Menthol cigarettes have long been a preferred option for smokers who enjoy a smoother and cooler sensation when inhaling. However, many people are now unsure whether these flavoured cigarettes are still legally available in the United Kingdom. This article explores the current legal status of menthol cigarettes in the UK, why they were banned, how the rules are enforced and what alternatives smokers might be using today.

When the Ban Was Introduced

Menthol cigarettes were officially banned from sale in the UK on 20 May 2020. The ban formed part of a wider public health initiative to discourage smoking, especially among younger users and those new to tobacco. It was introduced under the European Union’s Tobacco Products Directive, which the UK implemented in full before its departure from the EU. The purpose of the ban was to remove flavourings that might mask the harshness of tobacco smoke and therefore make it more appealing to new smokers. This regulation remains in force and continues to apply across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What the Ban Actually Covers

The legislation made it illegal to sell cigarettes that contain a characterising flavour such as menthol. This includes factory-made menthol cigarettes as well as cigarettes with flavour capsules that could be crushed to release menthol or other aromas. Slim menthol cigarettes and rolling tobacco blends with menthol flavour were also included. The rules apply to all retailers, both online and in shops, and to all supply chains. Once the ban came into effect, any remaining stock of menthol cigarettes had to be removed from sale and disposed of in line with existing tobacco product regulations.

Why Menthol Cigarettes Were Banned

The decision to ban menthol cigarettes was based on evidence that flavoured tobacco products make it easier for people to start smoking and harder for them to stop. Menthol in particular masks the harshness of tobacco smoke and creates a cooling effect that can reduce coughing and irritation. Studies found that smokers who used menthol cigarettes were more likely to develop a long-term dependence on nicotine and less likely to quit. The flavour appeal was seen as especially attractive to younger people who had never smoked before. By removing menthol from cigarettes, the government aimed to reduce smoking initiation and support public health goals.

Can You Still Smoke Menthol Cigarettes?

Although the sale of menthol cigarettes is banned, it is not illegal to possess or smoke them if they were obtained legally before the ban. However, due to the nature of cigarette shelf life and the time elapsed since 2020, very few people are likely to have genuine pre-ban menthol cigarettes. What has happened instead is that some smokers have turned to alternative methods to recreate the menthol flavour. These include flavour cards, menthol-infused filters and menthol rolling papers which can still be legally purchased. These items are not covered by the original ban because they are classified as accessories rather than tobacco products. This has created a grey area in the law and raised questions about whether the ban is achieving its intended effect.

Is the Law Being Properly Enforced?

The enforcement of the menthol cigarette ban falls to local trading standards officers who are responsible for inspecting retailers and removing non-compliant products from sale. Retailers who continue to sell menthol cigarettes can face fines, prosecution or the loss of their tobacco licence. While enforcement was relatively strict in the early months following the ban, recent studies suggest that menthol-style cigarettes are still being smoked in the UK. Some of this may be due to the continued sale of menthol accessories or to illegal imports that escape proper regulation. The presence of menthol-flavoured smoking products on the black market poses a risk to both consumers and public health, as these items may not meet safety or labelling standards.

What Are Smokers Doing Instead?

Many former menthol cigarette smokers have switched to regular tobacco products while using menthol accessories to maintain the cooling flavour they were used to. Others have used the ban as an opportunity to quit smoking altogether, often with the help of nicotine replacement products or vaping. Some smokers have transitioned to menthol-flavoured e-liquids, which remain legal in the UK when used in regulated vape devices. While vaping is not risk free, it is widely considered less harmful than smoking and is supported by health authorities as a tool for smoking cessation. The ban on menthol cigarettes has therefore had a varied impact, encouraging some users to stop smoking while others have found ways around the flavour restrictions.

Is the Ban Likely to Be Extended?

There have been growing calls from public health experts to close the loopholes that allow the continued use of menthol flavouring in tobacco accessories. Some campaigners have argued that menthol filters, flavour cards and infused rolling papers undermine the spirit of the original ban and reduce its effectiveness. Discussions are ongoing about whether these products should also be prohibited in order to strengthen the UK’s anti-smoking legislation. As the government continues its efforts to reduce smoking rates and move towards a smoke-free generation, further changes to tobacco regulation may well be introduced in the future.

Final Thoughts

Menthol cigarettes are indeed banned in the UK and have been since 2020. The law prohibits the sale of cigarettes with a menthol or flavoured character, including those with flavour capsules or blended menthol tobacco. While it is not illegal to smoke menthol cigarettes purchased before the ban, legal sales have stopped and stock has been removed from retailers. Some smokers have adapted by using legal accessories to recreate the menthol flavour, while others have taken the opportunity to quit or switch to alternative nicotine products. The ban represents a significant step in tobacco control policy but ongoing concerns remain about the continued availability of flavoured smoking accessories. Whether further regulation will be introduced is a question that remains under active review.