Minimum Selling Age

Since October 1st 2007 the minimum age that retailers are legally allowed to sell cigarettes and tobacco to is 18.

It is not reasonable to attempt to judge a customer’s age by the way they look. If you or your staff are not ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN about a customer’s age then you/they must ask to see the customer’s proof of age card, photo driving licence or passport. The onus must be on the customer to prove that they are 18 or over.

Things to check on proof of age:

Check photograph is of the person offering it.

Check the date of birth makes customer 18 or over.

If a Proof of Age Card is offered check that it has a PASS hologram. If it doesn’t do not accept it.