Silverstone motor racing circuit, the original home to the British Grand Prix in 1948, and the permanent home since 1987, straddles the borders of Northamptonshire and Buckinghamshire, taking its name from the Northamptonshire village of Silverstone.
While this is a premier venue for motor racing fans who can expect a warm welcome, here we consider whether vaping enthusiasts can expect the same kind of experience should they wish to vape at Silverstone race track.
The effects of the smoking ban
Since England adopted new laws which banned smoking in enclosed public spaces on 1st July 2007 pubs, clubs, and (the inside space of) restaurants, bars and cafes, instantly became 100% no-smoking zones – although many made provision outside their premises to accommodate tobacco users. Since then plenty of other public spaces have followed suit, major football club grounds being the notable example in the sporting world.
E-cigs and the concept of vaping
Shortly after the UK’s smoking ban, e-cigarettes began to appear in mainstream culture, grasping the public’s attention and rapidly gaining fans. As vaping devices didn’t fall under the new smoking laws it was left to individual policy makers to decide how to regulate their use. In many cases this simply meant applying the same tobacco-related rules, and today that is still the way things are in the majority of cases.
Vaping at Silverstone race track
Silverstone’s official policy encompasses both traditional and vaping materials. Therefore, in line with the smoking legislation in place, e-cigs are not allowed to be used at all in enclosed spaces, and with care in open spaces.
This means that there is:
No vaping in any of the grandstands, paddocks, pit lane, any of the buildings and not in marquees if there are any up. Vaping is allowed behind the grandstands and also in the walking areas. People do choose to vape in open areas, however if there is a large crowd the event staff do ask that this is done away from large groups.
So, adult vapers who wish to visit Silverstone can generally vape at the race circuit in designated areas, subject to the venue's policies and any event-specific restrictions. We recommend checking the latest rules before attending to ensure you are aware of any vaping restrictions and designated vaping zones.
As disposable vapes are now banned in the UK and are no longer legally available for sale, adult consumers attending events may wish to consider rechargeable vape devices or pod-based alternatives.
For more information about the legislation and the alternatives available, read our guide on the disposable vape ban in the UK.
Read our guide to learn more about outdoor and indoor vaping rules in public places, as well as general vaping etiquette.
