Can You Vape Indoors?

It’s one of those questions that seems simple until you start looking into it. Can you vape indoors? The simple answer is that currently, there is no national law in the UK that restricts vaping indoors like smoking. Depending on where you are, the answer is sometimes yes and often no. And quite often, it depends on the mood of the place you're in.

If you’ve recently switched to vaping or are just visiting a new venue, it’s natural to want to learn everything about vaping and also wonder, “Is vaping allowed indoors?” Some spaces welcome vaping indoors, others absolutely don’t, and plenty sit in a grey area. Let’s look at how indoor vaping is treated across different settings, and what that actually means for you. A key reason many venues set their own rules when it comes to vaping is the concern over passive vaping. Just like with passive smoking, they are worried about the potential impact of inhaling someone else’s vapour.

The health implications of second-hand vapour represent a significant factor in organisational policies despite the lack of legal restrictions. However:

• Cancer Research UK states that "there is no good evidence that second-hand vapour from e-cigarettes is harmful"
• NHS England notes that "e-cigs release negligible amounts of nicotine into the atmosphere" and that "any risk from passive vaping to bystanders is small relative to tobacco cigarettes"
• Public Health England distinguishes between tobacco smoke (which contains thousands of harmful chemicals) and vapour (which contains significantly fewer contaminants)

However, the absence of evidence about harm does not equate to evidence of the absence of harm, and many establishments prefer to take a precautionary approach by restricting indoor vaping.

Can You Vape Indoors in the UK

In the UK, vaping doesn’t fall under the same ban that made smoking indoors illegal under the Health Act 2006. That might sound like a green light, but it’s not a free pass. Just because there’s no national law against it doesn’t mean you can vape anywhere indoors. Most of the time, it’s up to whoever runs the building.

This is why you’ll see inconsistencies: some pubs are fine with it, while others treat it the same as lighting a cigarette. Offices vary too. Airports, on the other hand, almost always say no.

So while there’s no law saying “don’t vape inside,” there’s also no law guaranteeing vaping indoors.

Key Differences Between Smoking and Vaping Regulations

Your Own Home

So, can you vape inside? If it’s your place, it’s your rules. For homeowners, that’s simple. If you rent, it depends on your tenancy agreement. Some landlords fold vaping into their no-smoking clause, especially in furnished or premium properties.

Also, while vapour doesn’t linger the way smoke does, frequent indoor use—especially with high-VG liquids—can leave residue on walls or furniture over time. It won’t smell like stale smoke, but you might notice a film or discolouration after a while.

Vape Shops and Lounges

This one’s straightforward. Most vape shops have testing areas where you’re actively encouraged to try out devices or flavours. Staff are usually happy to answer questions, and there’s an understanding that vapour is just part of the atmosphere. Think of it like trying wine at a vineyard; it’s part of the experience.

Certain Pubs or Cafés

Some independently run venues don’t mind vaping, especially those with a younger or more laid-back crowd. You’re more likely to get a nod of approval in a quiet weekday pub than in a high-street chain on a Saturday night. But is vaping allowed in pubs more broadly? Most major chains, including JD Wetherspoon, Greene King, and Mitchells & Butlers, don’t allow vaping indoors, treating it the same as smoking.

If there’s no signage, a quick “Is it okay to vape in here?” will usually settle it.

Public Transport

Across the board, trains, tubes, buses, and planes, vaping is banned. Even taxis and rideshares usually follow this rule, though it’s technically up to the driver. In practice, very few will allow it.

Trying to sneak a puff on a train or mid-flight is risky. You can be fined or even removed from the service. And if you’re thinking of doing the “stealth vape” trick? Most transport staff know it by now.

Offices and Workplaces

There’s no legal obligation for companies to ban vaping, but most treat it the same as smoking. That means stepping outside if you want to vape. A few places with very relaxed policies might let you use low-powered devices at your desk, but these are rare.

Vaping indoors at work is often discouraged, not because of health concerns, but because of office etiquette: smells, distractions, and the look of it all.

Hospitals, Clinics, and GP Surgeries

Most NHS sites still treat vaping like smoking and prohibit it on the premises, indoors and often outside as well. Even though the NHS recognises vaping as a harm-reduction tool, hospitals are cautious about appearances and maintaining a neutral environment.

Airports and Aeroplanes

This is where the rules get really strict. You can’t vape on planes, and you’ll rarely find a space inside the terminal where it’s allowed either. Some major airports have designated outdoor smoking/vaping areas, but many don’t.

Trying to get away with vaping in a terminal loo or tucked-away hallway is not worth the risk. At best, you’ll be asked to leave. At worst, you could face fines or be banned from future flights.

Is it illegal to vape indoors at places such as hotels, Airbnb rentals, private events, or a friend’s house? When in doubt, it’s worth playing it safe. Here are a few tips:

• Ask first. A quick, polite question avoids awkward moments.


• Use a discreet device. Small pod systems or MTL vapes produce less vapour and draw less attention.


• Keep flavours light. Fruity or minty flavours tend to offend fewer noses than sweet or smoky ones.


• Don’t cloud-chase indoors. Blowing massive plumes across someone’s living room rarely goes down well, even if they said yes.

Some places treat the two the same. Many others don’t. From a legal and health perspective, they’re not identical: vaping doesn’t involve combustion, doesn’t produce tar, and doesn’t coat your walls in yellow gunk.

But because the devices look similar and the habit feels familiar, many public spaces default to a no-vaping rule just to avoid confusion or confrontation.

It’s also worth remembering that vaping, while far less harmful than smoking, isn’t risk-free. And while you may know the difference, the person across the room might not.

Going Abroad? Check Before You Vape

Vaping laws can be very different outside the UK. Some countries are strict to the point of banning vape devices entirely, let alone vaping indoors.

• Thailand: Possession of vape gear is illegal and can result in fines or even jail time.


• Australia: Nicotine e-liquid is heavily restricted. Importation rules apply. Many indoor spaces ban vaping.


• USA: Depends on the state. New York, for example, treats vaping the same as smoking in public spaces. Other regions are more relaxed.


• UAE: Legal, but tightly regulated. Indoor use is often limited or banned entirely.

As a rule of thumb, don’t vape indoors abroad unless you’re 100% sure it’s allowed. That includes hotels, government buildings, public transport, and shopping centres.

Device Selection for Vaping Indoors

When you’re vaping in places where highly visible vapour or strong aromas might not go over well, the type of vape device and liquid you choose can make a real difference. You can opt for a setup that keeps vapour output low and use subtle flavours to stay considerate and avoid unwanted attention.

• Pod systems – Compact and easy to slip into a pocket, vape pod kits use higher-resistance coils that naturally create a softer puff and much less vapour. They’re a smart choice if you want to stay discreet in a café, bar, or office break area.
• Mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits – Designed to feel closer to traditional smoking, MTL devices give a tighter draw and a gentler exhale. Because they don’t push out big clouds, they’re often more acceptable in mixed company or semi-public spaces.
• Low-power setups – Running your vape at the lower end of the wattage scale, or choosing a kit that isn’t built for sub-ohm power, keeps vapour light and limits lingering aroma.

This way you can enjoy your vape indoors, when permitted, while keeping the experience comfortable for everyone around you.

So, can you vape indoors in the UK? Sometimes, yes, but always on someone else’s terms.

In your own home, or a vape shop? No problem. On a train or in a café? You’ll need to check. Often, it’s not about the law; it’s about policies, preferences, and whether the people around you are comfortable with it.

Be respectful. Keep your device low-key. And don’t push your luck in uncertain spaces.

Vaping indoors isn’t a right. It’s something you’re allowed to do, when others are okay with it. Handle that with care, and you’re unlikely to run into trouble.