Can You Vape in Pubs?
A clear UK guide to whether you can vape in pubs, what the law says and why most pubs say no indoors.
The short answer
Usually not inside. No law bans it, though most UK pubs prohibit indoor vaping.
The norm
Head to the beer garden or smoking area.
Coming up
Future rules may extend smoke-free zones to vaping.
Can you vape in pubs?
You can legally vape inside a pub, though in practice most pubs do not allow it. Vaping is not covered by the indoor smoking ban, so the law does not stop you, yet the vast majority of pubs set their own house rules and prohibit indoor vaping, sending vapers to the beer garden instead. So the real answer in practice is usually no indoors.
It helps to separate what the law allows from what your local actually permits, since they pull in different directions. The legal position is relaxed, while pub policies are mostly strict. This page explains the law, why pubs say no inside and where you can vape when you are out.
Let us look at the law, the pub norm and where to vape.
It is a common source of confusion, since vaping feels like it should follow the same rules as smoking. In law it does not, though the practical experience of being in a pub usually looks much the same, with vapers heading outside alongside the smokers.
The law versus the pub
The law and the pub's own house rules are really two different things. There is no nationwide ban on vaping inside pubs in England, Wales or Scotland, since vaping is not covered by the 2007 smoking ban, yet pubs are private businesses and can set their own policy, which most of them do.
- Not illegal: the indoor smoking ban does not cover vaping.
- House rules apply: each pub can allow, restrict or ban vaping.
- Big chains: the major chains prohibit indoor vaping entirely.
- Food venues: anywhere serving meals almost always bans it inside.
Most pubs end up landing in the same place on this. Chains like Wetherspoons, Greene King and Marston's ban indoor vaping, often to avoid confusion with smoking and to keep vapour away from diners and children, so you should assume indoor vaping is not allowed.
If you do want to vape inside a particular pub, the only reliable way to know is to ask a member of staff first. A quick question avoids any awkwardness, since in the great majority of cases the answer will be a friendly pointer toward the garden.
Vaping inside UK pubs
Illustrative, always check the venue.
Why most pubs say no inside
The reasons behind this are mostly practical ones. Pubs ban indoor vaping to avoid confusion with smoking, to keep vapour and scent away from people who are eating and to protect children in family-friendly venues, even though they are not required to by law.
Pub staff find it hard to tell at a glance whether someone is smoking or vaping, so a blanket no indoors keeps enforcement simple. There is also the comfort of other customers to consider, since not everyone wants a cloud of vapour near their meal or their family. For these reasons the indoor ban has become the norm across the trade, with only the occasional local landlord using their discretion for regulars. The safe assumption is that you cannot vape inside.
This is rarely a hardship in practice. Most pubs with any outdoor space make it easy to step out for a vape, plus on a decent day the beer garden is the nicer spot to be in anyway, so the rule tends to look after itself.
Heading to the pub?
A compact pod kit is discreet and easy to use out in the beer garden. Browse our starter kits or ask the team.
Where you can vape and what may change
Outside is almost always going to be your spot. Beer gardens, smoking shelters and the pavement outside are normally fine for vaping if smoking is allowed there, though it is still polite to check signage or ask staff and to keep a respectful distance from doorways.
One thing to keep an eye on is that the rules may tighten. The Tobacco and Vapes Act gives the government power to extend existing smoke-free areas to be vape-free in future, following public consultation, with discussion already under way about pub gardens and outdoor hospitality. Nothing has changed yet, though it is sensible to check current rules when you are out. For now, the simple approach is to vape outside in a permitted area, follow any signs and be considerate of those around you.
- Go outside: beer gardens and shelters are normally fine.
- Check signs: follow any signage or ask a member of staff.
- Be considerate: keep clear of doorways and other people.
- Stay updated: future rules may extend vape-free zones outdoors.
If you want to dig deeper, see our explainer on whether you can vape inside. It pairs well with our guide on whether you can vape in hotel rooms and our look at whether you can vape while driving.
For the full set of guides, the travel vaping hub brings everything together in one place.
The bottom line: you can legally vape inside a pub, since vaping is not covered by the indoor smoking ban, though most UK pubs set their own rules and prohibit it indoors. The big chains ban it entirely, often to avoid confusion with smoking and to protect diners and children. Beer gardens and outdoor areas are usually fine if smoking is allowed there. Future rules may extend smoke-free zones to vaping, so check current signage and be considerate.
Out for a pint?
A compact pod kit is discreet and easy to use out in the beer garden. Our vape starter kits are a great place to begin. You can also speak to the Vape Chaos team for advice on your setup.
Frequently asked questions
Can you vape in pubs?
You can legally vape inside a pub, since vaping is not covered by the indoor smoking ban. In practice, though, the vast majority of UK pubs set their own house rules and prohibit indoor vaping. The big chains ban it entirely. So while it is not against the law, the realistic answer is usually no indoors, with most pubs directing you to the beer garden.
Is it illegal to vape inside a pub?
No, it is not illegal. Unlike cigarette smoking, vaping is not covered by the 2007 indoor smoking ban in England, Wales or Scotland. However, pubs are private businesses and can set their own policy, with most choosing to prohibit indoor vaping. So it is usually against the pub's house rules rather than against the law, with staff able to ask you to stop or step outside.
Can you vape in a beer garden?
Usually yes. Beer gardens, smoking shelters and the pavement outside a pub are normally fine for vaping if smoking is allowed there. It is still polite to check any signage or ask a member of staff, then to keep a respectful distance from doorways and other customers. Outdoor areas are where most pubs expect vapers to go rather than vaping indoors.
Why do pubs ban vaping indoors?
Pubs ban indoor vaping mainly for practical reasons, even though they are not required to by law. Pub staff find it hard to tell at a glance whether someone is smoking or vaping, so a blanket ban keeps things simple. There is also the comfort of other customers, especially diners and families, who may not want vapour nearby. So the indoor ban has become the norm.
Could vaping in pub gardens be banned in future?
Possibly. The Tobacco and Vapes Act gives the government power to extend existing smoke-free areas to be vape-free in future, following public consultation, with discussion already under way about pub gardens and outdoor hospitality. Nothing has changed yet, so outdoor vaping is currently fine where smoking is allowed, though it is sensible to check the current rules when you are out.
