Help & Guidance

Can You Vape in Pubs?

Not banned by the smoking law, but each pub sets its own policy and most say no indoors. The law versus the venue, and where to vape.

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Heading to the pub and wondering whether you can vape inside? The legal position is that the indoor smoking ban does not cover vaping, so vaping indoors is not against the law in the way smoking is. However, that does not mean you can vape wherever you like, because each pub sets its own policy, and most do not allow vaping indoors. The golden rule is to check with the venue. This guide explains the difference between the law and a pub''s own rules.

The law versus the venue''s rules

The indoor smoking ban applies to cigarettes, not e cigarettes, so vaping is not illegal indoors under that law. But pubs, like any private business, can set their own rules about vaping on their premises, and the great majority choose to treat it like smoking and ask customers to step outside. So the real answer to whether you can vape in a particular pub is whatever that pub says.

Vaping in pubs at a glance

Question	Answer
Is vaping banned by the smoking law indoors?	No, the ban covers cigarettes, not vaping
Can a pub still ban vaping?	Yes, venues set their own policy
Do most pubs allow indoor vaping?	No, most ask you to step outside
Where can I usually vape?	Beer gardens and outdoor areas, if permitted
What should I do?	Check with the pub before vaping

Why most pubs say no

Even though it is legal, many pubs ask people not to vape indoors for the same reasons they discourage other disruptions, vapour can bother other customers, clouds can be unpleasant in a busy room, and staff prefer a consistent approach. Some pubs are relaxed, others strict, and it can even vary by area within the same venue, so a quick check avoids any awkwardness.

Legal does not mean automatically allowed. The smoking ban does not cover vaping, but the pub''s own policy does, so always ask.

Myths and facts

Myth	The reality
Vaping indoors in a pub is illegal	It is not banned by the smoking law, but pubs can set their own rules.
If smoking is banned, vaping must be too	Vaping is legally separate, though many pubs choose to restrict it.
Every pub allows vaping in the garden	Most do, but some restrict it, so check.
You can vape anywhere a pub allows it	Even where allowed, be considerate of other customers and staff.

Do and don’t

Do

• Check the pubs vaping policy
• Use the beer garden or outdoor area if asked
• Be considerate of other customers
• Keep clouds small if vaping is permitted

Try not to

• Assume indoor vaping is fine because it is legal
• Vape near people eating without checking
• Argue with staff about their policy

Frequently asked questions

Can you vape in pubs?

Vaping is not banned by the indoor smoking law, but each pub sets its own policy, and most do not allow it inside. Always check with the venue.

Is it illegal to vape in a pub?

No, the smoking ban covers cigarettes, not vaping, but a pub can still ask you not to vape on its premises.

Why do most pubs ban indoor vaping?

Vapour can bother other customers and staff prefer a consistent approach, so many treat it like smoking.

Where can I vape at a pub?

Usually the beer garden or an outdoor area, if the pub permits it. Check first.

What if I am not sure?

Ask a member of staff. A quick check avoids any awkwardness.

The bottom line

You can legally vape in pubs in the sense that the indoor smoking ban does not cover vaping, but in practice each pub sets its own policy and most ask people to vape outside. The sensible approach is to treat vaping like smoking when out, check with the venue, and use the beer garden or outdoor area, being considerate of other customers wherever you vape. A moment spent checking saves any awkwardness, and most pubs are perfectly happy to point you to where vaping is welcome.

More help and related reading

If this guide raised other questions, the Help and Guidance library has plain English answers to many more. The closely related pages below are worth a look, and you can always return to the main hub to browse every topic we cover. For anything personal or about your own health, a GP, pharmacist or midwife can advise, and a free local stop smoking service can help if you want to reduce or stop using nicotine.

• Can you vape inside?
• Can you vape in hotel rooms?
• Can you smoke on a cruise ship?
• Browse the full Help and Guidance library

Reading the room

Even in a pub that does not mind vaping, a bit of awareness goes a long way. A busy, crowded bar is different from a quiet corner, and people eating nearby will not thank you for a cloud drifting over their meal. Treating vaping as something to do discreetly, or outside, keeps you on good terms with staff and other customers alike.

If you are a regular somewhere, it is worth simply asking what the policy is, so you know where you stand on future visits. Many pubs are happy to point you to the garden or a spot where vaping is fine, and a quick conversation saves any repeated awkwardness.

Quick guide for pubs

Question	Usual answer
Is it illegal to vape indoors?	No, but the pub can ban it
Do most pubs allow indoor vaping?	No
Where is it usually fine?	The beer garden or outdoor area
Should I ask staff?	Yes, if unsure
Near diners?	Avoid, even where allowed

A few more questions

Can a pub legally stop me vaping?

Yes. As a private business it can set its own rules, even though vaping is not covered by the smoking ban.

Is vaping allowed in beer gardens?

Usually yes, but some pubs restrict it, so check, and be considerate of nearby tables.

What about vaping near the bar?

Many pubs prefer you do not, so check and keep clouds away from staff and other customers.

Key things to remember

• The smoking ban does not cover vaping
• But each pub sets its own policy
• Most do not allow indoor vaping
• Beer gardens are usually fine
• Always check and be considerate

Putting it simply

The neat summary is that the law leaves indoor vaping in pubs up to the pub, and most pubs say no inside while welcoming you to vape in the garden. So the question is never really about the law, it is about that particular venues rules.

Treat vaping like smoking when you are out, ask if you are unsure, and head outside, and you will never put a foot wrong, whatever the pubs policy happens to be.

Do Wetherspoons or chain pubs allow vaping?

Chains set their own policies and most do not allow indoor vaping, so check the rules of the specific pub you are in.

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A quick word on safety and the law

Vaping products are intended for adult smokers and existing vapers as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes. They contain nicotine unless stated otherwise, which is addictive, and they are not suitable for non smokers, pregnant women or anyone under 18. By law you must be 18 or over to buy vaping products in the UK, and we age verify every order. If you want to stop using nicotine altogether, your local stop smoking service offers free, tailored support.

UK public health bodies advise that vaping is substantially less harmful than smoking, but it is not risk free, and if you do not smoke the advice is not to start.

This guide is general information about UK rules and typical policies as they currently stand, and is not legal advice. Rules and individual venue or operator policies can change, so always check official guidance or the relevant provider.