Businesses and residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf are being urged to be aware and prepare for important changes to tobacco and vaping laws that aim to protect children and young people from nicotine addiction and the long-term harms associated with smoking.
The new measures, introduced through the Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026, are being rolled out in stages, with the first coming in to force last month (from 29 October 2026) and then from 1 January 2027, introducing tougher restrictions on tobacco, vape and nicotine product sales, alongside stronger enforcement powers for local authorities and Trading Standards teams.
The legislation forms part of a wider effort to create a smoke-free generation by preventing children and young people from accessing tobacco and nicotine products.
Since 29 October 2026, it became illegal to sell vaping or nicotine products to anyone under the age of 18. New offences relating to replacement purchasing, promotional giveaways and substantial discounts have also been introduced, while vending machines are no longer be permitted to directly sell tobacco, vaping or nicotine products.
From 1 January 2027, retailers will be prohibited from selling tobacco products, herbal smoking products or cigarette papers to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009.
Businesses selling tobacco products in Wales are also now required to display a bilingual Welsh and English notice prominently at every point of sale.
The Council is often asked what powers it has to regulate vape shops and tackle concerns around the sale of vaping products.
While local authorities already have powers to investigate underage sales and tackle illegal tobacco and vaping products, there is currently no requirement for vape shops to hold a licence before opening.
The new legislation strengthens the framework available to Trading Standards services by introducing additional offences, fixed penalty notices and tougher enforcement measures for businesses that fail to meet their responsibilities. It also provides new tools to help prevent tobacco and nicotine products from reaching children and young people.
Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable illness and premature death in Wales and continues to place significant pressure on health services and communities. Most smokers start smoking before adulthood, making measures that prevent young people from taking up smoking in the first place, particularly important.
The new legislation is designed to reduce the number of children and young people who start smoking or become addicted to nicotine, helping to improve health outcomes and reduce smoking-related harms for future generations.
By restricting access to tobacco and nicotine products and strengthening enforcement measures, the legislation will support wider efforts to improve public health and reduce health inequalities across Wales.
RCT Council's Trading Standards team already carries out regular test purchasing exercises across the County Borough to help ensure businesses comply with age-restricted sales laws and to prevent tobacco, vape and nicotine products from being sold to children and young people.
These exercises form part of wider enforcement activity to tackle illegal sales, protect communities and support responsible local businesses. Trading Standards officers continue to work with partner agencies to identify and investigate businesses involved in the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Information from the Council's recent enforcement activity highlights how illegal tobacco and vape sales can make it easier for young people to access harmful products and undermine attempts by smokers to quit.
Councillor Bob Harris, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, said:
"These new laws are about protecting children and young people and helping to create a healthier future for the next generation.
"We know that smoking remains one of the biggest causes of preventable illness and premature death in Wales, and that many smokers start the habit at a young age. Preventing access to tobacco and nicotine products in the first place is one of the most effective ways of reducing smoking-related harm in the future.
"Residents often ask why vape shops can open without a licence and what powers Councils have to regulate them. While Trading Standards already has an important role in enforcing age-restricted sales laws and tackling illegal products, these new measures strengthen the legislation available to us and provide additional enforcement options where businesses fail to meet their responsibilities.
"Our Trading Standards team already undertakes regular test purchasing exercises across Rhondda Cynon Taf and will continue to work closely with retailers to support compliance with the new legislation.
"The vast majority of businesses act responsibly, but where rules designed to protect young people are ignored, we will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action.
"Illegal tobacco and vape sales can make it easier for young people to access harmful products, undermine legitimate local businesses and are often linked to wider criminal activity. That is why tackling these issues remains such an important priority.
"Everyone has a role to play in protecting young people from the harms associated with smoking and nicotine addiction. By reducing access to tobacco, vape and nicotine products among children and young people, these changes have the potential to make a real difference to public health for generations to come."
Businesses that sell tobacco, vaping or nicotine products are encouraged to review their procedures, the new legislation and familiarise themselves with the detailed guidance published by Welsh Government, including information on age restrictions, fixed penalty notices, signage requirements and vending machine restrictions.
Trading Standards officers continue to work with partner agencies to identify and investigate businesses involved in the illegal sale of tobacco and vaping products across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Anyone with information about the sale of illegal tobacco, cigarettes or vaping products is encouraged to report it through the Council's Illegal Activity Online Form.
Residents can also report concerns anonymously through ASH Wales' No Ifs. No Butts. reporting portal.
For further information, please visit www.rctcbc.gov.uk/TradingStandards
Issues can also be reported to the local Trading Standards service by:
By working together, businesses, residents, Trading Standards and partner agencies can help prevent illegal sales, protect young people from accessing age-restricted products and improve public health across Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Posted on 11/11/2026