Is Vaping in Public Legal?

The popularity of e-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices has grown in recent years, with many adult smokers making the switch from cigarettes. If you’re an e-cigarette user or an adult smoker looking for a change, you might wonder about vaping in public. In this helpful guide, we’ll cover where you can vape with an e-cigarette or use a heated tobacco product.

What’s a Public Place?

A public place can be defined as somewhere that’s open and accessible to everyone. It can be indoors; a museum, a shopping centre, or outdoors; a park or a street, for instance. When it comes to vaping in public laws, precise rules and regulations often depend on where you live. But what rules might you expect in general?

Can You Vape in Public Places?

When it comes to vaping in public, there are different rules depending on where you live. Regulatory measures are often introduced to address potential risk concerns, particularly of those around you. In some countries, vapes are seen as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, and may come with different usage restrictions. This can also depend on whether you’re indoors or outdoors. So, where can you vape in public? Let’s take a look.

Can you vape indoors?

E-cigarette use is largely prohibited indoors similarly to smoking. You might want to vape on your way home, perhaps after a long day of work. In most cases, vaping on every form of public transport is prohibited, and this includes buses. This is especially the case for planes. Vaping is prohibited on all flights, even if you’re in the bathroom - so save your vape for a designated space when you land. If you’re still unsure after checking a place’s vaping rules, it’s best to err on the side of caution and abstain, just as you would when smoking a cigarette. Some indoor public places may allow you to vape, although be sure to check with the establishment as rules around indoor vaping can depend on the company or owner’s individual preferences.

What about outdoor public places?

Vaping in outdoor public places is usually allowed, but this depends on the type of place and where you are in the world. The best practice is to pay close attention to who owns the land - check with the local authority if you’re unsure. There are certain outdoor places, like a park or a street, where vaping might be allowed. Do note that laws differ on vaping around the world, so always check first if you are uncertain. This is especially important if you are traveling.

When it comes to the question, can you vape in public places? The answer can depend on where you live. Always check to be sure that you can vape. Of course, we shouldn’t just talk about vapes, as heated tobacco devices are also growing in popularity.

Do The Same Rules Apply to Different Smoke-Free Device Types?

If you’re a heated tobacco user, you might be wondering if the rules for smoking or vaping apply. The devices are usually treated the same as cigarettes in public spaces. If you’re uncertain, it’s best to avoid using your heated tobacco device until you’re in a designated smoking or vaping area.

What About Other Vaping Locations?

There might be locations that you want to know more about. We’ve considered some and answered them below.

- Cinemas - Most cinemas prohibit the use of smoke-free devices.

- At Work - This falls under your employer’s policies.

- Hotels - Rules vary by institution. Your hotel may have a designated area.

- Pubs and bars - Often, a pub or a bar will have a designated outdoor area for vaping or smoking. But again rules vary by the owner.

- Restaurants - Vaping is not usually allowed in restaurants, though this depends on where in the world you are. They usually have a designated area nearby.

- Nightclubs - In most cases, vaping in public nightclubs is not allowed, but they may have a designated area for this very purpose and again rules vary by the owner.

When it comes to vaping in public places or using heated tobacco, regulations within different regions vary, and it’s always best to check first before using your vape. There should always be a consideration made for those around you first.