Smoking & Vaping Shelter Buyer’s Guide
Workplace habits have changed significantly over recent years. Where once outdoor smoking shelters were a straightforward requirement, organisations now need to accommodate a much more diverse range of habits, from traditional cigarette smoking to heated tobacco products and, increasingly, vaping.
This guide has been written to help facilities managers, procurement teams, architects, and specifiers understand what to look for when choosing an outdoor smoking or vaping shelter. We cover everything from UK legislation and ventilation requirements through to materials, sizing, and the accessories that help keep your site tidy and compliant.
If you already know what you need, you can browse Broxap’s full range of smoking and vaping shelters directly.
Contents
- Why Organisations Need Dedicated Smoking & Vaping Shelters
- UK Legislation: What You Need to Know
- Smoking vs. Vaping: Understanding the Key Differences for Shelter Specification
- Types of Smoking & Vaping Shelter
- Choosing the Right Materials
- Sizing and Capacity Planning
- Accessories That Make the Difference
- Installation Considerations
- Maintenance and Long-Term Performance
- Cost and Value Considerations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Ready to Specify Your Shelter?
Why Organisations Need Dedicated Smoking & Vaping Shelters
Providing a clearly designated outdoor space for smoking and vaping isn’t just about keeping staff comfortable during breaks. It reflects a broader duty of care, to employees, visitors, and the wider public, and plays a direct role in site management and environmental responsibility.
The key reasons organisations invest in a quality shelter include:
- Keeping smoking and vaping away from building entrances and occupied indoor spaces
- Reducing exposure to second-hand smoke or vapour for non-users
- Controlling cigarette butt litter and vaping waste across the site
- Demonstrating compliance with UK smoke-free legislation
- Creating a safe, well-managed employee break area
- Maintaining site presentation and professional appearance
Without a designated structure, smoking tends to migrate to doorways, car parks, and other ad hoc spots, creating both a compliance risk and a tidiness problem. A well-specified shelter brings all of that under control.
UK Legislation: What You Need to Know
The Health Act 2006 and Smoke-Free Regulations
Smoking in enclosed or substantially enclosed public places and workplaces has been prohibited in England and Wales since July 2007, under the Health Act 2006 and associated smoke-free regulations. Scotland and Northern Ireland have equivalent legislation.
For a shelter to be legally usable as a smoking area, it must not be substantially enclosed. The regulations define a space as substantially enclosed if it has a ceiling or roof and more than 50% of its walls are present. In practice, this means a compliant smoking shelter typically requires at least one side to be fully open, or multiple sides to be partially open.
Key rule: A shelter with four walls and a roof where more than half the wall area is enclosed cannot legally be used for smoking.
Are Employers Required to Provide a Shelter?
No. UK law does not require employers to provide a smoking shelter. However, if you do choose to provide one, it must comply with the ventilation requirements above. Many employers provide shelters as a matter of practical policy, to control where smoking takes place and to support employee wellbeing.
What About Vaping?
Vaping is not currently covered by the same smoke-free legislation, meaning there is no statutory requirement to provide an outdoor vaping area. However, many organisations choose to align their vaping and smoking policies, either by designating a shared outdoor space or by setting separate rules. With the Tobacco and Vapes Bill progressing through Parliament as of 2025, policy in this area is evolving, and it’s worth building flexibility into any shelter specification.
Broxap recommendation: Specify a shelter that works for both smoking and vaping from the outset. This future-proofs your investment as workplace policies continue to develop.
Signage Requirements
No Smoking signage must be displayed in all smoke-free premises and vehicles. For outdoor shelters, clear signage indicating the designated smoking or vaping area is considered best practice and supports site management. Broxap can advise on appropriate signage solutions to complement your shelter.
Smoke vs. Vapour
Cigarette smoke contains combustion byproducts and lingers in enclosed spaces, which is why ventilation requirements for smoking shelters are defined in law. Vapour from e-cigarettes dissipates more quickly and does not involve combustion, but it is not entirely without impact on air quality, particularly in enclosed or partially enclosed structures.
For practical purposes, specifying a well-ventilated structure that meets the smoke-free ventilation rules will also create a comfortable environment for vaping. There’s no need to specify separate structures.
Waste and Litter Considerations
Cigarette butts remain a significant litter challenge, they are the most commonly discarded item of waste globally. Vaping introduces a different waste stream: disposable vapes, pods, and cartridges. These are increasingly subject to environmental regulation in the UK, with the sale of single-use disposable vapes banned from June 2025.
A well-managed shelter area should cater for both waste types. Dedicated cigarette bins and vaping waste disposal solutions should be specified alongside the shelter itself.
User Habits and Capacity
Vaping tends to be quicker than smoking a cigarette, which may affect how you think about peak-time capacity. In sectors such as healthcare or education, where there may be a high volume of users at set break times, understanding the mix of smokers and vapers can help you size the shelter correctly.
Types of Smoking & Vaping Shelter
Broxap manufactures and supplies a wide range of canopy and shelter configurations to suit different sites, environments, and capacities. The main types are outlined below.
Freestanding Shelters
Freestanding smoking shelters are installed independently on a prepared hardstanding surface. They offer the most flexibility in terms of positioning and are well suited to open outdoor spaces where there is no convenient wall to fix to. They can be repositioned or relocated if site layouts change, making them a practical long-term investment.
Wall-Mounted Shelters
Where space is constrained, a wall-mounted shelter can be fixed directly to an existing building façade. This reduces the footprint significantly and can be more economical where groundworks are limited. Care is needed to ensure ventilation requirements are met, a shelter fixed flush against a building with walls on multiple sides may risk becoming substantially enclosed.
Canopy-Style and Open-Sided Shelters
Open-sided shelters with a simple lean-to or monopitch canopy provide weather protection overhead while remaining fully compliant with smoke-free legislation. These are popular in healthcare and education settings where a clean, minimal aesthetic is preferred and where compliance is non-negotiable.
Part-Enclosed Shelters with Screens
Part-enclosed designs incorporate side screens or glazed panels on some sides while leaving at least one side, or a significant portion of wall area, fully open. These structures offer better weather protection than an open canopy alone, particularly in exposed locations, without falling foul of the substantially enclosed definition.
Bespoke & Modular Designs
For sites with specific requirements (unusual dimensions, heritage settings, high-capacity demands, or brand alignment needs) a bespoke or modular shelter may be the right approach. Broxap’s design team can work with clients to specify structures that meet precise functional and aesthetic requirements, incorporating integrated seating, lighting, custom cladding, and branded signage.
Galvanised & Powder-Coated Steel
Steel is the most widely used structural material for commercial smoking shelters in the UK. Hot-dip galvanising provides a robust base layer of corrosion protection, and powder coating adds a durable, weather-resistant finish. Steel shelters are low maintenance, highly durable, and suited to most commercial and public sector environments.
Aluminium
Aluminium offers excellent corrosion resistance with a lighter weight than steel, making it easier to handle during installation. It is particularly well suited to coastal or high-humidity environments where salt air accelerates corrosion of other metals. Aluminium structures can also be anodised or powder coated to achieve a specific finish.
Timber
Timber shelters offer a warmer, more natural aesthetic that suits heritage settings, educational environments, hospitality venues, and rural locations. Pressure-treated or FSC-certified hardwood provides good longevity when properly maintained. Timber requires more regular inspection and treatment than steel or aluminium, so factor maintenance requirements into your long-term planning.
Polycarbonate Glazing
Polycarbonate is commonly used for roof panels and side screens on smoking shelters. It is lightweight, impact-resistant, and provides excellent weather protection while allowing natural light to penetrate. Tinted or opal polycarbonate shelter options are available where privacy or glare reduction is needed.
Toughened glass offers a more premium alternative where appearance is a priority, though it adds weight and cost.
Sizing and Capacity Planning
Getting the size of your shelter right is one of the most important decisions in the specification process. An undersized structure leads to overcrowding, compliance problems, and a poor user experience. Oversizing wastes budget and takes up more space than necessary.
How Many Users Should You Plan For?
Think in terms of peak-time users rather than total headcount. Consider:
- What percentage of your workforce or site users smoke or vape?
- When do break times occur, and how many users will want the shelter simultaneously?
- Are there shift changes, school breaks, or visiting groups that create surge demand?
As a general guide, allow a minimum of 0.9 to 1.0 metres of width per person when standing. For seated users, allow more. A shelter intended for five standing users at peak time should be at minimum around 1.8 metres deep and 2.5 to 3 metres wide.
Accessibility
Ensure your shelter is accessible to all users, including those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Consider level access from the main pedestrian route, adequate width for wheelchair manoeuvre, and the absence of trip hazards from fixings or ground anchors.
Distance from Buildings
While UK law does not specify a minimum required distance between a smoking shelter and a building, best practice, and the spirit of the smoke-free legislation, is to position the shelter away from entrances and windows. Many organisations adopt an internal policy distance of four to seven metres from building entrances. Check your site-specific requirements and any conditions attached to planning permissions.
Cigarette Bins & Vaping Waste Disposal
Cigarette bins are an essential companion to any smoking shelter. A well-placed, correctly sized cigarette bin reduces floor-level litter dramatically and reduces the fire risk associated with discarded butts. Broxap offers a range of wall-mounted and freestanding cigarette bins in powder-coated steel and stainless steel.
With the growth in vaping, disposable pod and cartridge waste is increasingly a challenge. Consider a bin with a dual aperture or a separate compartment for vaping waste, particularly in high-footfall environments.
- Wall-mounted cigarette bins: ideal where floor space is limited
- Post-mounted cigarette bins: freestanding option for open areas
- Combined litter and cigarette bins: convenient for mixed waste streams
Seating
Integrated benches or seats can transform a functional shelter into a genuine break area. This can have a positive effect on staff morale and may encourage users to remain within the designated area rather than wandering. Steel-framed or timber-slatted bench seating can be specified to match the shelter design.
Lighting
For shelters used during early morning or evening hours, common in healthcare, hospitality, and shift-working environments, integrated LED lighting improves safety and visibility. Solar-powered options are available where mains connection is not practical.
Signage
Clear, compliant signage is essential. At minimum, a No Smoking sign meeting the Health Act 2006 requirements should be prominently displayed. Additional signage directing users to the shelter, reminding users of vaping policies, or communicating waste disposal expectations can all support better management of the space.
Ground Preparation
Most freestanding shelters require a concrete base or suitable hardstanding. The specification for the base will depend on the shelter’s size, weight, and fixing method. Broxap can provide fixing details and base specifications as part of the supply package.
Planning Permission
Many standard-sized shelters fall within permitted development rights for commercial properties, but this depends on the site, shelter size, and local authority conditions. It is always worth checking with your local planning authority before proceeding, particularly for larger or bespoke structures or for sites in conservation areas.
Lead Times and Project Planning
Standard-range shelters are typically available within a few weeks. Bespoke or made-to-order designs will require a longer lead time, typically eight to twelve weeks from order confirmation, depending on design complexity. Build lead times into your project programme accordingly.
Broxap’s Installation Service
Broxap offers a nationwide installation service, handling everything from site survey and groundworks to final fixing and sign-off. Our project teams are experienced in delivering shelter installations across complex environments including live healthcare sites, schools, and large commercial premises.
Maintenance and Long-Term Performance
A quality steel shelter requires minimal maintenance when correctly specified and installed, but a basic routine will protect your investment and keep the area looking its best.
- Inspect fixings and structural elements annually for signs of corrosion or damage
- Clean powder-coated surfaces with a mild detergent — avoid abrasive cleaners
- Empty and service cigarette bins regularly, particularly in high-use periods
- Check and replace polycarbonate panels if cracked or significantly discoloured
- Repaint or touch up timber components as needed, typically every two to three years
Broxap shelters are designed for long-term performance in UK outdoor conditions. If you have a specific maintenance query about an installed product, contact our team at info@broxap.com
Cost and Value Considerations
The cost of a smoking or vaping shelter varies considerably depending on size, materials, specification, and whether the design is from the standard range or bespoke. As a rough guide:
- Entry-level open canopy shelters start from a few hundred pounds for a basic wall-mounted option
- Mid-range freestanding shelters with side screens typically range from around £1,000 to £5,000
- Larger capacity or bespoke structures can run significantly higher, depending on specification
When assessing cost, look beyond the initial purchase price. A higher-quality shelter, properly galvanised, powder coated, and detailed for drainage, will typically outlast cheaper alternatives by many years and require significantly less maintenance over its lifetime. The total cost of ownership is a more meaningful metric than initial price alone.
Broxap offers free quotes and can help you identify the most cost-effective solution for your site requirements. Contact our sales team on 01782 564411 or email info@broxap.com to discuss your project.
Do smoking shelters need planning permission?
Not always. Many shelters fall within permitted development rights, but this depends on the size, location, and specific local authority conditions. We recommend checking with your local planning authority before ordering, particularly for larger or bespoke structures.
How far should a smoking shelter be from a building?
UK law does not specify a minimum distance, but best practice is to position the shelter at least four to seven metres from building entrances and windows. Always check your internal policy and any planning conditions that may apply.
Can a smoking shelter have four walls?
A shelter with four full walls and a roof would be substantially enclosed under the Health Act 2006 and could not legally be used for smoking. A compliant shelter must have less than 50% of its wall area enclosed, in practice, at least one side must be fully open, or multiple sides must be partially open.
Can the same shelter be used for smoking and vaping?
Yes. A well-ventilated shelter that meets smoke-free compliance rules will also serve vapers comfortably. There is no need for separate structures, and a dual-purpose approach is increasingly best practice given evolving workplace vaping policies.
What type of bin should be used in a smoking shelter?
A purpose-made cigarette bin should always be provided. These are designed to safely contain and extinguish cigarette butts. For sites with significant vaping use, a bin with a separate vaping waste compartment or a combined unit is worth considering.
How do I work out what size shelter I need?
Base your sizing on the number of people likely to use the shelter at peak times, not total site headcount. Allow around 0.9 to 1.0 metres of width per standing user as a minimum. Factor in accessibility requirements and whether you wish to include seating.
Ready to Specify Your Shelter?
Broxap has over 75 years’ experience designing, manufacturing, and installing outdoor structures for commercial, public sector, and healthcare clients across the UK. Our smoking and vaping shelter range covers everything from compact wall-mounted canopies to large bespoke structures, with full design support and nationwide installation available.
Browse our full range of smoking and vaping shelters, or contact our sales team on 01782 564411 or email info@broxap.com to discuss your project.