If you’re confused about the rules around vaping indoors, we really don’t blame you. While we know that it’s illegal to smoke cigarettes inside, the law around vapes is less clear cut. This guide will explain whether it is illegal to vape indoors, and the places you can and cannot use your vape.
IS IT ILLEGAL TO VAPE INDOORS?
No, it’s not illegal to vape indoors in the UK. The Health Act 2006 prohibits smoking in all enclosed public places but this pertains to cigarettes and has not been amended to include vape devices.
However, the law does empower venue owners to ban vaping inside their premises if they so wish. Although not legally enforceable, vaping indoors is generally restricted by managers or owners of public places, such as restaurants, bars and hotels.
Here’s an at-a-glance look at where you can and cannot vape indoors in the UK.
WHERE CAN YOU VAPE INSIDE?
There are very few places you can comfortably vape inside. These include:
- Your own home - If you are in your own home, or the home of someone who is happy for you to do so, you are free to vape.
- Vape lounges and shops - Some vape shops or vape lounges may allow you to vape inside as they exist for the needs of vapers - but do check first
- A private vehicle - You are technically allowed to vape inside your own car or the private vehicle of someone you know, but could get into trouble for driving without due care or attention if the vape causes a distraction or obstruction. We would advise you not to vape whilst driving.A NOTE ON VAPING INDOORS AT HOME
Vaping is generally considered less harmful than traditional cigarette smoking because it doesn’t produce tar or carbon monoxide. However, it is not risk-free. The vapour released into the air can still contain nicotine, propylene glycol, and other trace particulates.
Vaping indoors around children and pets is not recommended. Nicotine exposure can be harmful even in small amounts, and airborne chemicals may irritate airways, especially in young children, pets, and people with asthma or respiratory conditions. Always ensure good ventilation and keep vaping devices and e-liquids out of reach of children and animals.
PLACES YOU MAY BE ALLOWED TO VAPE INDOORS
As vaping laws give owners and managers the right to ban vaping on their property, Pubs, bars, cafes and restaurants may let you vape indoors.
Most businesses do tend to take the same approach to vaping as they do to smoking, and don’t allow it in order to keep all patrons happy. Some are more lenient but as a rule we would recommend you assume vaping inside is restricted. If you still wish to, then use your discretion, look for clear signage and always ask staff for permission before you vape.
WHERE CAN YOU NOT VAPE INSIDE?
Despite there not being a universal ban, there are still several places where vaping indoors is highly likely to be prohibited. If in doubt, we say don’t try to vape in these places:
1. PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Vaping is generally banned on all forms of public transport, including buses, trains, tubes, and ferries. Most airports and train stations also have strict no-vaping policies in their indoor terminals and waiting areas, with clear signage to let travellers know. They may have outdoor areas you can use to vape.
2. WORKPLACES
As part of most workplace health and safety policies, employers do not allow vaping inside offices, shops or other places of work. It is rare to find workplaces that permit indoor vaping as not all employees or visitors will vape and it is more comfortable for everyone if there are restrictions in place.
3. HEALTH SETTINGS
Understandably, vaping indoors is not allowed in hospitals, clinics, GP surgeries, dentists, and care homes. Although vaping is safer than smoking, vulnerable people can still be at risk when exposed to vapour. It's therefore crucial to protect patients and to maintain a sterile, healing environment.
4. SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
There is some concern around youth vaping, with figures indicating that almost 1 in 10 secondary school pupils currently vape. To protect children and crack down on young people vaping, schools, colleges, and universities have strict policies against vaping indoors.
5. ENTERTAINMENT AND PUBLIC VENUES
UK vapers equate to around 10% of the adult population. When there are lots of people in one place, it makes sense to prioritise the safety and comfort of the many rather than the few. This is why cinemas, theatres, museums, sports arenas, and other large public entertainment venues typically restrict vaping indoors.
6. HOTELS
Policies do vary but, on the whole, hotels have designated smoking and vaping areas outside to stop people vaping inside. This extends to hotel rooms not just public areas, with hotels usually having policies on not vaping inside your room.
WHY IS VAPING INDOORS PROHIBITED?
Even though vapour from vaping is not harmful like cigarette smoke, non-vapers may still not want to come into contact with it. There may not be a legal sanction for vaping indoors but it comes down to respect for others.
Most places ban indoor vaping for the health and comfort of all customers, to stay consistent with smoking laws and to meet customer expectations.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU DO VAPE INDOORS?
As it stands, you won’t be fined or penalised for vaping indoors. Staff will likely ask you to stop vaping or leave the premises. If you continue to vape, they may ban you from returning indefinitely.
If you vape inside whilst at work, your employer can discipline you under HR rules for breaching workplace policies.
Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill this could be set to change, with new legislation being discussed to widen the scope of places that it is illegal to vape indoors. Currently, there are no new laws being passed, but the bill will make it possible for more regulations to be debated and potentially become law.
WILL VAPING BE BANNED IN ALL PUBLIC PLACES?
Smoking cigarettes has been banned in any public place since the Health Act 2006. In a bid to create a smoke-free generation, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill will give the government more power to ban vaping in the same places as smoking is banned.
The framework is still in its infancy but will build on existing smoke-free laws and give the government authority to extend smoke-free protections further if needed, including where people can vape. The bill also gives the government the power to regulate vaping in line with smoking. This means there is a possibility that existing indoor smoke-free places could formally become vape-free through secondary legislation. It is very much a work in progress with further announcements expected.
VAPING ETIQUETTE
Whether you’re vaping inside the comfort of your own home or while out with friends, it’s always good to be a considerate vaper. Here’s Riot’s vaping etiquette tips:
- Avoid vaping near non-vapers, children, pets or in crowded places.
- Follow signs & obey venue policies - don’t try to be sneaky
- If you’re not sure, politely ask staff before vaping
- Where possible, step outside to vape - it’s the polite thing to do
- Always be mindful of children and don’t vape near to playgrounds, schools or designated family areas
- Don’t vape on a work call - wait until the meeting is over
Vape Wisely With Riot
Riot is all about tongue-twisting e-liquid flavours and rechargeable vapes that make everything easy and convenient. Our e-liquids may well be on the wild side but we’re very much advocates for respectful vaping - making sure that our enjoyment isn’t someone else’s discomfort. Join the squad, embrace the flavour and vape responsibly with Riot.
