A Belfast barber shop has been prohibited for three years from selling tobacco products and nicotine inhaling products, including e-cigarettes and vapes. The sanction was handed down at Belfast Magistrates' Court in a case brought by Belfast City Council against Sultan Barbers, which trades at 23 Shaftesbury Square.

The court action followed complaints that the premises had been selling tobacco to children. Council Tobacco Control Officers carried out test purchase exercises during which cigarettes were sold to a child volunteer, despite the business not being registered to sell tobacco or nicotine products.

Under the Tobacco Retailers Act (Northern Ireland) 2014, it is illegal for any retailer to sell tobacco products or nicotine inhaling products to those under 18. Retailers must also be registered to sell these products. Alongside the three-year Restricted Premises Order, the court issued a Restricted Sales Order against the business owner, Mr Sultan Alsalem Alhamada, preventing him from selling tobacco and nicotine inhaling products from any location for a period of three years.

Tobacco and nicotine-inhaling product legislation in Northern Ireland is enforced by district council Tobacco Control Officers, who support businesses to follow good practice and comply with the law.

Public Health Agency research in 2025 into vaping among young people indicated that 15% of children and teenagers vape regularly, and a fifth have tried a vape at least once. Among those who vape regularly, only half reported experiencing any difficulty purchasing nicotine inhaling products.

Health professionals agree that children and young people should not vape – these products can be highly addictive and cause damage to developing lungs and brains. The potential harm of long-term vaping is yet to be fully understood.