No — it is not illegal to vape indoors in the UK.
E-cigarettes are not covered by the UK’s smokefree laws, meaning there is no nationwide ban on indoor vaping. However, businesses, employers, transport operators, and local councils are allowed to create their own rules, which means many indoor public places still choose to prohibit vaping.

Is Vaping Covered by the UK Smokefree Legislation?

No.

• The UK's Health Act 2006 bans smoking in enclosed public spaces and workplaces, but only for tobacco combustion.

• E-cigarettes do not involve burning tobacco, so they fall outside the legal definition of “smoking.”

• This is why vaping indoors is not automatically illegal.

Where Is Indoor Vaping Commonly Restricted?

Although vaping isn’t banned by national law, many organizations enforce their own policies. Indoor vaping is commonly prohibited in:

• Restaurants & cafés

• Bars & pubs (policy varies by venue)

• Hospitals & healthcare facilities

• Public transport networks

• Workplaces and offices

• Most major retail stores & shopping centers

These are policy-based restrictions, not legal bans.

Can Companies Ban Vaping Indoors in the UK?

Yes.
Employers have the legal right to restrict vaping just as they restrict smoking.
Most UK companies include vaping in their HR policies, requiring employees to vape outside in designated areas.

Key Takeaway

“Indoor vaping in the UK is allowed by law but commonly restricted by workplace policies.”

Can Landlords or Property Owners Set Their Own Vaping Rules?

Yes.
Private property owners can allow or ban vaping at their discretion:

• Landlords

• Hotels & Airbnb hosts

• Retail owners

• Entertainment venues

Hotels often allow vaping in certain rooms only or require window ventilation.

Is It Illegal to Vape on Public Transport in the UK?

No, but it's banned by policy, not UK law.
Most UK transport operators ban vaping, including:

• Transport for London (TfL)

• National Rail services

• Domestic flights

Again, these are operator rules, not criminal legal bans.

Are There Any Indoor Places Where Vaping Is Explicitly Allowed?

Some venues choose to permit vaping, such as:

• Vape shops

• Vaping lounges

• Certain pubs or clubs with permissive policies

But these are exceptions, not the norm.

Does the UK Government Plan to Ban Indoor Vaping?

As of the latest available guidance:

• Plans are being considered to restrict vaping in certain indoor public places and workplaces.

• Discussions around youth vaping focus on flavor regulation, retail rules, and packaging changes — not indoor bans.

What Are the Penalties for Vaping Indoors Where It’s Not Allowed?

Because restrictions are based on policies, penalties vary:

• Being asked to stop

• Being asked to leave

• Fines only apply if a local by-law exists (rare)

There is no criminal penalty for indoor vaping under UK national law.

Vaping Etiquette Indoors: What’s Considered Polite?

Even when indoor vaping is permitted, good etiquette includes:

• Asking permission

• Avoiding dense vapor clouds

• Using low-vapor devices

• Being mindful of people with sensitivities or children

FAQ

Is it illegal to vape inside a pub in the UK?

No. But most pubs choose to ban indoor vaping through house rules.

Is vaping indoors banned by UK law?

No. There is no national legal ban on indoor vaping.

Can employers prohibit indoor vaping?

Yes. Employers can set workplace policies restricting vaping indoors.

Can landlords ban vaping in rental properties?

Yes. It is allowed under property owner discretion.

Can you vape in hotels?

Policies vary — some allow it in specific rooms, others ban it entirely.

Final Answer

Indoor vaping is not illegal in the UK because smokefree laws apply only to tobacco smoking. However, most indoor locations — including workplaces, shops, transport networks, restaurants, and public venues — choose to ban it through their own policies.
Whether you can vape indoors depends on the rules set by the property owner or operator, not national law.

Related Articles

What Does TPD Stand for in Vaping? — Understand the EU/UK rules behind vape regulations.

Is It Legal to Vape at 16 in the UK? — A quick guide to UK age restrictions.

Disposable Vapes Ban in the UK: What You Need to Know — Current proposals and what they mean for users.