Help & Guidance — Purple Haze MK
Can You Vape in Pubs?
Vaping in pubs is not illegal in the UK but the vast majority of pubs prohibit it indoors. The landlord sets the rules as a private business. Here is what the law actually says and what to expect in practice.
Vaping in pubs is not illegal under UK law. The Health Act 2006 that banned smoking in enclosed public places in 2007 covers tobacco smoking but not e-cigarettes. There is no national law banning indoor vaping. However, pubs are private businesses and their landlords or managers have the right to set their own vaping policies. In practice, the vast majority of UK pubs treat vaping the same as smoking and prohibit it indoors, directing vapers to outdoor smoking areas. If you vape indoors in a pub where it is not permitted, staff can ask you to stop and ultimately ask you to leave.
The Legal Position: Why the Pub Decides
When the smoking ban came into force on 1 July 2007 under the Health Act 2006, it covered all enclosed public spaces including pubs, restaurants, offices and public transport. It was a criminal offence to smoke in these spaces. E-cigarettes were not part of the 2007 legislation and there has been no subsequent national law creating an equivalent ban on indoor vaping.
This means a pub landlord or manager faces a genuine choice about vaping policy. They can permit it, restrict it to certain areas, require vapers to use the outdoor smoking area or ban it entirely. Most major pub chains and many independent pubs have chosen to align their vaping policy with their smoking policy, prohibiting both indoors, partly for consistency and partly because staff often cannot easily distinguish between the two from a distance.
Because a pub is a private business, the landlord has the legal right to remove a customer who refuses to comply with their reasonable house rules. You cannot be arrested for vaping in a pub where it is not permitted, but you can be asked to leave and if you refuse you can be treated as trespassing.
What the Major Pub Chains Say
Wetherspoons
Does not allow vaping indoors. Customers are directed to the designated smoking area outside. This policy applies across all UK Wetherspoons venues.
Greene King
Typically does not allow vaping indoors. Like most pub chains, they align their vaping policy with their smoking policy and ask customers to use outdoor areas.
Mitchells and Butlers (All Bar One, Harvester)
No indoor vaping as standard policy across their brands. Outdoor smoking and vaping areas are provided where space allows.
Beer gardens and outdoor areas
Vaping is generally permitted in pub beer gardens and outdoor areas unless specifically restricted by signage. This is the most practical option for vapers at virtually any UK pub.
Independent pubs
Policy varies. Some permit vaping in the bar; others treat it the same as smoking. Always ask staff before using your vape inside an independent pub.
Private function rooms
Some pubs permit vaping in private function rooms at the discretion of the landlord for private events. Confirm with the venue when booking.
There is no UK law banning vaping in pubs. The 2007 Health Act covers tobacco smoking only.
Each pub sets its own policy. Most prohibit indoor vaping but some permit it. Always check before using your device.
Beer gardens and outdoor smoking areas are where vaping is permitted at most UK pubs
Why Most Pubs Prohibit Indoor Vaping
Even though there is no legal requirement to ban it, most pubs have practical reasons for prohibiting indoor vaping.
- Staff cannot always distinguish between a vape and a cigarette from across the bar, particularly in poor lighting, which creates an enforcement problem
- Permitting vaping but not smoking creates an inconsistency that is difficult for staff to explain and enforce
- Some customers, particularly non-smokers and those with respiratory conditions, find any inhalation near them uncomfortable regardless of its source
- Visible vapour clouds can create confusion and discomfort for other patrons who may not be familiar with vaping
- The perception of vaping in a pub setting can deter certain customer demographics from visiting
- Insurance and licensing considerations may influence the policy at some venues
Vaping Etiquette in and Around Pubs
Even where vaping is technically not prohibited, good etiquette matters. Vaping considerately protects the reputation of the vaping community and the comfort of those around you.
- Always ask staff before vaping inside any pub, even one without visible no-vaping signage
- Step away from entrances when vaping outdoors so others do not have to walk through your cloud
- Use a device with a discreet output rather than a high-power sub-ohm setup that produces large visible clouds
- Be mindful of children in beer gardens
- Respect any member of staff who asks you to stop without argument
For discreet low-vapour pod kits that are ideal for social settings, visit Purple Haze MK in Milton Keynes Market. We also stock nicotine pouches for situations where vaping is not practical.
The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, which cleared Parliament in April 2026 and was awaiting Royal Assent as of May 2026, gives the government power to create vape-free zones near schools, hospitals and playgrounds through future secondary legislation. It does not create a blanket indoor vaping ban and does not directly affect pub policy, which remains at the discretion of individual landlords. Future secondary legislation under the Bill is subject to public consultation before it can be introduced.
Part of Our Guide
Help & Guidance Centre
This article is part of the Purple Haze MK Help and Guidance Centre, covering vaping, UK law and practical guidance. Browse all topics in the Help and Guidance Centre for clear, up-to-date information.
For more on where you can and cannot vape, visit the Purple Haze MK Help and Guidance Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it against the law to vape in a pub?
No. There is no UK law specifically prohibiting vaping in pubs. The 2007 smoking ban covers tobacco and does not extend to e-cigarettes. However, pubs can set their own house rules and most prohibit indoor vaping. Violating a pub's house rules is not a criminal offence but can result in being asked to leave.
Can a pub landlord ban vaping?
Yes, absolutely. As a private business owner, a pub landlord has the right to set any reasonable house rules including prohibiting vaping on the premises. They can ask customers to stop vaping and ultimately to leave the premises if they do not comply. This applies even though there is no legal ban on indoor vaping.
Can you vape in a pub beer garden?
In most cases yes. Beer gardens and outdoor pub areas are generally where vaping is permitted at UK pubs, and most pubs that ban indoor vaping will direct vapers to their outdoor smoking area instead. Check for any specific signage and be considerate of others nearby.
Can I vape in a Wetherspoons?
Not indoors. Wetherspoons does not permit vaping inside its venues and asks customers to use the designated outdoor smoking area. This policy is consistent across all UK Wetherspoons pubs.
Related Articles
For more on where you can vape, visit the Purple Haze MK Help and Guidance Centre.
Discreet Vaping
Low-Vapour Pod Kits at Purple Haze MK
A compact pod kit produces far less visible vapour than a sub-ohm device and is much better suited to social settings. We stock a wide range at our store in Milton Keynes Market.