Children and Families Act 2014 Explanatory Notes

Section 91: Purchase of tobacco etc. on behalf of persons under 18

395.This section introduces an offence in England and Wales of “proxy purchasing” of tobacco products and cigarette papers. This makes it an offence for a person aged 18 or over to buy, or attempt to buy, tobacco or cigarette papers on behalf of a person under the age of 18. If found guilty of an offence, the penalty is a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale. This section also provides local authority enforcement officers with the flexibility to issue fixed penalty notices if they believe an offence has been committed. To enable effective enforcement, the section provides enforcement officers with powers of entry.

396.These provisions apply to England and Wales.

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