Government Set To Legislate Stricter Laws On Outdoor Vaping

The UK government hopes to introduce vape and heated tobacco free spaces, in a bid to better protect children from second-hand smoke and vapour inhalation. 

On the 13th of February the government launched a public consultation, seeking opinions on banning smoking, vaping and the use of heated tobacco products in child centric places like public playgrounds, schools and hospitals. 

This consultation seeks to restrict outdoor smoking and vaping, especially in places with a high amount of “medically vulnerable” people, such as hospitals. 

Part of the government's proposed plan is also to instate more designated smoking and vaping areas in public places. 

Additionally, these proposed rules will place an outright ban on vaping inside cars carrying children. 

These rules are not expected to apply to outdoor hospitality settings like pub gardens, and bars, as well as outdoor spaces like beaches and private gardens. 

The consultation aims to help inform government guidelines in the upcoming Tobacco and Vapes Bill, set to go into effect on the 1st of October 2026. The bill will tax both smoking and vaping products, particularly e-liquids which will be taxed £2.20 per 10ml.