When did vaping inside become so normalised?

Genuinely confused.

This weekend I've seen people vaping inside an overground train, inside an underground train, on an underground platform, in the pub, in the office toilets and inside a shop.

For the most part the people I've observed at least look like they know they shouldn't be doing it. A quick glance around, vape out of the top pocket, quick puff, and then back in.

But increasingly it seems like people assume they can do it anywhere. I've just spent an hour in the pub witnessing two groups of people of opposite sides of the room vape away as though there wasn't a smoking ban.

Interested to hear opinions from vapers, and opinions from anyone running a pub/bar/public space. Surely the smoking ban covers vaping?

EDIT - it looks like vaping inside public spaces where smoking is already banned is on the cards - https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2024/11/05/the-tobacco-and-vapes-bill-what-you-need-to-know/