Guides and regulations

Guides to the rules, the risks and the right equipment

Plain English guides to the laws that affect shops, venues and public spaces, and practical advice on choosing the equipment that goes with them. Written by a supplier with thirty years in the trade, checked against official sources and dated.

  • Checked against official sources
  • Reviewed and dated
  • Free to read, no sign-up

Laws and regulations

What the law says, who it applies to and when it starts.

Planning and buying guides

How to plan the space, choose the right equipment and what to check before you order.

Knowledge you can use

Store Fittings Direct supplies shop fittings, shelving, bollards, barriers, shelters and street furniture to retailers, councils, schools and businesses across the UK. Customers ask us the same questions every week: does this law apply to me, what do I actually need, and what should I check before I buy?

These guides are our answers. Each one explains a regulation or a buying decision in plain English, says who it applies to, sets out the dates that matter and shows where the products fit, including where they do not.

We are a supplier, not a law firm. Where a guide covers legislation it links to the official source, so you can check it for yourself.

Law calendar: 2026 to 2027

The dates that affect shops, venues and public spaces. We update this as dates are confirmed.

  1. 6 April 2026 Price Marking Order changes in force Shops and online sellers in England, Scotland and WalesRead the guide
  2. 29 April 2026 Tobacco and Vapes Act 2026 and Crime and Policing Act 2026 become law Retailers. Most measures start later, by regulation 
  3. October 2026 Rules on promoting and placing less healthy food due in Scotland Food retailers in ScotlandStore layout guide
  4. 1 January 2027 Tobacco can no longer be sold to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 Tobacco retailers across the UK 
  5. Spring 2027 Martyn's Law duties expected to start Premises and events expecting 200 or more peopleRead the guide
  6. 1 October 2027 Deposit Return Scheme goes live Drinks retailers in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Wales has its own schemeRead the guide

Common questions

What new laws affect UK shops in 2026 and 2027?

The main ones are the Price Marking Order changes, in force since 6 April 2026; the ban on selling tobacco to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, from 1 January 2027; Martyn's Law, expected in spring 2027; and the Deposit Return Scheme, from 1 October 2027. Each has its own guide or calendar entry on this page.

Does Martyn's Law apply to shops?

Yes, if it is reasonable to expect 200 or more people on the premises at the same time. Shops are one of the uses listed in the Act. Most shops that qualify will be in the standard tier, where the duty is about procedures and not physical measures.

Are these guides legal advice?

No. They are plain English summaries written by a supplier. Each guide that covers legislation links to the official source, and you should check that source, or take professional advice, for your own premises.

How often are the guides updated?

Each guide carries the date it was last reviewed. We review them when a date is confirmed, a regulation is published or the official guidance changes.

Does Store Fittings Direct install what it sells?

No. We supply the products and help you choose them. Installation is carried out by your own contractor.

Have a question we have not covered?Ask us. If we know the answer we will tell you, and if enough people ask we will write the guide.
0116 318 4182Contact us