a tobacco business in Northern Ireland must register with the Tobacco Register NI. It is an offence to sell tobacco products without being registered.
Tobacco products include: cigarettes, rolling tobacco, pipe tobacco, cigars, cigarette papers and filters.
The register can be viewed at: www.tobaccoregisterni.gov.uk
If you are aware of an unregistered seller, contact Environmental Health (Tobacco Control):
T: 0330 137 4024
Underage Sales of Tobacco Products and Vapes
.PNG)
It is an offence to sell tobacco products (including cigarette papers) or nicotine inhaling products (such as e-cigarettes and liquids) to anyone under 18 years of age.
Retailer Responsibilities
- Retailers are encouraged to adopt a Challenge 21 or Challenge 25 approach.
- Acceptable ID includes passports, driving licences, or other photographic ID.
- Electronic forms of ID are not acceptable as they are easily falsified.
Proxy Purchasing
An adult who buys – or tries to buy – tobacco or nicotine inhaling products for someone under 18 can receive:
- A £250 fixed penalty notice, or
- A maximum £5,000 fine if prosecuted and convicted.
Test Purchasing
To monitor compliance, the Council carries out test purchase exercises where anyone under 18 attempts to buy tobacco or nicotine inhaling products.
Anyone selling these products to a minor may receive:
- A £250 fixed penalty notice, or
- A fine of up to £5,000
- And/or up to 6 months imprisonment upon conviction
Tobacco Control Officers regularly visit retailers to give guidance and assess compliance.
To report a concern about underage sales, contact:
T: 0330 137 4024
Vaping
Vaping involves inhaling vapour created by a vape or e-cigarette. These devices heat a liquid (e-liquid/e-juice) which typically contains nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings.
Vapes can be disguised as everyday objects such as pens or USB sticks. Although some smokers use them as a quit aid, their use among young non-smokers is increasing.
Young People and Vaping
Young Persons’ Behaviour & Attitudes Survey 2022 reported that:
- 95% of respondents had heard of e-cigarettes
- 21% had used one
- Use increased with age, from 6% in Year 8 to 44% in Year 12
Government Action
The UK Government plans to restrict:
- Vape packaging and advertising
- “Kid-friendly” flavours (e.g., bubble gum, candy floss)
Health Risks
While vapes are considered less harmful than cigarettes and can support smoking cessation, they are not risk-free and long-term effects are unknown.
Risks include:
- High nicotine levels leading to addiction
- Increased likelihood of taking up smoking
- Potential exposure to illicit substances (e.g., THC, synthetic cannabinoids)
- Risk of inhaling harmful substances through shared devices
- Environmental concerns, particularly with disposable vapes
Health advice is clear: Young people and non-smokers should not vape.
Further information, including a Vaping Factsheet (hscni.net), visit http://www.pha.site/vaping