Can You Vape at 16 in the UK
The short answer is no. You cannot legally buy a vape or nicotine e liquid at 16 in the UK. The law makes it illegal for retailers to sell nicotine vaping products to anyone under 18. It is also illegal for an adult to buy a vape for someone under 18. These age of sale and proxy purchasing rules apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What the law covers
The rules apply to nicotine inhaling products and to components intended for use with nicotine. That includes bottles of nicotine e liquid, prefilled pods, refillable tanks and devices designed to deliver nicotine. Many retailers also apply the same age gate to nicotine-free shortfills and flavour concentrates to keep policies simple and to prevent under-18 access.
Can a 16-year-old vape if someone else buys it
No. If an adult buys or attempts to buy a vape for a person under 18 that is proxy purchasing and it is an offence. Retailers are expected to refuse the sale if they suspect the product is being purchased for a minor.
Is it illegal for a 16-year-old just to hold or use a vape
There is no single nationwide offence that criminalises a young person for simple possession everywhere, but schools, colleges, transport networks and most public venues ban vaping on their premises. In practice a 16-year-old who tries to vape will have the product confiscated and may face sanctions under local policies.
Online orders and delivery
Age rules apply online exactly as they do in store. Responsible websites use age verification at checkout and delivery. If a buyer cannot prove they are 18 or over the order should not be completed or released.
Shops and ID checks
Retailers are expected to run a think 21 or think 25 style policy. If a customer looks under that threshold staff should ask for valid photo ID such as a passport, driving licence or a PASS-accredited card. Shops should display clear age of sale posters, train staff, and keep a refusals log to show due diligence.
Schools, colleges and youth settings
Most education providers ban vaping on site and treat possession by under-18s as a disciplinary matter. Youth clubs and leisure centres commonly have the same rule. Parents should assume that any school or college will confiscate vapes and contact home.
Guidance for parents and carers
Do not buy vapes for anyone under 18. Keep products out of reach at home and talk openly about the law and the reasons it exists. If you are worried about vaping at school speak to the safeguarding lead so you can support a consistent response.
For adults 18+ looking for value
If you are 18 or over and want larger bottles that stretch your budget, browse our 100ml vape juice collection with flavours suited to everyday use.
Learn more about the rules
For a wider look at UK vaping law including age of sale, TPD limits, the 2026 vape duty and MSDS basics, visit our Vape Regulations and Law hub which pulls every compliance guide into one place.
Final thoughts
You cannot legally vape at 16 in the UK because retailers are banned from selling to under-18s and adults are banned from buying on their behalf. Venues and schools also prohibit use on their premises. If you are 18 or over, buy responsibly, follow venue rules, and keep products away from minors.
For a full explanation of the law and retailer duties, visit our guide on what is the legal age to vape. Or what happens if you are caught vaping under 18 in the uk.