(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations substitute the age of 18 for the age of 16 in the following provisions which relate to the prohibition on the sale of tobacco products and cigarette papers to young persons in Northern Ireland.

Regulation 2 makes that substitution in three provisions in the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1978—

  • Article 3 which creates the offence of selling tobacco or cigarette papers to young persons;

  • Article 4 which confers powers on the magistrates' court to order the removal or make certain other provision in respect of tobacco vending machines used by young persons; and

  • Article 5 which provides for the seizure and disposal of tobacco or cigarette papers from young persons.

Regulation 3 substitutes the age of 18 in the statements which are required to appear in notices by Article 5 of the Children and Young Person (Protection from Tobacco) (Northern Ireland) Order 1991. When this regulation comes into operation the statement in the notice required in retail premises where tobacco is sold will be—

  • It is illegal to sell tobacco products to anyone under the age of 18.

From the same date the statement in the notice required on tobacco vending machines will be—

  • This machine is only for the use of people aged 18 or over.