Can You Use Heated Tobacco in Public*?

Heated Tobacco 12/12/2023

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 the devices are permissible regionally.

In the Philippines, as per Republic Act No. 11900, the use of heated tobacco products, vape, and other nicotine and non-nicotine products (except nicotine pouches) is prohibited in all indoor public places (such as but not limited to restaurants, malls, hospitals, churches, government establishments, etc.) except in Designated Vaping Areas (DVAs).

Please also ensure to check and comply with local regulations/local ordinances on use of heated tobacco products.

If heated tobacco is allowed in the area, the next factor is whether 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 and ensure to comply with establishment’s regulations.

Public transport - classified as a bus, train, or plane - is worth mentioning because heated tobacco is 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. Please ensure to comply with the airline’s/public transportation service’s regulations.

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

In the Philippines, as per Republic Act No. 11900, the use of heated tobacco products, vape, and other nicotine and non-nicotine products (except nicotine pouches) is prohibited in all indoor public places (such as but not limited to restaurants, malls, hospitals, churches, government establishments, etc.) except in Designated Vaping Areas (DVAs).

Please also ensure to check and comply with local regulations/local ordinances on use of heated tobacco products.

Heated Tobacco in Public - Outdoors

When it comes to using heated tobacco outdoors, the rules might be more lenient. Generally, if heated tobacco is permitted regionally, outdoor use is permissible - this includes a car park, the beach, the street, or a public plaza.

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.

In the Philippines, as per Republic Act No. 11900, the use of heated tobacco products, vape, and other nicotine and non-nicotine products (except nicotine pouches) is prohibited in all indoor public places (such as but not limited to restaurants, malls, hospitals, churches, government establishments, etc.) except in Designated Vaping Areas (DVAs).

Please also ensure to check and comply with local regulations/local ordinances on use of heated tobacco products.

Vaping in Public Places

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

In the Philippines, using heated tobacco products, vape, or other nicotine and non-nicotine products (except nicotine pouches) are prohibited in the following public places, such as but not limited to:

  • Schools, colleges, universities and other centers of youth activity and recreational facilities
  • Elevators, escalators, and stairwells
  • Fire hazard areas (gas stations, flammable storage areas, etc.)
  • Within the buildings and premises of public and private hospitals and clinics (dental, optical, medical), health centers, nursing homes, laboratories, etc.
  • Airport and ship terminals, train and bus stations, restaurants, within building and premises of government offices, except for places with Designated Vaping Areas (DVAs)
  • Food preparation areas
  • Churches and other similar places where people gather for worship

Read more: Is Vaping in Public Legal?

IQOS ILUMA Prime

IQOS Smoke-Free Products – A Better Alternative to Smoking

IQOS’ quality range of smoke-free alternatives are a better alternative to 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.

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.

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

Benefits of IQOS ILUMA

IQOS heats tobacco instead of burning it, so there's no cigarette smoke smell and no ash.

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, 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 SYSTEMTM. IQOS ILUMA device is crafted to be convenient and easy to use, it does not need cleaning. Find IQOS ILUMA on our online store. Coupled with the all-new TEREA tobacco sticks, browse the TEREA sticks.

Back to Updates

Important Information: This product is not risk free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

IQOS are only for adult smokers who otherwise wish to continue to use tobacco or nicotine containing products.

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. 

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