Everything You Need to Know About Vaping in the UK

From where you can vape in the UK to the legal age for use of an e-cig. All your questions answered.

It was a Chinese man that first invented the E-cig, or vape, in 2003. Since then, it has grown in popularity to become a favourite way to cut down on cigarettes, or as an alternative to smoking altogether. We know that our UK clients have questions about vaping. We put together this guide to help you understand the laws around vaping in the UK. 

Here are your questions about vaping, answered. 

What is a Vape?

Hon Lik developed the E-cigs, or the vaporiser, back in 2003 in China. Manufacturers introduced the vape to the UK circa 2005. Legend says that he invented it to quit smoking. Hon Lik’s Father died from being a heavy smoker, but the chemist says he successfully quit using his vape. Now he only smokes his vapes to check the flavours.

Aside from that piece of information, a vaporizer is an electronic cigarette used to vaporise substances. They come in a few different types, but for use in the UK, we are talking about vapes that use e-liquid or vape juice as it is sometimes known. 

These types of E-cigs use a liquid formed using a glycerol or glycerine base. Manufacturers add flavours to the base in essential oil form. The juices come in numerous flavours. Including things like strawberry, bubble gum, Blueberry and Raspberry.

How does a vape work?

The vape device works by heating the e-liquid into vapour. The vapour then passes through the extraction chambers made of a combination of metal, pyrex glass or plastic (PETG or Poly-carbonate). Once the liquid is in vapour form, it travels up the pipe until you inhale it through the mouthpiece. 

Typically, the traditional device comes in three to four parts. There will be the part with the battery, the mouthpiece, and the chamber where the liquid goes in.

A Pod device on the other hand is simpler and easy to use. It comes in just 2 parts the battery and an enclosed replaceable pod that when heated produces the vapour to inhale.

What is a Vape Shop?

A vape shop is a type of shop which specifically sells E cigarettes, vaporizers, pod systems, e-liquids and Nic Salts. A good vape shop will also stock a wide range of accessories like coils, spare charging cables and Batteries and replacement glasses for tanks. Some vape shops are online, and some are on the High Street with some shops now appearing in big retail parks.

What is the Legal Age for Vaping in the UK?

The legal age for vaping in the UK is 18 years old. This is because of the nicotine involved in most vaping juices. Vaping is an alternative to a cigarette. Not all vaping juices (e-liquids) have nicotine in them. 

Further to this, vaping shops in the UK are not allowed to advertise products to anyone who is under Eighteen.

Where Can You Use Your E-Cig?

You can only use your E cigarettes in the same places you would be able to smoke in. Since the government banned smoking in some public places and all indoor public spaces in the UK, this means that you must vape outdoors. There are some public spaces that are completely no smoking, such as hospitals and train stations.

Where Can You Buy a Vape in the UK?

You can buy a vape, starter kit or pod device through our vape shops right here in the UK. We have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to guide you towards the right decision.

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