The UK government has announced new restrictions on vending machines selling tobacco, herbal smoking products and cigarette papers, and vaping and nicotine products from 29 October 2026.
From that date it will become an offence for a person with management or control of premises in the UK to have a vending machine on the premises from which customers can buy any of the above products.
These also may not be dispensed to customers as part of a sale even if payment does not take place at the machine.
In England and Wales, vending machines for vaping products will continue to be allowed within an area of a mental health hospital that is intended for inpatient use.
Vending machines can be used as secure storage, as long as they are not used to sell or dispense products to customers. For example, a vending machine would be allowed if it is used to dispense products to a staff member only (not directly to the customer) where they are handling a sale to a customer (not for the staff member’s personal use).
