In the UK, a significant number of smokers have already transitioned from traditional cigarettes to tobacco-free alternatives such as Vuse. However, users may not be fully aware of the rules and regulations that apply to these newly developed products. 

While most nicotine consumers have a good understanding of how the 2007 smoking ban applies to cigarettes, vaping can be a grey area in comparison. 

If you have already switched from cigarettes to vaping or are considering doing so, you may be wondering if you can vape indoors or if vaping is prohibited under the 2007 ban, which classified smoking as illegal in certain places.

Is it illegal to vape indoors in the UK?

There is no law in the UK that specifically prohibits vaping indoors. Unlike cigarettes, vaping is not automatically illegal in enclosed public spaces such as bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Vaping is usually allowed  indoors unless a particular establishment or public area has a ban in place. The choice to permit vaping indoors is usually made by the owner of the venue. It's important to be aware of the policies regarding vaping in a specific establishment or public area and to respect the wishes of the venue owner.

*This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance.

Can you vape inside public places?

As to whether vaping inside public places is allowed, there’s no clear answer. With no official legal guidance on where vape devices can be used, it’s up to individual indoor spaces to decide if any restrictions apply. These include:

• Pubs and bars. Vaping in pubs is sometimes permitted, but it’s still important to check first.
  
• Restaurants and cafes. Venue owners are likely to restrict the use of vapes in spaces where food is being served. Many major chains such as KFC and Starbucks have banned vaping across all their branches.
  
• Airports. All major UK airports have vaping bans, though there may be smoking areas where you’ll be able to use your vape.
  
• Cinemas. Vaping in the cinema is unlikely to be allowed, and all major UK cinema chains have banned vaping indoors.
  
• Theatres. Any major distractions are to be avoided when visiting the theatre, and even if not banned outright, vaping is certain to fall under this.
  
• Sports stadiums. Vaping rules can vary between venues, especially when it comes to open-air facilities. Many larger football clubs have banned vaping at their grounds while rules are generally laxer at smaller clubs. Always check first.
  
• Music venues. Owners of major entertainment venues including arenas have generally introduced vaping bans, asking that users head to a dedicated smoking area. Rules may be less strict at smaller and independently owned venues.

Can you vape at home?

Yes, you can vape inside your house. This is entirely legal and whether you do so is a call for yourself and any others you live with to make. If you do share your home, it’ll be important to be considerate of how your vaping may affect others in the household.

First and foremost, there’s a risk that vapes can trigger fire and heat alarms across your home. It's also important to note that vaping indoors can leave a residue in your home. This residue is primarily made up of water vapour but can also contain small amounts of nicotine and flavourings. Over time, the residue can accumulate on surfaces such as walls, attracting dirt and other debris. Although the effects of vaping indoors are less severe than smoking, there is still a possibility of residue buildup. 

Vaping at home can also be an issue if you rent rather than own your home. Always check your tenancy agreement to understand what’s allowed, as some building owners or private landlords may restrict the use of vapes in the property. If you do vape in a rental property, you may need to take extra care to clear residue off upholstery and furnishings, and ensure the place is well ventilated.

Can you vape at work?

Vaping at work is not illegal, however companies and businesses are likely to have individual policies around vaping which may well restrict you from doing so. Where workplaces do allow vapes to be used, vapers should always be considerate of fellow employees and aware of any colleagues who may be impacted or unhappy about vaping in their vicinity.

Vaping at work can be a real grey area, so it’s key that employers are transparent and provide clear guidelines when it comes to vaping. While smoking policies are often well established, it’s helpful for employers to be clear whether these same rules apply to vaping or what differences – if any – there are in approach. The more information employees have the better, and this will reduce the likelihood of workplace conflict.

Can you vape inside your car?

In the UK, it is legal to vape inside your own car, but you must remember that the laws of the road apply to everything you do behind the wheel, and you must drive with full care and attention at all times. Vaping while driving could reasonably be considered a distraction from this, and you could face a charge of carless or even dangerous driving were something to happen while you vaped in your car.

If you don’t own your car outright, such as if it is rented or leased, it’s important you check your policy documents first. These are likely to prohibit smoking inside your vehicle, and it’ll be up to individual companies whether such policies equally apply to vaping. If things are unclear, always contact the rental or leasing business to clarify their position.

Indoor vaping etiquette

Wherever vaping inside is allowed, there are a few things you can do to be considerate of others. Good indoor vaping etiquette is all about obeying the rules while being aware of how vaping might impact those around you. Steps you can take include:

Ask those around you (be they known to your or strangers) whether they are comfortable with you vaping.
Always check with the homeowner before vaping at somebody else’s property.
Ensure everyone in shared, confined spaces such as a vehicle is okay with you vaping.
Exercise restraint with using your vape such that those around you don’t feel constantly impacted by it.

Staying safe when vaping indoors

It’s important to practice good safety when using your vape, especially when you do so indoors. Try to follow these dos and don’ts:

• Don't vape without permission – always ask the homeowner or venue staff if they’re okay for you to vape.
  
• Don't disobey smoking rules – if you don’t have permission to vape indoors, always refrain from doing so.
  
• Do not chain vape – this can have a detrimental affect on the people around you.
  
• Don’t leave vapes and e-liquids around children.
  
• Do only use the charger provided with the device and don’t leave vapes charging unattended or overnight.
  
• Don't forget to stay hydrated.
  

For more information, head over to our frequently asked questions.