Is It Illegal to Vape Indoors? UK Laws and Rules Explained

Are you confused about where you can and can't vape in the UK? You're not alone. With the growing popularity of vaping, many people wonder if it's against the law to vape indoors. The simple answer is no—vaping indoors is not illegal under UK law. But there's more to the story.

This guide will explain the rules on indoor vaping in clear, simple terms. You'll learn where you can vape, where you can't, and why these rules exist.

Vaping Indoors UK Law: What You Need to Know

Unlike smoking, vaping is not banned by the UK's 2007 indoor smoking ban. This is because e-cigarettes are not classed as tobacco products under the Health Act 2006.

So why can't you vape in most places? Even though it's not against the law, most venues have created their own rules that don't allow vaping inside.

Current UK rules on vapes focus mainly on:

• Age limits: It's against the law to sell vapes to anyone under 18
• Advertising: Strict limits on how vapes can be advertised
• Ingredients: Rules about what can go into vape liquids
• Packaging: Vapes must clearly show they contain nicotine

These rules control how vapes are sold, but they don't say where you can use them. That choice is left to the owners of shops, pubs, and other places.

Is It Illegal to Vape Indoors at Work UK?

Can you vape indoors at work? This depends on your workplace rules. There is no law stopping you from vaping at work, but most UK businesses don't allow it.

A 2016 report by Public Health England said: "The evidence of harm from secondhand vapour is not enough to justify banning e-cigarettes."

Despite this, most employers ban vaping indoors because:

1. Staff may find it hard to tell the difference between vaping and smoking
2. Vapour can bother non-vaping workers
3. Some people have breathing problems that vapour might make worse
4. It's simpler to have one rule for all smoking products

If you're not sure about your workplace's rules on vaping, check your staff handbook or ask your manager before vaping at work.

Can You Vape in Pubs? Understanding UK Rules

Many people ask if they can vape in UK pubs. While it's not against the law, most pubs don't allow vaping inside.

Is It Illegal to Vape Inside a Pub?

No, it's not against the law, but it's usually not allowed. Pub owners can set their own rules, and most have banned vaping along with smoking. They do this for several reasons:

• It's hard to tell from a distance if someone is vaping or smoking
• Some customers don't like the smell of flavoured vapour
• It might make people think smoking is allowed too
• It's easier to have one rule for all smoking products

JD Wetherspoon, a big pub chain, banned vaping because "if a customer looks like they are smoking, staff have to check," which slows down service.

Is It Legal to Vape in a Pub UK?

While it's not against the law, in practice you'll almost always need to go outside to vape. After the 2007 smoking ban, many people came to enjoy smoke-free pubs, and this feeling now extends to vaping too.

Some small local pubs might make exceptions, especially for regular customers, but this is rare. It's best to assume you can't vape inside a pub unless you're told otherwise.

Vaping Inside Public Places: Where You Can and Can't Vape

Is It Illegal to Vape Inside a Public Building?

Vaping isn't automatically banned in public buildings by law, but most places don't allow it. Government offices, libraries, shopping centres, and other public places usually include vaping in their no-smoking rules.

Places that serve vulnerable people, like hospitals and schools, tend to have the strictest rules, often banning vaping outside as well.

Where Vaping is Banned in the UK

Is It Bad to Vape Inside Your House? Health Facts

You can legally vape in your own home if you own it. If you're renting, check your tenancy agreement as some landlords don't allow it.

But is it a good idea to vape indoors at home? Think about:

• Air quality: While vapour has fewer harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke, it's not completely harmless
• Residue: Vaping indoors regularly can leave a thin film on windows and screens
• Children and pets: Second-hand vapour might pose some risks, especially to children
• Smell: Some vape flavours can stick to fabrics and furniture

If you do vape at home, opening windows and vaping in well-aired rooms can help reduce any issues.

Is It Illegal to Vape Indoors Scotland vs Rest of UK

Vaping rules in Scotland are largely the same as in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The Scottish government hasn't made any special laws making indoor vaping illegal.

However, like the rest of the UK, businesses in Scotland set their own rules. Scottish health authorities take a careful approach to vaping, so you might find stricter rules in some places.

NHS Scotland properties usually have total smoke-free policies that include vaping, often covering entire hospital grounds.

What Happens If You Vape Where It's Not Allowed?

Unlike breaking the smoking ban, there are no fixed fines for vaping indoors where it's not allowed. But there can still be consequences:

• You might be asked to stop or leave
• Some transport companies have their own penalties
• Hotels might charge cleaning fees if you vape in rooms
• You could face disciplinary action at work

Can Smoke Alarms Detect Vaping?

Some modern smoke alarms can be set off by vaping:

• Optical detectors can be triggered by thick clouds of vapour
• Ionisation alarms are less likely to detect vapour but might be triggered by heavy vaping
• Heat detectors aren't usually triggered by vapour alone

Places with sensitive alarms, like hotel rooms and planes, are very strict about their no-vaping rules.

Future Vaping Rules in the UK

The UK government is working on new vaping rules that might affect indoor use:

• Tobacco & Vapes Bill (2025): Will ban disposable vapes from June 2025
• New taxes: E-liquids will be taxed based on nicotine strength
• Outdoor restrictions: The government is looking at bans on vaping near schools and hospitals
• Local council powers: Councils may get more power to enforce vaping rules

These upcoming changes suggest vaping rules are likely to get stricter in public spaces.

What to Do When You Can't Vape Indoors

When you're somewhere that doesn't allow vaping, try these alternatives:

• Nicotine pouches: Small pouches you place between your lip and gum
• Nicotine strips: These dissolve in your mouth in a few minutes
• Nicotine gum: Available in different strengths
• Low-power vapes: If vaping is allowed, devices that make less vapour like the Hayati Pro Ultra are more considerate

How to Vape Politely

In places where vaping is allowed:

1. Ask first if others are nearby
2. Watch where your vapour goes so it doesn't blow towards other people
3. Use devices that make less vapour in public, such as the Crystal Prime 7000
4. Choose milder flavours that are less likely to bother others
5. Stop if asked, even if the rules allow vaping

The Bottom Line on Indoor Vaping in the UK

While vaping indoors isn't against the law in the UK, most indoor public places don't allow it. Remember:

• Vaping is not covered by the 2007 smoking ban
• Most businesses have chosen to ban vaping anyway
• Always check the rules before vaping indoors
• Respect other people's comfort
• Be aware that new rules are coming that might further limit vaping

The most considerate approach is to assume you can't vape indoors unless told otherwise, and step outside to vape just as you would with a cigarette.