Can I vape at the cinema?

After a long week at work, there are few things better than unwinding with a good movie. With the stresses of the 9 to 5 behind you, you can get comfortable, munch on your popcorn, and lose yourself in two hours (or closer to three if it’s Oscar season) of entertainment.

But the pressing issue for many vapers when watching a film is: “Can I vape at the cinema, or am I better off enjoying a film at home if I want to vape while watching?”

There are two areas you could theoretically vape in at a cinema. Firstly, there’s the lobby; which is to say anywhere within the cinema’s premises that’s not one of the screens themselves. Secondly, there are the screens themselves.

In both cases, the rule is pretty strict: you are not allowed to vape at the cinema; at least not in the major multiplex chains.

Why is this the case? Cinemas are no different than any other public space (pubs, restaurants etc.) in that there’s a concern that vaping inside the building could cause upset among customers who do not vape.

This risk is increased in a cinema where vape clouds could cover the screen, inviting complaints from movie-goers. That’s obviously bad news not just for the theaters and cinemagoers, but also vapers.

Despite this, there’s no reason why vapers shouldn’t head to their local cinema to catch the latest result. For many, a trip to the cinema is just one part of a night out that also includes dinner at a restaurant or a visit to a favourite bar. Just work a vaping session into the overall plan for the night and not being able to vape at the movie theatre won’t matter.

Some of the smaller chains may allow vaping in certain areas, but it’s highly unlikely. If you’re not sure and want to vape in the cinema, check with someone at the cinema you’re visiting and they’ll be able to give a firm yes or no.

Find out more about vaping rules in our where can I vape blogs.