Recent headlines that the UK government is considering banning smoking outdoors have left vapers concerned they’ll be next. If you are new to vaping, you may also be wondering if the same rules and etiquette as smoking apply. If you are confused then you’re in the right place. In this blog, we’ll discuss the legality of vaping in public in the UK. We’ll break down each imaginable situation where you could use a vape, and tell if doing so will land you a fine or a dirty look.
What are the vaping laws in the UK?
Despite vaping indoors being a no-no in the UK, it may surprise you to know that it’s not actually illegal. Smoking indoors was banned in the UK in 2007, prohibiting use in enclosed public spaces like workplaces, public transport and bars and clubs. Vaping would take off 5 years later in 2012, but there are currently no laws that restrict where vaping products can be used. Because it is not a tobacco product, vapes are not included in the legislation of the Health Act 2006, which bans smoking indoors.
Vaping laws in the UK include restrictions on the following:
-
Age of sale: It is illegal to sell vapes to anyone under the age of 18.
-
Advertising: There are heavy restrictions limiting the advertising of e-cigarettes, to prevent young people and non-smokers from taking up vaping.
-
Ingredients: Vaping products must meet strict regulation standards regarding what ingredients they use, this includes a banned list of substances like diacetyl..
-
Packaging: All vape products must clearly display that they are nicotine containing products and include a list of all ingredients.
Is vaping allowed in public places in the UK?
Whilst there are currently no laws restricting vaping in public, local authorities, individual businesses, and public transport services may set their own policies. You can expect to find that vaping indoors is not tolerated in the majority of public venues in the UK. Public buildings such as the outside of shopping centres and airports may restrict the use of vapes outdoors to designated smoking areas. Essentially you need to be in clear open space, without the presence of any sheltering. Consider your surroundings, look for signage and check with the venue if you are unsure where you can vape outdoors. This includes vaping in the following venues:
Vaping in hotels
Vaping is subject to the same regulations as smoking in hotels. You will find signage stating its restricted use and informing you that detectors are in place to monitor this. Any designated areas will be outdoors and most likely ones you have to share with smokers.
Can you vape in restaurants or cafes in the UK?
Any venue that serves food will most certainly ban vaping indoors. Many restaurants and cafes will potentially play host to families with children which is another reason that vaping indoors will not be tolerated.
Vaping in pubs in the UK
You’ll most likely have to go outside with the smokers if you want to vape whilst visiting a pub. There may be a few exceptions to this. Local pub landlords may use their own discretion with a crowd of regular patrons. However, this is the exception rather than the rule, and you should assume that you are not allowed to vape indoors in any pub in the UK.
Vaping on public transport
Vaping on any public transport in the UK is banned by every operating company, that includes all airports, the London Underground, buses and open air train platforms. Vaping is not banned at bus stops, but may be frowned upon by your fellow passengers.
Can you drive and vape
You can vape if you are driving your own car, but you should certainly ask before you attempt to vape in a taxi or Uber cab, and you can expect the answer to be a resounding no. Be aware that if you are in an accident and were found to be vaping whilst driving - and it is found that vaping contributed to your accident - you may be fined, have points deducted from your licence or prosecuted for negligent driving.
Will vaping be banned in public? A look at future restrictions
There are worries that vaping will be included in any potential outdoor smoking ban. Whilst there are major differences between smoking and vaping, there is increasing concern about the increase of young people who vape.
The most recent legislation concerning vaping is the Tobacco & Vapes Bill, the highlight of which is the banning of disposable vapes on 1st June 2025. The main aim is to prevent children from taking up vaping and reduce the waste produced by single use devices. In addition to the disposable vape ban, other key measures included in the Tobacco & Vapes Bill are:
-
Vape Tax: E-liquids containing nicotine will be taxed based on the nicotine content.
-
Packaging Restrictions: Further potential restrictions on colours and images on vape packaging to reduce their appeal to children.
-
Flavour Restrictions: Although not confirmed, the UK government may introduce restrictions limiting e-liquid to flavours such as tobacco, menthol and basic fruits.
At the moment, the Tobacco & Vapes Bill does not mention any restrictions on vaping outdoors in public, although the governemnt is going to ban smoking outside of hospitals, schools and playgrounds, and vaping may be included in this new policy. Whilst vaping indoors is left up to the discretion of the business, you can expect it to be restricted in most cases. Vaping outdoors is allowed, unless you are immediately outside a business with an overhang (like a shopping centre), in which case you should look out for relevant signage and designated smoking areas.
What are the penalties for vaping in restricted areas in the UK?
There is no national law banning vaping in public and no associated fines for directly vaping in enclosed spaces. TFL, for example, does not issue on the spot fines, but can ask you to stop vaping and request that you leave the premises and, if you refuse to cooperate, they can call the police. You can then be prosecuted for the offence of not cooperating with the police or being abusive towards the staff, and fined in the courts if convicted.
If you are caught vaping in a hotel, you may be charged a ‘cleaning-fee’ or asked to leave. Likewise, you will be asked not to vape indoors in restaurants and pubs and asked to leave if you do not stop.
Can smoke alarms detect vapes?
A number of public transport services, namely national rail and airlines, advertise that their smoke detectors can sense vapour from e-cigarettes. Whilst this is technically correct, vapour is much harder to detect than smoke There are three main types of smoke alarms worth consideration. These will be found in hotel rooms, aeroplane toilets and other indoor situations like public toilets and restaurants.
-
Heat detection: Smoke alarms that use heat detection will not be triggered by vaping. They are activated when temperatures exceed 50°C. The vapour you exhale will not reach these temperatures.
-
Ionisation alarms: These detect small particles caused by combustion. They are less likely to pick up vapour, but can be triggered by dense clouds of vapour, especially when using a sub-ohm vape kit with thicker high VG e-liquid.
-
Optical designs: This alarm is triggered when an infrared beam is disrupted by smoke particles and in some cases dense clouds of vapour.
You may not be able to tell which type of smoke alarm is in your vicinity and some units may include all three types of detection. Whilst vaping e-liquids with a higher PG content - and therefore less vapour production - and ensuring proper ventilation may reduce your chances of setting it off, it is ultimately not worth the risk, especially if you are in an enclosed space like a toilet cubicle. If you do need to vape, it’s best to find a designated vaping area or use a smokeless alternative.
Alternatives to vaping when you are in public
Nicotine alternatives provide solutions for situations where vaping isn't allowed. Instead of trying to cope with cravings, anxiety or risking a fine for flaunting indoor restrictions, you can opt for a smokeless option as a handy backup when you are indoors or unsure of your situation. Nicotine pouches are perfect if you are going to be indoors for a long period of time and they make flying much easier. One pouch, placed between your lip and gum can be used to keep your cravings at bay for 30 minutes or more. Nicotine pouches are discreet and can be legally used in any situation, you can even purchase them in the airport boarding lounge.
Nicotine pouches come in a wide variety of flavours and nicotine strengths to suit every taste and requirement. Use them to quietly deal with your cravings until you can vape again.
You can also opt for nicotine strips and nicotine pearls, which will dissolve in your mouth in 3 minutes and provide a quick hit of low strength nicotine. Alternatively, more traditional nicotine gum can be used as well.
Should you vape in public if it’s allowed? Etiquette and considerations.
Whilst you can vape outdoors there are a few caveats that include locational considerations as well as those of etiquette. You should always consider your surroundings and the people you are with. Before you decide to vape, you may wish to ask if others would mind.
If you are in public with strangers, it is polite to ensure that you don’t blow your vapour in their direction. Be especially mindful of your proximity to children and the elderly. For public spaces, low powered mouth to lung (MTL) devices are ideal, as they produce a light amount of vapour that quickly dissipates. In contrast, sub-ohm devices, which produce dense clouds, should be avoided as there is a greater risk that you will offend someone when using these outdoors.
Here are three vape kits that produce a minimal amount of vapour and would be ideal for using in public and causing the least amount of disruption.
Conclusion
Although vaping is not covered by the same laws as smoking, many public venues and local authorities enforce their own policies, often restricting indoor vaping in places such as hotels, restaurants, pubs and on public transport. Whilst it is unclear what potential future restrictions on vaping in the UK may look like, there are alternatives on offer that can help you to navigate any limitations and ensure that you can satisfy your cravings without breaking any rules. Browse our wide selection of nicotine pouches that you can use when you find yourself indoors or unable to vape.