Can you Vape at Football Grounds in the UK?
The short answer is: no, you cannot vape at football grounds in the UK.
Why? Well, Premier League stadiums have banned the smoking and consumption of tobacco products since 2005. By their logic, it would be difficult to differentiate between the vapour of an e-cigarette and the smoke from a real cigarette in a large crowd of people.
So, there we have it: vaping is entirely banned in all of the Premier League’s 58 stadiums.
If you’re wondering, ‘could I leave the stadium to vape and come back?’ you’d be mistaken: the Premier League have made it very clear that this is also not permitted. Before you enter the grounds, take one final puff on your tank and say goodbye for the next 90 minutes.
For most vapers, this shouldn’t pose a problem: after all, you can still enjoy your disposable vape outside the ground before the match starts. Plus, once the game ends, you can make up for lost time while you chat, eat and drink with other supporters.
However, some vapers may be tempted to bend the rules. If you do, you should know exactly what the consequences are.
What happens if you vape in a football stadium?
Trying to vape ‘discreetly’ inside Premier League grounds can lead to devastating punishments for football fans.
For example, Goodison Park regulations state that anyone found to be in breach of the stadium’s strict vaping prohibition risks being ejected from the stadium and having their season ticket revoked.
Aston Villa FC has stated that e-cigarettes are banned from the grounds, and Cardiff FC allow fans to exit the stadium at half-time for a smoke break but does not allow exit and re-entry after the start of the second half.
Before setting off to support your team, check the ground conditions of the stadium you’re visiting and fully catch up on the rules. With careful planning, you can keep your season tickets and enjoy your favourite e-liquid without breaching the club’s regulations.
If you’re enjoying this season’s match from the comfort of your local pub, you might be equally confused about vaping rules. Can you vape in a pub watching football?
Can you vape in a pub watching football?
As of August 2023, there is no blanket ban on vaping in pubs, restaurants or cafés. With a lack of specific laws or restrictions, it’s the jurisdiction of the individual pub or food establishment as to whether or not vaping is tolerated.
The Indoor Smoking Ban 2007 made it hard for pub owners, restaurants (and football stadiums) to distinguish between real cigarette smoke and nicotine-free vapours. That’s why many either ban it altogether or allow their customers to vape freely.
It’s understandable why many restaurants and fast food chains discourage vaping. The smell of strong odours may make it hard for customers to enjoy their food.
Plus, pubs that tolerate vaping may be met with complaints from customers who would rather drink and dine in a vape-free establishment.
Can I vape in a cricket ground?
So, what if you’re a cricket fan? Do the same vaping rules apply?
Vaping, as with smoking, is prohibited on cricket grounds. The Oval ground regulations state that you cannot smoke or vape in bars, hospitality suites, internal areas, covered concourses, stands and all seating areas.
However, they provide areas where vapers are welcome, such as uncovered concourses, forecourt areas and car parks. Lord’s Cricket grounds employ similar rules: smoking, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, is strictly prohibited except in designated areas.
Can I vape in a rugby stadium?
As with football and cricket grounds, you cannot vape in rugby stadiums. Twickenham has declared itself a ‘non-smoking stadium’, with the smoking of cigarettes, e-cigarettes or vaporisers being prohibited anywhere within the green perimeter fence line of the stadium.
Similarly, the Principality Stadium in Cardiff and the Scottish Rugby Union have also banned smoking entirely, with the Scottish Rugby Union introducing its no-smoking ban all the way back in 2004.
Satisfy your vape craving with Juicemate!
Being unable to smoke during your favourite sporting event isn’t the end of the world. While it may feel inconvenient, the rules are there for the safety and consideration of our non-vaping friends.
So, once your team has won, celebrate by puffing on e-liquids from Juicemate! We’re offering multi-buy deals on our vape juices, as well as disposable vapes and tanks, for our seasoned pros.