Public Health campaigns

Information for parents and carers

Learn what the new legislation means and how you can support your child.

The smokefree generation will ensure that people born on or after 1 January 2009 will never legally be able to buy tobacco products. The law has been introduced because most smokers start young and tobacco is a leading cause of preventable illness and death.

Talking to your child about smoking and vaping

Smoking causes serious harm to health. Although vaping is less harmful than smoking and can help adults quit, it's not risk-free and is not intended for children and young people.

Many young people experiment with smoking or vaping out of curiosity or peer influence. If your child is smoking or vaping, talk to them about the reasons why, the health risks and the support available to help them quit.

Report underage or illegal sales

If you suspect a retailer is selling:

  • tobacco or vapes to anyone under 18
  • tobacco products to someone born on or after 1 January 2009
  • illicit tobacco
  • non-compliant or illegal vaping products

Report this to Liverpool Trading Standards: trading.standards@liverpool.gov.uk.

How to spot a non-compliant vape

Signs that a vape may be non-compliant include:

  • nicotine strengths above 20mg/ml
  • more than 600 puffs advertised on the packaging
  • tank sizes larger than 2ml
  • missing health warnings or product information

Illegal tobacco and non-compliant vaping products may not meet UK safety requirements and are often sold at lower prices, making them more accessible to children and young people.

Where to get support

If you need advice about smoking or vaping, you can speak to your child's school, a healthcare professional or a local stop smoking service.

Smokefree Liverpool also provides free support for Liverpool residents: