Are you new to vaping? Or just simply confused about where you are and aren’t allowed to vape in the UK? Well we’re here to outline all you need to know about vaping in the UK. We will clarify general rules for knowing where to vape, whilst highlighting aspects of vaping law and regulations which can vary from place to place.
1. Where is vaping always allowed? (UK)
The UK is one of the most lenient countries currently in regards to vaping laws. Generally, vaping in public places is completely allowed as their is no current legislation limiting this. Therefore feel free to vape in any of these locations including but not limited to; parks, squares, beaches and many more. In addition, any private property owned by yourself is obviously completely fine for you to do anywhere on the property.
You are allowed to vape in many more places than you could smoke. This is partially due to the minimised adverse health affects associated with vaping comparative to smoking. This allows for a vast array of different locations, particularly private, to make their own rules on vaping at their own discretion. Whilst this is illegal for cigarettes, vaping can be allowed in many different types of venues including pubs, restaurants and hotels.
Vaping on public transport is fairly similar to this, where again their is no legislation restricting this, however many transport companies have banned it themselves largely for the comfort of other passengers. For example, it is banned on the entire public transport network in London. So whilst government regulations are non-existent, the chance of being allowed to vape on public transport is minimal, so check with the company first.
So whilst we’ve discussed the places you can vape away, let’s take a look at this places you can’t.
2) Where can’t I vape? (UK)
In context of where you can vape, there’s limited government legislation. Hence, discussing where you can’t is a questionable topic as in a legislative context, there’s not many places. Therefor, the majority of place we will be discussing are unlikely to let you to vape but very few are actually against current laws, more private policy.
A place to start is schools and universities, where vaping is almost never allowed, and often have a 0 tolerance policy with smoking/vaping. It’s worth a check, particularly universities will have outdoor smoking area’s, but the chance of being free to vape anywhere is slim at best.
Looking at the hospitality industry, this is where it simply comes down to individual preference of the owner. As mentioned, legally you can vape in all hospitality venues (unlike smoking). However, particularly big chains including Starbucks and KFC have banned vaping at all locations. So our advice is to ask the person in charge to clarify the rules, and you probably have a greater chance with independent business not chains and franchises.
Below are a number of different types of location where private policy will dictate vaping laws, but we believe the majority will be banned especially indoor:
Hospitals
Music Venues
Cruise ships/ferries
Public transport
Sports venues
These 5 have are able to make their own rules, so ask them when attending to be clear. Generally, the vast majority if not all the places you cannot vape in the UK, will be down to private policy and nothing to do with legislation or national law.
3) Rules for vaping in public
Here are our Top 5 rules of vaping in public in the UK:
Be considerate of others: don’t blow huge clouds near people (especially those with potential health conditions, pregnant etc)
Check the rules: whilst there are very little regulations on vaping, understand where you are and what rules apply
Keep hydrated: Vaping can dehydrate you, so especially if you’re on a beach or some public fields away from shops, prepare in advance and take water
Bring vape supplies: Generally being out in public may generate some temptation or influence to smoke cigarettes, keep your vape handy and stick to it
Learn new things! Don’t underestimate the benefit of sharing information, if you’re new or see someone with a completely different kit, flavours or device to you ask for any advice and expand your knowledge.
4) What have we learned? Where can I vape in the UK?
Top 5 takeaway tips for vaping in the UK:
Legislation is relatively relaxed. Even more so when compared to cigarettes
Know where you can vape, rules vary.
Due to no overall ban/rules, the majority of rules are down to private policy of the owner of wherever you are, particularly hospitality venues (pubs, cafes, restaurants)
Where can I vape in the UK?
Are you new to vaping? Or just simply confused about where you are and aren’t allowed to vape in the UK? Well we’re here to outline all you need to know about vaping in the UK. We will clarify general rules for knowing where to vape, whilst highlighting aspects of vaping law and regulations which can vary from place to place.
1. Where is vaping always allowed? (UK)
The UK is one of the most lenient countries currently in regards to vaping laws. Generally, vaping in public places is completely allowed as their is no current legislation limiting this. Therefore feel free to vape in any of these locations including but not limited to; parks, squares, beaches and many more. In addition, any private property owned by yourself is obviously completely fine for you to do anywhere on the property.
You are allowed to vape in many more places than you could smoke. This is partially due to the minimised adverse health affects associated with vaping comparative to smoking. This allows for a vast array of different locations, particularly private, to make their own rules on vaping at their own discretion. Whilst this is illegal for cigarettes, vaping can be allowed in many different types of venues including pubs, restaurants and hotels.
Vaping on public transport is fairly similar to this, where again their is no legislation restricting this, however many transport companies have banned it themselves largely for the comfort of other passengers. For example, it is banned on the entire public transport network in London. So whilst government regulations are non-existent, the chance of being allowed to vape on public transport is minimal, so check with the company first.
So whilst we’ve discussed the places you can vape away, let’s take a look at this places you can’t.
2) Where can’t I vape? (UK)
In context of where you can vape, there’s limited government legislation. Hence, discussing where you can’t is a questionable topic as in a legislative context, there’s not many places. Therefor, the majority of place we will be discussing are unlikely to let you to vape but very few are actually against current laws, more private policy.
A place to start is schools and universities, where vaping is almost never allowed, and often have a 0 tolerance policy with smoking/vaping. It’s worth a check, particularly universities will have outdoor smoking area’s, but the chance of being free to vape anywhere is slim at best.
Looking at the hospitality industry, this is where it simply comes down to individual preference of the owner. As mentioned, legally you can vape in all hospitality venues (unlike smoking). However, particularly big chains including Starbucks and KFC have banned vaping at all locations. So our advice is to ask the person in charge to clarify the rules, and you probably have a greater chance with independent business not chains and franchises.
Below are a number of different types of location where private policy will dictate vaping laws, but we believe the majority will be banned especially indoor:
These 5 have are able to make their own rules, so ask them when attending to be clear. Generally, the vast majority if not all the places you cannot vape in the UK, will be down to private policy and nothing to do with legislation or national law.
3) Rules for vaping in public
Here are our Top 5 rules of vaping in public in the UK:
4) What have we learned? Where can I vape in the UK?
Top 5 takeaway tips for vaping in the UK: