On the 13th of February, the UK Government opened the consultation on proposals to expand smoke-free areas in England and introduce new heated tobacco-free and vape-free places.

This consultation allows vapers to submit opinions and personal experiences, which will guide decision-making and help shape the final rules. Here’s what’s being proposed, and what it could mean for you.

Timeline

These changes are not yet law. Here’s how it will work:

1. Consultation open until 8 May 2026 – anyone can share their views.
2. The government will assess the effects of proposed rules before final regulations are drafted.
3. Final regulations drafted – after reviewing consultation responses.
4. Implementation likely from 2027 or later – if the rules are approved.

What’s Being Proposed?

The government has proposed several options. Under their preferred option, vaping would be banned in:

• Existing indoor smoke-free places
• Public playgrounds
• Outside education settings

Importantly:

• The proposal does not include making hospital grounds vape-free.

Smoking and heated tobacco products would be banned in public playgrounds (with Local Authority involvement), outside education settings, and outside health and care settings, with heated tobacco treated the same as smoking in all relevant indoor and outdoor areas. 

Does This Include Pubs, Cafés & Venues?

Yes, indoors. Because vaping would align with existing indoor smoke-free places (under the Health Act 2006), this would include:

• Pubs and bars
• Restaurants and cafés
• Nightclubs
• Indoor music venues
• Shops and shopping centres
• Offices and workplaces
• Public transport

However, it’s worth noting that most indoor venues already operate vape-free policies. You rarely see vaping inside cafés or shops, and many employers already treat vaping the same as smoking.

The proposal would largely formalise what is already common practice, creating national legal consistency rather than introducing a dramatic behavioural shift.

Outdoor areas such as beer gardens would not automatically become vape-free unless specifically designated.

Public Transport

Smoking is already banned on public transport under the Health Act 2006, and most transport operators already prohibit vaping through their own policies.

Under the proposal, vaping would become legally aligned with indoor smoke-free rules, creating a statutory basis for what is already widely enforced.

What About Cars?

Smoking in a car carrying someone under 18 is already illegal under the Smoke-free (Private Vehicles) Regulations 2015.

The consultation proposes aligning vape-free rules with existing indoor smoke-free places. Final confirmation of how this applies to vehicles will be set out in the regulations following consultation.

At present:

• Smoking in cars with under-18s is already illegal
• Vaping in cars is not currently illegal

Our Position

We strongly support protecting children from exposure to vapour. We believe:

• Vaping should not take place around or near children.
• Restrictions in playgrounds, outside schools and in vehicles are sensible and proportionate.

However, we also believe:

• Vaping plays an important role in smoking cessation for adults.
• Hospital grounds should not be made vape-free, as access to vaping can support smokers trying to quit, particularly in healthcare settings where cessation support is available.

Public health policy should protect children while also supporting adult smokers to move away from combustible tobacco. IVG supports a balanced, evidence-led approach.

Have Your Say

This is a public consultation. If you have evidence, research, or personal experience that you believe should inform the final decision, you can submit your views directly to the Government during the consultation period. Consultation responses help shape the final regulations.

What This Does NOT Change

• Private homes are not affected
• Private outdoor spaces are not affected
• Most general outdoor public spaces remain unchanged
• Adult vaping as a quit aid remains recognised in public health guidance

If adopted:

• Smoking and heated tobacco restrictions will expand outdoors.
• Vaping will be restricted indoors and in child-focused areas.
• Most indoor venues already operate similar policies in practice.
• Implementation is likely to be in 2027 or later.
• Final details will follow the consultation.

We will continue monitoring developments and provide updates as regulations are confirmed.

FAQs

How is this different from the Vape Tax? Vape-free rules control where you can vape or smoke in public areas. The Vape Tax is about pricing and compliance, not locations. For more information on the Vape Tax, see our guide.

Will I be able to vape in pubs? Pubs are a grey area when it comes to vaping. Some proprietors allow it, others don’t. However, if implemented, it will fall under this legislation and be prohibited in all pubs.