Selling age-restricted products online in the UK
If you sell age-restricted products online, such as alcohol, knives, vapes or fireworks, you must take reasonable steps to check customers are old enough, both when they order and on delivery. Some products need licences, and courier rules vary, so check requirements before listing.
By Abdullah Ashraf, Shopify expert · Last updated: October 2026
Quick summary
- Check age at order and delivery.
- Some products need licences.
- Choose couriers that offer age checks.
Common age-restricted products
- Alcohol (18+)
- Knives and bladed items (18+)
- Vapes and e-cigarettes (18+)
- Fireworks (18+)
- Some solvents and chemicals
Checks at order
Use an age gate and, for higher-risk products, an age verification service at checkout.
Checks on delivery
Use courier services with age verification on delivery, especially for knives and alcohol. Bladed items have specific delivery rules.
Licences and platform rules
Alcohol needs a premises licence covering off-sales. Payment providers and ad platforms also have their own rules on restricted products.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to sell alcohol online?
Yes. See details.
Can I advertise age-restricted products?
Often with restrictions. Check each platform's policies.
Official sources
Checked September 2026. Rules change, so always check the latest official guidance.
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