Age-restricted products
(for England, Wales and Northern Ireland)
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Legislation prohibits the supply (sale or hire) of tobacco products, offensive weapons (knives and similar), crossbows, fireworks, solvents, airguns, lighter refills containing butane, and alcohol to anyone under the age of 18 years. Caps, party poppers (and similar products), lottery tickets and aerosol paint are not to be sold to anyone under the age of 16 years.
There are different age restrictions on videos and video games: 12 and over, 15 and over and 18 and over. And the legislation also provides requirements for certain warnings and notices to be displayed when selling particular products.
Traders should always ask young people to produce proof of their age, such as the national Proof of Age Standards (PASS) scheme card, a photocard driving licence or a passport. Any refusals of restricted products to underage children should be logged on a refusal sales sheet or in a refusal book.
In the guide
Table of penalties
Tobacco
Offensive weapons
Fireworks
Video recordings
Intoxicating substances
Lottery tickets
Alcohol
Petrol
Aerosol spray paint
Due diligence and reasonable precautions
