Cheap Prison Calls:
Can You Smoke In Prison?

Smoking in prison used to be a common sight, with prisoners often lighting up in their cells or during recreational time. However, significant changes in UK prison regulations have shifted how smoking is treated behind bars. Tobacco use has been gradually phased out of prisons due to health and safety concerns, with smoking bans now in effect across most UK prisons.

This article will explore the reasons why smoking has been banned in UK prisons, the alternatives available to prisoners, and how these regulations are enforced. We’ll also delve into the impact of the smoking ban on the prison environment and on prisoners’ well-being.

Smoking in UK prisons

For decades, smoking was a widely accepted part of prison culture in the UK. Prisoners were allowed to smoke in their cells and even during recreational time. Cigarettes were often traded as currency within prison walls, and for many inmates, smoking was one of the few remaining freedoms they had in an otherwise restricted environment. However, growing awareness of the health risks associated with smoking—both to the smoker and to those around them—led to calls for reform.

The first steps toward banning smoking in UK prisons began in 2007, when smoking in enclosed public spaces, including workplaces, was banned across the UK. However, this law did not initially apply to prison cells, as they were considered private living quarters. Over time, pressure mounted to extend the smoking ban to prisons due to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke on non-smoking prisoners and prison staff.

Why has smoking been banned in UK prisons?

The smoking ban in UK prisons is part of a broader effort to improve the health and safety of both prisoners and prison staff. Studies have shown that smoking-related diseases are prevalent among prisoners, who often come from marginalized communities with higher rates of smoking. Secondhand smoke exposure was also a significant concern for non-smoking inmates and staff who were forced to inhale smoke in confined spaces.

Health campaigns and legal actions played a role in pushing for a smoking ban in prisons. In 2015, non-smoking inmates at HMP Wymott, a prison in Lancashire, took legal action against the Ministry of Justice, claiming that their health was being harmed by secondhand smoke. This case helped to accelerate the push for smoke-free prisons.

The ban was implemented in phases, starting with high-security prisons and then expanding to the entire prison estate. By 2018, all UK prisons had officially banned smoking indoors. As of today, smoking tobacco is not permitted in any UK prison, and the enforcement of this rule is taken seriously.

What are the alternatives?

While the smoking ban has significantly reduced tobacco use in prisons, the UK prison system has introduced several alternatives to help prisoners cope with nicotine addiction. These alternatives include nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and e-cigarettes, which provide inmates with a way to manage cravings without violating the smoking ban.

Vaping
While smoking tobacco has been banned, e-cigarettes (vaping) are allowed in some prisons as an alternative to traditional smoking. E-cigarettes work by heating a liquid that contains nicotine, which the user inhales in vapor form. Vaping is seen as a less harmful alternative to smoking, as it does not produce harmful secondhand smoke. However, the use of e-cigarettes is subject to strict rules, and they are only allowed in certain areas within the prison.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)
NRT products, such as nicotine patches, gum, and lozenges, are widely available to prisoners who want to quit smoking or reduce their dependence on nicotine. These products help to ease withdrawal symptoms by delivering a controlled amount of nicotine without the harmful chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Many prisons run smoking cessation programs that provide inmates with access to NRT, counseling, and support to help them quit smoking for good.

Smoking Cessation Programs
‍Many prisons have introduced smoking cessation programs to help inmates quit smoking. These programs offer a combination of NRT, counseling, and peer support to help prisoners manage nicotine withdrawal and build healthier habits. The programs are designed to educate prisoners about the dangers of smoking and provide them with the tools they need to quit successfully.

Smoking bans in prison

The enforcement of the smoking ban in UK prisons is strict, and prisoners caught smoking face disciplinary action. This can include loss of privileges, such as association time or access to the gym, as well as fines or other penalties. Prison staff are trained to enforce the ban and regularly monitor cells and recreational areas for signs of smoking.

To ensure compliance, prisons conduct regular checks for contraband tobacco and smoking paraphernalia. Despite these efforts, some prisoners continue to smoke in secret, often using homemade cigarettes or smuggled tobacco. However, the risks associated with getting caught, combined with the availability of NRT and e-cigarettes, have led to a significant reduction in smoking within UK prisons.

The smoking ban has had a significant impact on the daily lives of prisoners. For some inmates, particularly long-term smokers, the ban has been difficult to adjust to. Many prisoners who relied on cigarettes as a way to cope with stress, boredom, or anxiety have had to find alternative ways to manage their emotions.

However, the ban has also had positive effects. The prison environment is now healthier for both prisoners and staff, with significantly reduced exposure to secondhand smoke. Non-smokers, who previously had little choice but to inhale secondhand smoke in shared spaces, now enjoy cleaner air and a healthier living environment. The ban has also contributed to a decline in smoking rates among prisoners, with many inmates taking the opportunity to quit smoking entirely.

For prisoners who are released back into the community, quitting smoking while in prison can have long-term benefits. Former smokers are less likely to suffer from smoking-related illnesses and are better equipped to reintegrate into society with healthier habits.

For many prisoners, smoking was more than just a habit—it was a coping mechanism. The prison environment can be highly stressful, and cigarettes were often used as a way to manage anxiety, frustration, and boredom. With the smoking ban in place, prisoners have had to find new ways to cope with the challenges of prison life.

Exercise is one alternative that many prisoners have embraced. Physical activity is a healthy way to relieve stress and improve mental well-being, and many prisons offer access to gyms and fitness programs. Some inmates also take up hobbies like reading, drawing, or writing to pass the time and manage their emotions.

Support networks, including peer counseling and mental health services, have also become more important in helping prisoners cope with the challenges of incarceration. These services provide inmates with emotional support and guidance, helping them develop healthier coping strategies.

The smoking ban in UK prisons represents a significant shift in how prisons manage the health and well-being of inmates. While the ban has posed challenges for some prisoners, particularly long-term smokers, it has also created a healthier and safer environment for everyone in the prison system. With the availability of nicotine replacement therapy, e-cigarettes, and smoking cessation programs, prisoners have access to alternatives that help them manage nicotine cravings and improve their overall health.

The ban has also encouraged prisoners to explore new coping mechanisms, such as exercise and hobbies, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining connections with loved ones through services like Prison Call. Ultimately, the smoking ban is part of a broader effort to improve the quality of life in UK prisons and support prisoners in their journey toward rehabilitation.