The ban on tobacco vending machines is now effective in England. Such machines, if not already removed, should clearly be not in use and operators should expect enforcement checks to take place.

To confirm and clarify, the position is slightly different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, to that in England.

Scotland - the ban is currently deferred pending a legal challenge by one of the machine suppliers - the Scottish Government seem to be saying very little on this at present. As we have separately warned in the past, there is a separate requirement for ‘tobacco retailers' to have registered if they wish to sell tobacco products howsoever, post 1 October 2011. Reports suggest that many retailers have failed to do so which is a criminal offence.

Wales - The ban seems likely to come in between February and April next year.

Northern Ireland - Again the suggestion is February 2012 for the ban to come into effect.