What items are age restricted at 18 by law UK?

The law makes the selling of age restricted products to those under age a criminal offence, with various penalties.

Retailers should be clear how the law and safeguarding responsibilities apply to them. Such products include:

Also:

• Crossbows, air weapons, etc – the law in this area is complex so you should seek specialist advice if you are considering registering as a firearms dealer or stocking these products for sale, supply or hire.
• Online sales of age-restricted products – selling age-restricted products via the internet presents particular issues and retailers must have effective systems in place for preventing sales to prospective customers who are underage.
• Sunbeds – It is an offence for anyone carrying out a sunbed business to allow anyone under 18 to use a sunbed.

For more information on all of these products visit Trading Standards Manchester who aim to support businesses by raising awareness and promoting good practice and operate a policy of ‘prevention through advice’ by providing guidance to businesses on legislative requirements and associated best practice in an attempt to maximise the level of compliance with the law.

There is further useful information provided by the Manchester City Council Licensing Unit on the City council’s website www.manchester.gov.uk

Solvent Abuse

Solvent abuse is the inhaling (sniffing) of fumes given off by a wide range of solvent based products, cigarette lighter refills and aerosols.

Sales of Intoxicating Substances (Solvents)
It is an offence to supply or offer to supply any intoxicating substances to a person under the age of 18 where the shopkeeper may reasonably believe that the product will be used for intoxication.

It is also an offence to supply butane gas, such as a cigarette lighter refills containing butane, to any person under the age of 18. This is irrespective to whether the seller knew or suspected it was likely to be abused.

Penalty
The penalty for breaking this law or the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985 is a maximum fine of £5000 or up to 6 months in prison or both. Products include:

• Butane gas cigarette lighter refills
• Hairspray
• Liquefied domestic gas
• Other aerosols
• Solvent based adhesives
• Some typewriter correction fluids
• Deodorant aerosols
• Petrol
• Pain relief sprays
• Certain paints, paint thinners and remover
• Aerosol air fresheners
• Dry-cleaning agent
• Petrol Lighter fuel
• Nail varnish and varnish remover
• Shoe and metal polish
• Plaster remover.

As detailed in the Intoxicating Substances (Supply) Act 1985/The Cigarette Lighter Refill (Safety) Regulations 1999

There are laws that restrict the sale of certain products and services to underage people. We offer advice and support to businesses in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay to help them prevent underage sales.

The regulations around selling age restricted products can be complex so if you are in any doubt please contact us.

Businesses that are found illegally selling or supplying certain age restricted products can be prosecuted and may also lose their licence to sell certain products.

What products are age restricted?

This table shows which products are age restricted in the UK and how old the person has to be to buy them.

Age restricted productLegal age to buyAlcohol18Adult magazines18Cigarettes and tobacco products, and e-liquids18Fireworks and sparklers18Knives, blades and axes (not including folding knives with blades under 3 inches long)18Solvents and lighter refills18Sunbeds18Tattoos18Caps, party poppers (and similar products)16Liqueur chocolates16Lottery tickets and scratch cards16Petrol (this age covers both purchasing and dispensing)16Spray paints and aerosols16Video/DVD/gamesAs shown on certificate e.g. 12,15,18

The guides available below have more information, including key legislation, about age restricted products.

• View guidance documents

  You must have JavaScript enabled on your web browser to view this content. .

Free online training package

We are able to offer businesses one year’s free access to the Trading Standards South West No Proof of Age – No Sale online toolkit. This training package covers all age restricted products and gives clear guidance to businesses. It is normally only available by annual subscription, however, businesses in Devon, Plymouth, Somerset and Torbay can contact us for 12 months’ free access. Find out more about the toolkit.

Report underage sales

You can help stop the harm underage sales cause. If you see or hear of underage sales, report the to us to help us put a stop to them.

What items are age

What items are restricted at 18 by law?

What items are age

What can you not sell to under 18s?