Being accused of smoking in a hotel room could lead to a fine or being asked to leave, even if you did not break the rules. Markus Lindblad, head of legal and external affairs at Northerner, explains the precise rules during hotel stays, the specific charges guests might face, and the steps to take if they believe a fine is unfair.
Can I be asked to leave if caught smoking?
Yes, if you are caught smoking in a non-smoking hotel room, you could be asked to leave if you have breached the hotel's terms and conditions. No smoking policies form part of the agreement guests accept when booking, and breaching these terms could result in your stay being terminated.
How much can you be fined?
Guests caught smoking can be charged between £100 and £300, although some hotels may impose even higher fees depending on their individual policies. Alongside the standard penalty, hotels may also charge for specialist cleaning if the smell of cigarette smoke has lingered on bed sheets, curtains and carpets.
Can you dispute a fine?
If a hotel attempts to fine you for smoking, start by checking the terms and conditions you agreed to when making your booking. The hotel must be able to explain the basis for the fine, what it is intended to cover and how the amount has been calculated. If you believe the amount is unreasonable, you can raise this and ask for evidence of the relevant policy.
Are vaping and smoking treated differently?
Although UK smoke-free laws do not automatically prohibit the use of e-cigarettes indoors, hotels are free to set their own policies. Many now treat vaping in guest rooms in the same way as smoking and may also apply fines.
What should you do before smoking in a hotel?
Holidaymakers should always check the hotel's smoking and vaping policy beforehand. If the policy is unclear, guests should contact the hotel directly rather than assume smoking or vaping is permitted.
