can you vape inside

July 7, 2026

Can You Vape Inside?

UK rules on indoor vaping across workplaces, public spaces, transport and private premises.

Quick answer: There is no blanket UK law banning indoor vaping. Unlike smoking, vaping is not covered by the Health Act 2006 smokefree legislation. However, many venues, employers, transport operators and landlords ban it on their premises. Always check the rules of wherever you are.

The UK's smoking ban, which came into force in 2007, applies to tobacco smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. Vaping is not covered by the same legislation. But that does not mean you can vape wherever you like indoors: it means the decision is devolved to individual venues, employers and property owners.

Indoor Vaping Rules by Location Type

Location	Vaping allowed?	Legal basis
Your own home	Yes	No restriction on vaping in your own private property
Workplace	Employer's decision	No law bans it but most employers prohibit indoor vaping
Pubs and restaurants	Venue's decision	Not covered by smokefree laws; most ban it indoors
Public transport	Banned	Operator policies and/or byelaws prohibit it
NHS hospitals	Varies	NHS has its own vaping policy; many sites have vaping zones
Schools	Banned	School policy and duty of care; illegal to vape near pupils
Rented accommodation	Landlord's decision	Tenancy agreements can prohibit vaping

Where Vaping Is Effectively Banned Indoors

All forms of public transport including trains, buses and the London Underground
School premises and grounds
Most workplaces under employer policy
Most pubs, bars and restaurants under venue policy
Most shopping centres and retail premises
Airports inside the terminal building (airside and landside)
Most sports grounds and arenas

Where Indoor Vaping May Be Permitted

Your own home (no restriction)
Some vape shops and specialist retailers who have designated indoor areas
Some hospitality venues that have an explicit vaping policy permitting it
Designated NHS vaping areas on some hospital sites
Some outdoor terraces and smoking areas where venue policy allows vaping

How likely is indoor vaping to be permitted in each setting?

Longer bar = more likely to be permitted. Always check before vaping.

Your own home

Always

Vape shop

Likely

Pub or restaurant

Unlikely

Workplace

Rarely

Public transport

Never

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2025, there is no legislation specifically banning indoor vaping in the UK in the way smoking is banned. However, the Tobacco and Vapes Bill being progressed through Parliament includes measures to restrict vaping in some public spaces. The regulatory landscape may change, so checking current government guidance for the latest position is advisable.

Yes. Employers have the right to set workplace policies on vaping. Most include it under the same rules as smoking, restricting it to designated outdoor areas or banning it on the premises entirely during working hours. Breaching a workplace vaping policy is treated as a conduct issue. Check your employer's policy or staff handbook.

Yes. A landlord can include a no-vaping clause in the tenancy agreement. If your tenancy agreement prohibits smoking and vaping, breaching it could be grounds for a deposit deduction or in serious cases an issue with tenancy renewal. Read your tenancy agreement carefully.

Private members clubs operate under their own rules but are still subject to the 2007 smokefree regulations for tobacco. Vaping is not covered by those regulations, so a private club can in theory permit indoor vaping if they choose to. In practice most do not, but it is worth checking with the specific venue.

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