Can You Use Heated Tobacco in Public?

Rest assured, on private property, so long as heated tobacco is legal in the region, it is not prohibited to use a heated tobacco device. However, this is not necessarily the case for using heated tobacco in public. That is because rules vary, depending first on whether or not the devices are permissible regionally.

If heated tobacco is allowed in the area, the next factor is whether or not the specific venue, institution, or owner 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. Simply check with the venue beforehand if things are unclear.

Public transport - classified as a bus, train or plane - is worth mentioning because heated tobacco is nearly always prohibited on these forms of public transportation. As a matter of fact, the use of a tobacco heating device on a plane - even in the bathroom - could set off the fire alarm which, in the worst case, could force an emergency landing. We advise avoiding the use of tobacco heating devices on public transport altogether to prevent any problems.

Heated tobacco is a relatively new product. While heated tobacco usually presents a potentially better alternative to smoking, they are often prohibited in indoor public places. Learn more about risk reduction with our article on Heated Tobacco vs Cigarettes.

Heated Tobacco in Public - Outdoors

When it comes to using heated tobacco outdoors, the rules might be more lenient. More often than not, if heated tobacco is permitted regionally, outdoor use is permissible - this includes a car park, the beach, the street, or a public square. Some countries have a list of public places where both smoking and heated tobacco use are prohibited. Do check beforehand if you are unfamiliar with the rules. It is worth reiterating that rules vary by region, so if you remain uncertain, it is best to avoid using the device till a more suitable time. This is also true for indoor public places - avoid using the heated tobacco device if there is uncertainty. This advice applies to other smoke-free devices, such as vapes, too.

Vaping in Public Places

The same rules apply for vaping in public, too. As with heated tobacco, we recommend always checking the rules before using a vape device.

IQOS Smoke-Free Products – A Better Alternative to Smoking

IQOS’ quality range of smoke-free alternatives are a better choice for continued smoking, and this includes reliable heated tobacco devices. It is worth noting that IQOS heated tobacco is not risk-free and still contains addictive nicotine. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether.

Utilizing the very latest in smoke-free technology, IQOS heated tobacco uses heat not burn technology to warm tobacco instead of burning it. Not only does this mean that switching completely to IQOS is a better choice for your health than smoking*, it also means that IQOS produces less smell than cigarettes. If a hassle-free device is a priority then IQOS is worth considering. That is because IQOS produces less smell than cigarettes, it is less likely to bother people around you**. IQOS are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

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

** 85% agreement amongst 674 adult consumers in Japan and Italy, 2020 – 2021.

Innovative Smoke-Free Alternatives

The innovative and modern smoke-free devices in the IQOS heated tobacco range are less likely to bother people around you, and they offer convenience and quality to the user. IQOS provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction. It is worth bearing in mind that IQOS devices are not risk-free, they contain nicotine, which is addictive. Find IQOS heated tobacco devices in our online store. For those with more questions about IQOS, read our FAQ page where we answer the most popular questions.

IQOS ILUMA is the culmination of years of research and development, with an innovative SMARTCORE INDUCTION SYSTEM. Coupled with the all-new tobacco sticks designed specially for ILUMA devices, many consumers agree that IQOS ILUMA provides better taste than previous IQOS generations*. For example, the device is crafted to be convenient and easy to use, IQOS ILUMA does not need cleaning. Find IQOS ILUMA in our online store.

*63% agreement amongst 714 adult consumers in Japan and Italy (2020 – 2021)

When it comes to using heated tobacco in public, or any other smoke-free alternative for that matter, always be mindful of the rules. We recommend checking local guidance beforehand - if you remain unsure after your query, it is best to be cautious and save the heated tobacco experience for an unrestricted, non-public environment.

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.