E-CIGARATTES will be illegal to sell to under 18s from next month.

From October 1,  it will be illegal for shops to sell e-cigarettes to under 18s, Slough trading standards is warning.

The new law applies to products that allow nicotine to be inhaled through a mouth piece and how they are powered or whether they resemble a traditional cigarette, make no difference.  E-cigarette refills – including liquids and capsules – will also be affected by the ban, although certain medical products will be exempt.

Russell Clarke, senior trading standards officer, said: “We will be checking stores to make sure they’re sticking to the new law, which is being brought in to protect children.

“Any store that breaks the law faces a hefty fine of up to £2,500.

“We also have the power to fine adults £90 if we suspect they’re buying e-cigarettes for someone who is under 18.”

Councillor Sohail Munawar, commissioner for social and economic inclusion, said: “E-cigarettes contain nicotine, so it’s only right they have the same age restrictions as traditional cigarettes and tobacco.

“In recent years we’ve done a lot of work with shopkeepers to make sure they ask for proof of age from anyone who looks under 25. However, we're not complacent and we will continue to do our regular checks.”

If you suspect a trader of selling age restricted products to under 18s, report them to trading standards via the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.  Business advice for traders can be found on our website www.slough.gov.uk/tradingstandards