Where Can and Can't You Vape Indoors in the UK?

You know the viral news involving Jennie of the K-pop group BLACKPINK getting reprimanded by the South Korean government itself for vaping indoors mid of 2024. Well, it appears that regulations against indoor vaping are in force in other parts of the globe, too, such as in the UK.   

 Considering vaping has been around for less than two decades, and highlighting the record-breaking number of vapers now in the UK, the industry has already seen a barrage of new laws and regulations introduced that continue to be in flux even today.

 While the prohibitions on age and strength now appear somewhat set, the rules around vaping indoors in the UK need to be clarified as they can be opaque, to say the least. Where can you vape indoors in this country? Let's clear up the matter once and for all.

On 1st July 2007, the UK government brought a blanket smoking ban across the country. This included all public spaces and workplaces but, of course, did not cover people's homes. Fast-forward sixteen years later, and many assume that vaping falls into the same bracket.

 However, that's not the case. Vaping is not prohibited under the same law, meaning it's the choice of the venue as to whether to allow vaping or not. As you might imagine, this leads to plenty of confusion, but it's important to remember that there is no blanket rule across the UK. The owner of the premises is always right.

 Nowadays, it's becoming more common for locations to ask customers not to vape inside, and this needs to be respected. As with cigarettes, many people don't like being around vaping, especially those with families, and it's evident in the last few years there has been a more substantial consensus for businesses to prohibit vaping within their premises.

 By 2025, new rules will be imposed on vaping in the UK, from new vape taxes to regulations on the use of disposable vapes. However, the 2007 ruling from the government will most likely continue to take effect.

All that said, it's still a complicated situation. For clarity's sake, let's break down the current regulations for specific locations.

While it is illegal to smoke cigarettes in vehicles in the UK, the rules on vaping are completely different. Let’s start with vaping in airports. For instance, the main international airport of London, the Heathrow Airport, may not allow vaping inside terminals, but there are designated areas outside where you can. You cannot vape inside terminals as well in London Gatwick and Birmingham airports.

 Of course, while you’re already on the plane, vaping is prohibited. Right now, the fine you have to pay when caught vaping aboard the aircraft has increased to about £5,000. You’re allowed to carry your vape with you, though, but it has to go through security checks at the airport.

 Meanwhile, on trails, the UK’s main rail network prohibits vaping on platforms and within station buildings. However, you can take puffs in designated vaping zones. In buses, vaping is not allowed while on board, or there will be fines, but the rules depend on the bus operator.

There are currently no regulations about vaping in your home, and it's difficult to see anything like that coming at any time. Even the smoking ban doesn't prohibit people from smoking in their own homes, and attempting to do so would no doubt be seen as draconian madness.

 On the other hand, while traditional smoking is not allowed while driving, vaping is. However, you should know that authorities are aware of the risks when you do so while you drive, and if your vision is impaired because you vaped while driving, you’ll be fined up to £5,000 nowadays.

With UK’s food scene being among the best in the world, it’s highly likely to find yourself mingling with a food-loving crowd in this country. But what if you vape? In restaurants, it is legal to use vapes indoors in spaces like these, so no worries about that.

 The Brits are social animals, too. If you wish to vape in pubs and coffee shops as you meet with new people, you’re allowed to. In fact, there are several vaping coffee shops now in the country where vaping is part of the dining experience.

The UK is also a sports-loving country. Think of Manchester City and Liverpool watched and followed all over the world. So, at some point in your life, you may find yourself watching a game at the venue itself. But what if you’re also a vaper? Can you take a puff here?

 Well, sadly, you cannot. For instance, all Premiere League venues in the UK have prohibited vaping within their vicinities since 2005. This is major since the Premiere League is like the overarching administrator of English football. However, some smaller football stadiums may allow vaping. Be sure to check with the management.

It’s weird to pull out your vape while watching a concert or you’ll be reprimanded–worse, be pulled out of the venue. That’s the last thing you want to happen when you’re there for the fun. Today, vaping is not allowed in most music venues and cinemas in the UK.

Inhaling vapes is generally permitted in outdoor public spaces. However, you should take note that bans on vaping in hospital grounds, playgrounds, and near schools are being mulled on by authorities.  

Shop owners in the UK have the right to set their own rules around vaping, and these days, most have chosen to ban their use. This situation often comes down to common sense and a degree of decency. If you're popping into your local corner shop to buy a few things, do you really need to vape for the two minutes you're inside? Probably not. Save it until you're out of the door and free to do as you like.

Vaping offers a relaxing respite, so it is completely understandable for an office worker to grab their vape during office breaks. But, what are the rules on vaping in workplaces?

 Legislation under the 2006 Health Act prohibits smoking in workplaces. However, because the use of e-cigs doesn’t burn tobacco and create smoke, it is up to the discretion of the business whether they will allow their workers to vape within the vicinity of the workplace.

Most hotels, not just in the UK but across the globe, are equipped with smoke detectors inside rooms. These detectors will alarm if the person in the room puffs a smoke. Smoking is prohibited in many hotels in the country, but not vaping. Yet again, it is up to the decision of the hotel management whether they’ll allow vaping or not.

This RELX guide has previewed earlier the rules on vaping in healthcare facilities like hospitals. Sadly, you can, in no way, vape inside hospitals in the UK under all circumstances, regardless of whether you are the patient or a visitor. Most hospitals in the country ban the use of e-cigs in general within 100 metres of the healthcare facility. Not only is vaping prohibited but the charging of the devices as well.

Again, it is reiterated that there may also be stern rules on vaping in educational institutions like schools and academies. But, it is only smoking that isn’t allowed on these premises. The management of the school can decide whether or not to allow teachers and staff to vape. Yet, of course, things are never the same in the case of students who face tough prohibitions to use vapes within school facilities. Sooner, it should be expected that vaping will be banned in UK schools altogether.

Vaping regulations in the UK are implemented in cooperation with businesses, the government, and the media. Even businesses that sell vape devices and paraphernalia must publicly disclose that vapes won’t be sold nor marketed to underage consumers, even at the expense of profits.

 The government, of course, must be responsible for enforcing the rules they have created. They utilize their official websites and social media pages to disseminate the information to the general public.

 Additionally, the media play a crucial role in ensuring people receive the information, including new laws. Campaigns in print, TV, radio, online, and even on billboards on public spaces like bus stops aim to keep you informed.

 Should there be violations, no sectors are spared. Businesses that sell vaping products to underage customers are fined £100, and violators in airports and on the road may pay up to £5,000. With those amounts, you’d never want to break the rule.

Can you vape indoors in the UK? There have been significant changes to the perception of vaping in recent years, and with it have come tighter controls across the UK. Vaping is not automatically prohibited like traditional cigarettes, but it's becoming harder and harder to find indoor venues that allow vaping. Places like sports venues, hospitals, schools, and libraries are now complete no-goes, while pubs, cafes, and restaurants may be more lenient but are also leaning towards prohibition.

 Vaping in public indoor spaces in the UK may be harder, but it's never been easier to find top-quality vapes at great prices. RELX has a wide selection of disposable and non-disposable vapes, along with an exciting array of delicious flavours to choose from. We also have a blog that keeps up to date on the latest news and regulations in the UK, so you can ensure you're vaping legally and with the best-quality equipment.