Is Vaping Allowed in Sports Stadiums?

Since the blanket ban on tobacco smoking in enclosed spaces such as pubs, restaurants and workplaces, as well as those deemed substantially enclosed – often spaces which have a permanent or temporary cover, came into play the habits of the smoking public have changed dramatically. Those who choose to smoke tobacco are segregated in areas designated for that purpose – but how about those who prefer e-cigarettes?

Vaping doesn’t have anything much in common with smoking any kind of tobacco product, except when the e-liquid used contains nicotine. E cigs don’t burn anything, they don’t emit smoke, (although sometimes the vapour an e-cigarette produces can be mistaken for it at a distance), and any aroma produced by the vapour is unlikely to be mistaken for the smell of cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke.

Despite these differences, even when it comes to public spaces it’s not unusual to find the same rules applied to both vaping and smoking.

How about vaping at Formula One and other sporting events

There’s very little flexibility on vaping rules when it comes to large sporting venues such as Silverstone, the Northamptonshire village which is home to the Formula One British Grand Prix. At this venue, vaping is strictly prohibited in any of the grandstands, and pretty much restricted to the official smoking areas.

Vaping at football stadiums

There’s a complete and total ban on the use of e-cigarettes inside all UK Premier League stadiums, and along with no designated smoking/vaping areas the rules don’t allow anyone to leave-vape-and come back in. Break the vaping rules at the risk of being asked to leave, and possibly even being barred from returning, or losing your season ticket.

Vaping at Wimbledon

This iconic British sporting event has quite a clear policy on vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. Basically these translate as vaping being completely banned in all of the stadium areas, but e-cigs are okay in any open area unless you are in a queue, or on the outside terrace (where there are likely to be lots of people).

It seems that when it comes to F1 and other sporting events the use of e cigarettes is mostly either confined to any general smoking areas which exist or banned completely. As always, it’s best to check the relevant website for each specific venue or to ask staff on site for clarification if the rules on vaping are not clear. If in doubt, we would advise that you only vape in designated smoking areas.

Since the UK’s blanket ban on tobacco smoking in enclosed spaces such as pubs, restaurants and workplaces, as well as those deemed substantially enclosed (often with a permanent or temporary cover), the habits of the smoking public have changed dramatically.

Adult nicotine consumers who smoke cigarettes are asked to step outside, smoking in areas designated for the purpose – but how do the rules apply to vapers?

Vaping doesn’t have much in common with smoking tobacco, except that cigarettes and most e-liquids contain nicotine (nicotine-free e-liquids are also available, like our nic-free ePod vape pods). Vapes don’t burn tobacco or emit smoke (although sometimes an e-cigarette’s vapour can be mistaken for cigarette smoke at a distance). And any smell produced by e-cigarette vapour is unlikely to be mistaken for the smell of cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke.

Despite these differences, it’s not unusual to find the same rules applied to vaping and smoking in public spaces around the UK. Keep reading to learn the regulations around vaping at sports stadiums, including Formula One, football and rugby stadiums.

Unlike smoking, no vaping ban is written into UK law. However, many event organisers and stadium owners impose similar regulations over the sports stadium they have jurisdiction over.

That means many sports stadiums in the UK (indoor and open-air) have their own rules regarding vaping, with most treating vaping the same as smoking.

Vaping is strictly prohibited at the home of the Formula One Grand Prix. That means you can’t activate your device in the grandstands and other enclosed areas but must visit one of the venue’s dedicated smoking areas to vape.

Learn more about vaping at Silverstone in our guide, including specific information about where to use your device and where vaping is banned.

There’s a ban on using vapes in all Premier League football stadiums in the UK. The stadiums don’t offer designated smoking and vaping areas, which means once you’re in, there’s nowhere you can go to smoke or vape.

It’s also important to note that fans cannot leave and re-enter. So you’ll need to wait until the match ends and you’re away from the grounds to activate your e-cigarette.

If you break the rules and vape in a Premier League stadium, you may be asked to leave, be barred from returning, and lose your season ticket.

Some small and independent football stadiums may have more lax rules around vaping, especially if the stands are open-air. Be sure to check with officials before using your vape device in any football stadium, even if you think it’s allowed.

The iconic British tennis event has a clear vaping policy: using e-cigarettes is banned across stadium areas but allowed in open spaces, except for queues or on the outside terrace (where there are likely many people).

No, Twickenham is an entirely non-smoking stadium that applies the same vaping rules. That means you can’t vape anywhere inside the rugby stadium, including all seated areas and around the grounds.

Most other large UK rugby stadiums ban vaping and smoking, including The Principality Stadium, which hosts rugby and football matches.

When attending F1, football and other sporting events in the UK, e-cigarettes are mainly confined to general smoking areas or banned altogether. As always, it’s best to check the venue’s website or ask officials for clarification if the vaping rules are unclear. If in doubt, we advise you to only vape in designated smoking areas.

 If you’re an adult nicotine consumer transitioning to vaping with Vuse, explore our vape kits online to find the most suitable device. Have more questions about vaping? Explore our FAQs page for all the answers you need.