Age restrictions
There are strict laws prohibiting the sale of certain items to young people. Traders and their staff can be prosecuted if they make an underage sale.
Prosecution may result in:
- fines
- loss of licence
- imprisonment
Report underage sales
You can report suspected underage sales or adults who may be buying on behalf of those underage.
Before making a report, use the table below to check current age restrictions in England.
Age restrictions in England
The following age restrictions apply.
| Items for sale | Age restriction |
|---|---|
| Adult fireworks and sparklers | 18 years-old and over |
| Aerosol paint | 16 years-old and over |
| Alcohol | 18 years-old and over |
| Axes | 18 years-old and over |
| Blades | 18 years-old and over |
| Butane | 18 years-old and over |
| Christmas crackers | 12 years-old and over |
| Crossbows | 18 years-old and over |
| Electronic cigarettes | 18 years-old and over |
| Knives | 18 years-old and over |
| Lottery tickets | 18 years-old and over |
| Party poppers | 16 years-old and over |
| Scratch cards | 18 years-old and over |
| Solvents | 18 years-old and over |
| Sunbeds | 18 years-old and over |
| Tobacco | 18 years-old and over |
| Vapes – nicotine inhaling products | 18 years-old and over |
| Video games – PEGI rating 12 | 12 years-old and over |
| Video games – PEGI rating 16 | 16 years-old and over |
| Video games – PEGI rating 18 | 18 years-old and over |
| Video recordings, 12-rated | 12 years-old and over |
| Video recordings, 15-rated | 15 years-old and over |
| Video recordings, 18 rated | 18 years-old and over |