In recent years, e-cigarettes have gained enormous popularity. Many people greatly enjoy a “smoking experience” without tar and bad smells. However, this has also resulted in governments and health authorities in various countries around the world beginning to take a position on what rules should apply to e-cigarettes, how they may be used, and so on. Therefore, we have taken the time to investigate how e-cigarettes may be used in public spaces in Sweden.
Are you allowed to use an e-cigarette in public spaces?
E-cigarettes have only existed for a relatively few years. Therefore, they are not included in Swedish tobacco legislation, which, for example, prohibits smoking in restaurants, cafés, and so on. It is therefore up to each business and institution to set its own rules regarding the use of e-cigarettes.
We have tried to obtain information from some central institutions in Sweden so that you have an overview of where e-cigarettes are permitted and where you must settle for vaping outside on the street like regular smokers.
More specifically, we wanted to know the policies of the various businesses regarding e-cigarettes, how they may be used, what restrictions exist, and so on.
Skånetrafiken
On Skånetrafiken’s buses and trains, the same rules apply to both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. That is, it is not permitted to use an e-cigarette on their vehicles.
Västtrafik
On public transport in Gothenburg, it is also prohibited to use e-cigarettes. This is also clearly stated in their travel conditions. Everywhere smoking is not permitted, e-cigarettes may not be used either.
SL - Storstockholms Lokaltrafik
As with Skånetrafiken and Västtrafik, e-cigarettes are included in SL’s general smoking ban for regular cigarettes. E-cigarettes are therefore prohibited on buses, trains, at underground stations, and indoors.
SJ
SJ is one of the truly large companies, and thousands of passengers travel on SJ trains around Sweden. SJ prohibits e-cigarettes for safety reasons and to avoid confusion regarding the smoking ban. Here, too, they have decided to apply the same rules to e-cigarettes and regular cigarettes.
UL – Upplands Lokaltrafik
The UL website contains a clear prohibition of e-cigarettes on all their buses and trains.
Jernhusen train stations
Jernhusen, which owns several train stations in Sweden, has also decided to introduce a general smoking ban that applies to both e-cigarettes and cigarettes.
Swedish airports
Swedavia, which operates the airports in Sweden, introduced a general ban on e-cigarettes in 2014. The ban applies at all airports and in all of Swedavia’s premises, as well as in all outdoor areas where smoking is prohibited. The ban applies to employees, travellers, and customers. This is therefore another business where the same rules apply to cigarettes and e-cigarettes. You can find more information about e-cigarettes and air travel here.
The conclusion is...
E-cigarettes are not accepted in public spaces. Unfortunately, we have not found any exceptions. Although e-cigarettes are not covered by the laws concerning cigarettes and do not have the many negative consequences for the people around you that cigarettes do, e-cigarettes are treated exactly like regular cigarettes.
The argument put forward by many businesses is that it is not really possible to see the difference. For most institutions, the solution is to ban e-cigarettes, even though cigarettes and e-cigarettes are two completely different products. The same rules apply to both.
Where is it permitted to use an e-cigarette?
It can be a little frustrating that there are so many places where you are not allowed to use an e-cigarette, even though you might have thought it should not be a problem. Fortunately, there are also many places where you may use your e-cigarette as much as you want.
You are therefore welcome to use your e-cigarette on public streets, at the beach, in parks, and everywhere else where smoking regular cigarettes is permitted. There are sometimes discussions about completely banning cigarettes in public spaces, but realistically it will be a long time before such a ban can be introduced. One example of a country where this discussion has taken place is Canada, where smoking is prohibited in many places, including parks, on beaches (yes, there are beaches in Canada), and in other public places.
At your workplace
As with SJ, UL, Skånetrafiken, and the other companies, every business has the right to decide its own policy regarding e-cigarettes. It is of course not possible for us to give you an overview of the rules at all of Sweden’s companies.
However, there are many businesses that do not object to e-cigarettes and where you are welcome to use them indoors. Conversely, there are also businesses that have the same rules for cigarettes and e-cigarettes, meaning that you have to go outside with your e-cigarette.
In addition, there are individual workplaces where there is a total ban on both cigarettes and e-cigarettes during working hours.
It is best to speak with the person responsible at the business and ask them to take a position on the issue. This way, you get an answer and avoid misunderstandings.
Restaurants, cafés, clubs, and more
It would have been so simple if there were a clear rule in this area, but there is not. Here, too, it is up to each business to decide its own rules regarding e-cigarettes. You therefore have to ask at each individual place to find out what applies. It is always a good idea to be prepared to explain what an e-cigarette is and that it is not the same as a regular cigarette.
If you run a business yourself, you can make your own rules. It may be advantageous to allow e-cigarettes, especially when you have a sign or something similar indicating this. E-cigarettes are becoming increasingly popular, and you may attract more customers.
Dialogue, dialogue, dialogue
Every business has the right to ban e-cigarettes, and when they do not want you to use your e-cigarette, you should accept that. Of course, it is really great if you can use your e-cigarette as you wish, for example after a meal. The most important thing is that you always establish a good dialogue with other people and explain what you are doing. This way, there are no misunderstandings and everyone knows what applies regarding e-cigarettes. If you need arguments, we have 35 reasons here why e-cigarettes are better than regular cigarettes.
