Can You Smoke in Prison?

If you’re wondering whether you can smoke in prison, the answer depends on where you are. In the UK, smoking is banned in most prison settings—but in other countries, the rules vary. In some places, smoking is strictly controlled or completely banned; in others, it may still be allowed in designated areas.

Here’s a breakdown of the current rules around smoking in prison, with a focus on the UK.

Can You Smoke in UK Prisons?

No, you can’t smoke inside UK prisons anymore. Smoking was phased out across the prison estate following legal changes and health campaigns.

The smoke-free policy began with pilot schemes in 2015 and became a full ban in closed prisons in England and Wales by 2018. Scotland and Northern Ireland have introduced similar policies.

Under current rules:

• Smoking is not allowed inside prison buildings, cells, or communal areas

• Tobacco is not sold in prison canteens (shops)

• Smoking is banned for both prisoners and staff

Can You Vape in UK Prisons?

Yes—but only using approved e-cigarettes or vape devices. To help prisoners manage the transition away from tobacco, the Prison Service introduced prison-safe vaping products, which can be purchased through the canteen system.

These devices are:

• Restricted in type and strength

• Only available through official prison suppliers

• Used under supervision and only in permitted areas

Vaping is seen as a harm reduction measure, but it’s still regulated. You can’t bring your own vape into prison, and not all prisons allow vaping in cells—some require it to be done only in designated areas.

Why Was Smoking Banned in Prisons?

The smoking ban was introduced for several reasons:

• To protect staff and non-smoking prisoners from second-hand smoke

• To bring prisons in line with public health legislation

• To reduce fire risks associated with smoking indoors

• To encourage healthier environments and reduce pressure on prison healthcare services

While the ban was controversial at first, especially among long-term smokers, most prisons have now adapted.

What Happens If You’re Caught Smoking in Prison?

If you’re found smoking or in possession of tobacco:

• It may be confiscated

• You could face disciplinary action, such as loss of privileges or additional punishment

• Repeat offences could affect parole, incentives or your time in open conditions

Prisons take the smoke-free policy seriously, and breaking the rules can have consequences.

Are There Smoking Areas in UK Prisons?

No—there are no longer any designated smoking areas in closed UK prisons. Before the full ban, some prisons allowed smoking in exercise yards or certain cells, but this has been phased out.

In open prisons or outside of the UK, some places may still allow smoking outdoors in restricted zones—but that is no longer the case in most UK facilities.

Can You Smoke in Prisons Outside the UK?

Rules vary by country:

• United States: Smoking bans apply in many federal and state prisons, but some still allow it in outdoor areas or sell tobacco in commissaries

• Australia: Smoking is banned in most state prisons

• Germany and France: Some prisons allow smoking in cells or outdoor areas, depending on the facility

• Japan and parts of Asia: Smoking may be allowed in designated outdoor areas

• Nordic countries: Generally restrict or ban indoor smoking but may allow limited outdoor use

So, while the UK has taken a firm stance on banning tobacco entirely, international rules are more mixed.

Final Word

You can’t smoke in UK prisons anymore. Tobacco is banned, and vaping is only allowed with approved products in designated areas. The aim is to protect health, reduce risk, and encourage long-term quitting.

If you’re entering prison and you're a smoker, support is usually available to help you stop—or switch to prison-approved vaping options. Smoking bans may feel strict, but they’re now the norm across much of the prison system in the UK.