The Ultimate Guide to Vaping Indoors: Tips and Etiquette for Vape Users

Most people think that the laws covering smoking indoors in the UK apply to vaping indoors as well. However, this is not technically true. Indeed, the 2007 blanket ban on smoking inside in public places does not mention vaping at all, which means it can get a bit confusing for those who want to know whether it's OK to vape indoors or not. Indeed, because it's often down to whether specific owners of venues and establishments allow vaping on their premises or not, it can feel like there are no hard and fast rules at all. 

The good news is that you don’t need to be confused about whether you can vape inside or not anymore as our comprehensive guide will explain the legal situation, the proper etiquette to use, and how to work out whether you are in a location where vaping inside is allowed and appropriate. Read on to find out more. 

1. Vaping indoors rules

July 1st 2007 saw a ban on indoor smoking in public places like pubs, workplaces, restaurants, and clubs. Private homes were not included in the ban which meant people were still legally allowed to smoke cigarettes in their own homes. 

One of the main issues concerning vaping is that many people believe that the rules for cigarette smoking and vaping in the UK are identical. However, this is not accurate. Indeed, vaping in public spaces is not covered by the law issued on July 1st 2007 at all. This means that while technically it is legal to vape in public indoor spaces, the decision is left to those owning and running said premises. 

Of course, this means that vaping etiquette means if the owner or those running an establishment ask you not to vape, or have no vaping signs up you should always adhere to them. Indeed, there can be very valid reasons as to why establishment owners may ask this, see below for more on this) Additionally o,wners can revoke your access to an establishment if you do not follow these rules. 

It is worth noting that no vaping rules in places like clubs, bars, restaurants and shops are becoming increasingly more common. Therefore if you are asked not to vape in an establishment then you should treat the situation with the same gravity as not smoking and always adhere to the particular rules. 

2. Legalities of indoor vaping

In answering the question is vaping indoors legal, it is important to note that the 2007 smoking ban does not cover vaping. This means you may be able to vape in indoor spaces from clubs, to bars to shops. However, vaping is at the owners of the venue's direction which means if they say it's not allowed then you should not vape inside at that venue. 

3. Vaping inside etiquette - locations matter! 

One of the most important aspects of vaping etiquette to remember is that the rules are different for different inside contexts. A range of the most common contexts will be discussed below. 

Public Buildings 

First of all, let's start with vaping etiquette in public buildings in the UK. In most public and government buildings in the UK t, here is a blanket ban on vaping. This includes schools, libraries, and leisure centres. Indeed, such places often have vape detectors to stop people from entering them in secret inside. 

In Scotland, vaping is completely banned in Hospitals both inside and outside. However, in England, vaping is banned but they will provide designated arrears usually outside where it's OK to vape. 

Cinemas

There is absolutely no vaping inside cinemas anywhere in the UK because all the brands operating them have banned it. Remember that this means that vaping is banned not just when you are in the screen room, but also in the toilets, and foyer as well.

Music Venues

The proper rules on Indoor vaping in music venues can get a bit confusing. This is because smaller venues may sometimes allow it depending on what their owners say. However, this does not mean that vaping is welcome across all small indoor music venues and it's always better to ask and go outside when requested. 

Larger music venues such as the O2, or NEC will have a blanket ban on vaping inside including covered spaces. 

Trains and buses

Vaping is not only prohibited on buses and trains across all of the UK but it is also prohibited in stations and covered stops as well. This means even if you wish to vape in outside spaces like stations and terminals it's best to check first and always adhere to what you are instructed to do.

Airports 

If you think you can get around the no smoking on planes rule by vaping, then it's time to think again. This is because vaping is prohibited on planes, even in the toilets where there are often vape detectors. You can even be fined around £3000 for vaping on a plane so it's not worth the risk. 

One completely legal alternative to use on a plane is snus. These nicotine pouches can be held in the side of the mouth and produce no vape or smoke. 

In your home

Just like you can smoke cigarettes in your own home, you are welcome to enjoy the wide variety of vapes and flavours available there too. This is because it's your private residence and not a public space. However, there may be some factors that you wish to consider before doing so such as whether you have children in the home, those with respiratory disorders, or if you rent whether your landlord has asked you not to vape inside. In these cases, you may wish to choose to vape outside instead, 

When driving 

Vaping in your car is a common activity for many either on the way to or from work or on long journeys. But is vaping inside of your vehicle legal? Well as it's a private and not a public space it is completely legal. However, it is worth noting that if you are involved in an accident while vaping the authorities may consider you as distracted which could lead to dangerous driving or driving without due care and attention. 

The maximum sentences for such charges include a 12-month license ban, 2 years in precision and a fine of £2500. 

Pubs and clubs 

You might expect that in at least some of these venues like clubs and pubs, you would be allowed to vape inside. However, the rules on what each type of establishment allows are complicated because it's down to the owner of every individual place to decide whether vaping is allowed or not. 

Restaurants and Cafes

Again while not technically illegal, vaping in most indoor places that serve food is prohibited. After all, most people don’t want to be around vape clouds when eating their meal.

Shops

Most shops also have a ban on vaping inside. Although this ban will be decided by the owners. 

4. Restrictions on indoor vaping

If you are wondering is vaping indoors illegal, officially there are no government restrictions on vaping indoors throughout the UK. However, venue owners/ management are allowed to ban vaping in their establishments. 

5. Reasons for no indoor vaping

In answering the question of why is vaping not allowed indoors, there are plenty of reasons for venue owners to ask you not to vape indoors. The first of these includes the risk that just like secondhand cigarette smoke, second-hand vape smoke can be harmful to children. Therefore in any establishment where families are welcome, it makes sense that owners will operate a ban on vaping inside. 

Vaping, just like cigarette smoking, can also impact the air quality of an establishment, as well as infiltrating air ducts and making them harder to clean. Again for this reason it makes sense that a range of venues such as shops and cinemas would ask customers to refrain from vaping while inside. 

6. Indoor vaping regulations

While it is illegal to smoke cigarettes inside public places, the ban does not technically cover vaping. What this means is there may be some inside spaces in which you are allowed to vape, if the owners/managers of the space have decided to permit it. 

7. Vaping indoors guidelines

There is no specific law in the UK that covers vaping indoors. However, there are other guidelines and laws  that those wishing to vape inside must follow including: 

• Vaping in private places and residences is legal if the person buying and using them is 18 years old or above. 
• Vaping in cars is legal as long as you maintain proper control of your vehicle at all times. 
• Vaping in indoor public spaces can be allowed if decided on by the owner of the venue. 
• If you are unsure whether it's OK to vape inside or not, it's best to wait and vape outside. 
• In Venues like Hospitals and medical facilities, it's almost always not OK to vape unless you do it in the designated area provided. 
• Vaping indoors around children can be harmful and should always be avoided. 
• Adhering to the instructions provided by any establishment power concerning vaping is important. 
• Remember the owner is always right when it comes to whether vaping is allowed at their premises or not.