Jessica Tyson
27/11/2024 • 6 min read
The prison system in the UK has undergone some big changes in recent years, particularly with the implementation of smoking bans. For those wondering whether you can smoke or vape behind bars, here’s the lowdown.
Smoke-free policies have become a cornerstone in various settings, including prisons, to mitigate the risks associated with secondhand smoke exposure. These policies are designed to safeguard the well-being of both prisoners and prison staff.
The dangers of smoking are amplified in a prison's confined area, making smoke-free policies particularly crucial. By eliminating smoking, these policies aim to create a cleaner atmosphere, reducing the incidence of smoking-related illnesses and promoting fresh air and a more conscious community.
The effort towards better prisons in the UK has been relatively recent but impactful. While the smoking ban in public places was introduced back in 2006, prisons were initially left out of this mandate. It wasn’t until 2018 that the Scottish Prison Service took a bold step, announcing that all Scottish prisons would become smoke-free. The move marked a significant shift in public health policy within the prison system, aligning it with wider societal health goals.
Back in 2017, closed prisons in England and Wales introduced a complete ban on smoking, kicking tobacco out of all prison premises. This was a major shift aimed at creating a smoke-free space for everyone. While Scotland followed suit shortly after, there are still misconceptions about whether traditional smoking is allowed in certain parts of the UK. Spoiler alert: It’s not.
To make the transition to a smoke-free environment smoother, vaping stepped in as a potential game-changer. By 2018, electronic cigarettes became an approved option in prisons across the UK, including Scotland. This was a smart move, providing inmates with a less harmful alternative while helping them manage their nicotine cravings. Talk about innovation in unexpected places!
Vaping in prison isn’t the same as grabbing any device off the shelves. Inmates can buy approved vaping devices and e-liquids from the prison canteen services using their own funds. These products are sourced by an approved national supplier responsible for ensuring they meet the needs and preferences of the inmate population.
These products are carefully selected to ensure they comply with safety and security standards. It’s a win-win: inmates get access to nicotine alternatives, and the prison maintains control over what’s allowed inside.
Switching from smoking to vaping hasn’t just helped inmates—it’s also benefited staff by drastically reducing second-hand smoke exposure. Research from the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit highlights the positive impact of smoking bans in prisons, reinforcing the benefits of such measures.
But let’s not ignore the challenges. There have been concerns about tampering with vaping devices for unauthorised uses. Still, efforts are being made to manage these issues without rolling back the progress achieved in creating smoke-free prisons.
Prison isn’t just about serving time — it’s also about rehabilitation. To help inmates quit smoking entirely, many prisons offer additional support like nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) and counselling. These programmes aim to provide a stepping stone towards quitting nicotine for good, empowering inmates to leave their smoking days behind.
While vaping is allowed, it’s not a free-for-all. Strict rules govern where and how inmates can use their devices. Failure to comply can result in disciplinary actions, including the loss of privileges. So, following the rules isn’t just encouraged — it’s essential if inmates want to keep their vapes.
Here’s an unexpected twist: the rise in vaping has led to an increase in fire-related incidents in prisons. Misuse of devices is often to blame. To tackle this, some prisons are exploring ignition-free e-cigarettes, which could help minimise risks while keeping vaping accessible. It’s all about striking the right balance.
Smoking or vaping in prison can lead to serious repercussions for inmates and prison staff. The enclosed area of a prison exacerbates the health risks associated with smoking, including heightened passive smoking. This not only endangers the health of inmates but also that of the staff working within these facilities.
Additionally, engaging in smoking or vaping can result in disciplinary actions such as fines or the loss of privileges. The use of e-cigarettes or vapes also poses unique challenges, as these devices can be manipulated to smuggle contraband or facilitate other illicit activities, complicating prison security measures.
Prisoner opinions on the smoking ban are as diverse as the prison population itself. Some inmates welcome the ban, appreciating the benefits and the reduction in second-hand smoke exposure. On the flip side, others view the ban as an infringement on their personal freedoms, leading to increased anxiety and stress for some.
These mixed reactions underscore the importance of providing effective smoking cessation support and alternative coping mechanisms within the prison system. By offering resources like nicotine replacement therapy and counselling, prisons can help inmates switch to a smoke-free environment more smoothly, ultimately supporting their journey towards quitting smoking for good.
The UK government continues to refine its approach to smoking and vaping in prisons. Policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they promote health and safety without compromising security. With vaping proving to be a useful harm-reduction tool, it’s likely we’ll see even more innovations aimed at making prison air cleaner and safer.
From banning smoking to introducing vaping, UK prisons have come a long way. In Scottish prisons, the implementation of public health policies highlights a commitment to creating a smoke-free environment while offering inmates alternatives to traditional cigarettes. Whether it’s through vaping, counselling, or NRT, the goal is clear: to support harm reduction and encourage positive change.
Smoking in prisons has a deep cultural significance, making the transition challenging. Additionally, prisoners' spending on vapes and e-cigarettes has significantly increased, with over £7 million spent annually as inmates cope with boredom and stress.
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