Sales of tobacco

The Dutch government discourages smoking. Therefore the Dutch Tobacco Act (Tabakswet) contains rules designed to reduce the sale of tobacco products:

• You may only sell tobacco products to people aged 16 and older. That rule must be displayed clearly so that everyone can see it.
• You may not sell tobacco products to people who have reached the age of 16, but who want to give or sell these products on to younger people.
• You must ask for proof of ID to establish the person's age. This is not obligatory for those who are obviously older than 16.
• Any form of advertising is prohibited. Tobacco advertising is only permitted subject to certain terms and conditions, for example, in tobacconists or tobacco points of sale.
• You may not give away tobacco products free of charge.
• You may not sell tobacco products via a tobacco vending machine, unless the vending machine:
  • Is always locked;
  • Can only be unlocked in order to make a sales transaction for or by those who are 16 or older;
  • Is indoors and can be seen by the owner or staff.