Can You Use Heated Tobacco in Public?

Adult smokers looking to explore smoke-free alternatives may be wondering, “can you use heated tobacco in public?”

On private property, you may be able to use a heated tobacco device - so long as heated tobacco is legal in the region. However, this is not necessarily the case for using heated tobacco in public.

While some regions have a smoking ban in public places, heated tobacco is not smoking, so different rules may apply. Rules around using heated tobacco in public could vary, depending on whether the devices are permissible regionally.

If heated tobacco is allowed in the area, the next thing you should consider is whether or not the specific venue or institution allows it. For instance, a local bar might allow the use of tobacco heating devices in a designated area, whereas another bar further down the road might not. If regulations are unclear, it’s recommended that you check with the venue before using heated tobacco in the space.

Heated tobacco is nearly always prohibited on public transport - including buses, trains and planes. In fact, the use of tobacco heating devices on a plane - even in the bathroom - could set off the fire alarm. Therefore, to prevent any problems, you should avoid using tobacco heating devices on public transport altogether.

Heated tobacco is a relatively new product. While heated tobacco might be a better alternative to smoking, this should be substantiated on a product-by-product basis, and doesn’t change the fact that they are often prohibited in indoor public places. Learn more on how IQOS heated tobacco compares to smoking in our article - heated tobacco vs cigarettes.

Wondering if you can use your device in public abroad? Find out more about rules and tips for using heated tobacco on holiday.

Using Heated Tobacco in Public Outdoor Places

When it comes to using heated tobacco in public outdoor places, the rules might be more lenient. If heated tobacco is permitted regionally, you may be allowed to use it in certain spaces outdoors. These spaces could include a car park, the beach, the street or a public

square. That said, when in doubt, it’s always best to check you’re allowed to use heated tobacco where you are.

Some countries have a list of public places where both smoking and using some types of smokeless tobacco in public is prohibited. It’s worth reiterating that rules vary by region, so it’s best to avoid using heated tobacco in public - both when inside and outdoors - until you’re sure of the relevant regulations.

Vaping in Public Places

Similar to using heated tobacco in public, the rules for vaping in public will vary between places too. We recommend always checking the rules before using a vape device. For a more comprehensive overview of where it’s legal to vape in public, including detailed information about the rules on public transport, read our article on vaping in public.

IQOS Smoke-Free Products – A Better Alternative to Smoking

IQOS’ range of heated tobacco products utilise innovative smoke-free technology to heat tobacco instead of burning it. Switching completely to IQOS is a better choice to your health than smoking*.

Important information: IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.

* Based on the totality of evidence available for IQOS in comparison with continuing to smoke.

Part of our IQOS range includes the IQOS ILUMA series. IQOS ILUMA is the culmination of years of research and development, with an innovative SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM. This device is designed to be used with the all-new TEREA tobacco sticks. Many consumers agree that IQOS ILUMA provides better taste than previous IQOS generations*. Find IQOS ILUMA and browse the TEREA sticks on our online store.

* 63% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

For those with more questions about IQOS, read our FAQ page.

IQOS products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. This means that IQOS products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.