Over the past few years, vaping has become more and more popular as a replacement for smoking, with more people starting to do it. Vaping is highly praised for being healthier than smoking for both the user and the people around, with e-cigarettes produces vapor rather than toxic smoke. Though the vapor released by the e-cigarette isn't found to be toxic to other people, vaping is still banned in a number of places, so today, I am going to guide you through UK's laws on where you can and can't vape.
Public Transport
We all know smoking is banned on all public transport, and vaping laws aren't too different. Vaping is banned on all trains and all planes in the UK. This is due to two reasons. Some people are unsure about vaping and believe it is as dangerous as smoking. The other reason is that, while it is different than smoking, vaping does still look similar to smoking, so smokers may use that to bypass the law, pretending to be vaping when they are actually smoking. These public transports do have alarms in the toilets that go off when you vape. Airports and stations also ban vaping.
Buses and coaches can vary on their vaping policies from company to company. Vaping is banned on London Buses and National Express, but for other companies, it is best to ask about the vaping laws before you start vaping on the bus. If you are caught vaping on a bus that bans it, you will be kicked off the bus.
On cruises and ferries, the general rule is that you vape in the designated smoking areas. Many cruise companies have banned smoking on the balcony, so it is possible that vaping is the same. Be sure to ask the cruise provider before you vape.
Live Venues
Rules of vaping in sports stadiums vary from club to club. Large stadiums, like Old Trafford and Manchester City, have strict bans on vaping, but smaller clubs are more relaxed about vaping. The rules do change a lot, so it is best to check with the stadium on their vaping rules. If you are caught vaping in a stadium where it is banned, you can be kicked out for it.
Most large music venues ban vaping (some of which are sports stadiums too). An example is the NEC in Birmingham, which do not allow vaping inside the buildings, except for the Vape Expo UK, held twice a year. Smaller music venues are more relaxed with their rules, so ask a member of staff if vaping is ok before vaping.
Hospitals
In Scotland, vaping is banned from hospitals and the grounds surrounding the hospital, except for the NHS Lothian Trust. In England and Wales, while there is no blanket ban on vaping, many hospitals do have a vaping ban for the safety of their patients.
Restaurant, Cafes and Pubs
Unlike smoking, there is not a blanket ban for vaping in restaurants, cafes or pubs. The majority of chain restaurants and cafes, like Caffe Nero, Starbucks and KFC have banned vaping across their branches. Pubs generally allow vaping, but it would be a good idea to check with the staff first.
Other Countries
Different countries have different laws pertaining vaping. Vaping is illegal in the following countries:
|
|
Some other countries allow you to vape, but have restrictions.
- Australia - There are strict laws on nicotine and importation of nicotine-containing vape products. The laws also vary depending on the state so we recommend checking out this guide to Australian vaping laws.
- Colombia – The laws are unclear but it seems to be okay to vape
- Hong Kong – Nicotine liquids are illegal
- Malaysia – Vaping with nicotine is illegal
- Nicaragua -Nicotine liquids are banned (though in 2018 there are reports that these laws have been relaxed somewhat)
- Panama – It’s legal to use vape products but not to import or sell them
- South Africa – Vaping with nicotine is illegal
- Turkey - It’s illegal to buy/sell e cigarettes in Turkey but you can take your own products in for personal use
- USA - Regulations vary throughout different US states. Check out this useful guide to the different US state e cigarette laws.
For the rest of the world, vaping is legal, but you may still want to check the laws in your country just in case, because laws change a lot.
Conclusion
Now hopefully you have been informed on where you can vape, but be wary, as these laws change all the time. And Happy Vaping!