Our response
What we told the Government.
Riot Labs filed its response to the DHSC consultation on packaging, appearance and display on 30 September 2026, two days before it closed. The consultation proposed seven further restrictions and nothing at all on enforcement. This is the short version.
We support
- Child-resistant, tamper-evident packaging, a full ingredients list and an age restriction symbol.
- A ban on devices that imitate other products. The most effective proposal in the consultation.
- A ban on cosmetic lights, and screens limited to function.
- The pharmacy exemption, and a defined specialist retailer category with an adult-only condition.
- At least 24 months to implement, running from when the detail is final.
We oppose
- Plain white packs and blanket limits on branding and imagery: standardised packaging by another name.
- Grey devices, and uniform shapes and materials.
- One-word flavour descriptors, as drafted.
- A display ban with no exemption for licensed, adult-only specialist shops.
- Separate price lists.
What we asked for instead
- Bring in the retail licensing scheme the Tobacco and Vapes Act already provides for, tiered by who can walk through the door.
- A minimum checking standard every year for every licensed premises, as the food hygiene rules already have.
- A national standard for recording whether a report of underage selling led to action, published by council.
- A licence fee based on the cost of that checking, paid to the service doing it.
The evidence behind the third ask is on our evidence page. The government consultation page is on GOV.UK.