Tobacco control

Tobacco Register NI

Under the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, anyone running a tobacco business in Northern Ireland must register with Belfast City Council. The register is a list of businesses that are accessible by the public and sell tobacco.

If a person owns more than one business, each business must be registered at separate business addresses.
Failure to register is a criminal offence and could be fined up to £500, or face prosecution and be fined up to £5000. This offence can be held on record for five years. 

The registration process is free and requires you to fill in a form either:

• Online: Visit www.tobaccoregisterni.gov.uk and fill in the online form.
• Paper: You can request a copy of the form by calling 028 9027 0428 or by emailing tobaccoregister@belfastcity.gov.uk

You can also download and print the form at www.tobaccoregisterni.gov.uk and return to the following address:

Tobacco Register NI
City and Neighbourhoods Services Department
Belfast City Council
The Cecil Ward Building
4-10 Linenhall Street
Belfast
BT2 8BP 

For more information or to speak to a member of our Tobacco Control Team, please contact us on 028 9027 0428. 

Smoke-Free NI

Under The Smoking (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 it is against the law to smoke in ‘enclosed’ and ‘substantially enclosed’ workplaces and public places such as bars and offices; the regulations also extends to work vehicles and public transport.

The legislation was introduced to protect workers and the public from exposure to second-hand smoke and is enforced by our Tobacco Control Officers.

An Individual can receive a fine of £50 or face prosecution and be fined up to £1000 if they smoke in smoke-free premises or smoke-free vehicles.

Anyone responsible for smoke-free premises (including vehicles) are required to display no-smoking signs and failure to do so may result in a £200 fine or lead to a prosecution and be fined up to £1000.

The law also requires those responsible for smoke-free premises (including vehicles) to prevent or stop a person smoking there and failure to comply may lead to a prosecution and a fine of £2,500.