FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the legal age in Ireland at which a retailer may sell tobacco and tobacco related products to a consumer?
The consumer must be 18 years of age.
2. Can I sell tobacco to a minor who brings a signed note from a parent?
No. A note from an adult does not permit a retailer to sell tobacco to a minor. The retailer could still be fined and/or imprisoned. See the refusals register »
3. Can I sell tobacco to a minor if a parent telephones me and requests it?
No. A phone call from a minor’s parent does not make the sale legal. A retailer should explain that the law requires that a retail sale of a tobacco product can only be made to a person who is 18 years of age or older.
4. How can I ensure my staff refuse tobacco sales to minors when I am not present?
Make all efforts to train your staff properly. It is important that all members of staff understand the consequences of breaching the existing law. Show Me I.D has developed a training module for this site which will provide you with training tools specifically developed to make it easy for you to demonstrate to staff the tactics for ‘getting it right’ and the consequences of ‘getting it wrong’.
5. Can I sell rolling papers to minors?
No ‘tobacco product’ can be sold to minors, including:

  1. Cigarettes and cigars
  2. Rolling tobacco
  3. Cigarette papers and filters
6. What is valid ID?
You are advised to accept the following forms of Proof of Age:

However, you should check the ID carefully to make sure it is genuine, make sure the photo and the person match and check the date of birth.
Age Cards

7. How can I check if a Garda Age Card is genuine?
See the poster below. Click on the image to download/view a PDF version, (592k PDF).Age Card