Smoking ban in United Kingdom (2026)

Last reviewed: 7 November 2026

In short: In England, enclosed public places and workplaces are smoke-free under the Health Act 2006. The smoke-free rule does not cover open-air areas. A fixed penalty of 50 pounds applies. Rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

RuleWhat applies
Indoor public places and workplacesSmoking in public places; EnglandIn England, premises open to the public are smoke-free, and so are premises used as a place of work by more than one person or where the public may come for goods or services. The ban covers areas that are enclosed or substantially enclosed. [1]
Bars and restaurantsSmoking in public places; England⚠ Not yet verified
Outdoor terraces and public outdoor areasSmoking in public places; EnglandThe Health Act 2006 smoke-free rule applies only to areas that are enclosed or substantially enclosed. It does not set a ban for open-air areas. [1]
FineSmoking in public places; EnglandSmoking in a smoke-free place is an offence. A fixed penalty of 50 pounds applies, reduced to 30 pounds if paid early. On conviction the fine is up to level 1 on the standard scale. [2]
Cars with childrenSmoking in public places; EnglandIn England, a private vehicle must be smoke-free if it is enclosed, more than one person is in it and a person under 18 is present. Stationary caravans and motor caravans that are not on a road, or are on a road and used as living accommodation, are exempt. [3]

Notes

  • Smoking bans are set separately in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The rules here are for England only.
  • This rule is for England only. Wales has its own regulations, and Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules.

Sources

  1. legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives): Health Act 2006, section 2 (Smoke-free premises) (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  2. legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives): The Smoke-free (Penalties and Discounted Amounts) Regulations 2007, regulation 2 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources
  3. UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Smoke-free (Private Vehicles) Regulations 2015 (consulted 7 November 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.