Breaking Down Where You Can Vape In Restaurants, Cafes, Airports, Stadiums & In Public
What are the vaping rules and etiquette in the UK?
Smoking is being stubbed out in places around the world. Cigarettes have not been a fashion accessory since the supermodels and rockstars of the 1990s had them nonchalantly hanging on their lips.
Smoking came out of vogue primarily as it is seriously harmful to your health, but it also smells bad, damages your looks and is costly – all turnoffs in today’s society. Any smokers left within your social circles are most likely to be trying hard to quit the habit.
However, the calming effects of smoking can be addictive, especially for those who are battling depression or anxiety. Smoking helps sufferers to relax and cope with stress. Going cold turkey simply isn’t an option for many who are struggling with mental health problems.
Last year the NHS began encouraging smokers to swap from smoking to vaping as a way of giving up as vaping doesn’t contain tobacco. Vaping is without a doubt a much safer option – the latest studies have shown that a cancer risk from vaping of about 1% of that from smoking.
With the NHS promoting vaping as a safe way of giving up, some don’t think too much about where and when they can vape. After all, vaping doesn’t inflict harmful secondary smoke on others, so surely you can vape anywhere?
However, as vaping is still relatively new the rules on where you can vape are pretty hazy.
So what are the rules and vaping etiquette for vaping in the UK?
Vaping At Festivals
It is likely that you will be allowed to vape at festivals as vaping is soaring in popularity, but it is important that you check the festival rules and if there are designated areas that you vape in them and nowhere else.
‘Cloud chasing’ is when vapers use atomisers capable of firing at under 1 Ohm of resistance or ‘Sub Ohm’ vaping to produce large vape clouds that compete with the smoke machine at Eurovision. Large vape clouds are the number one complaint against vapers so make sure you move away from the crowds before you vape as you don’t want to ruin any Instagram pics or others enjoyment of the music.
Vaping In Clubs
Vaping is popular on the club scene with DJs finding that they can vape while they DJ as e-cigarettes free up their hands to mix.
However, large music venues often have a ban on vaping. Smaller music venues will likely be more relaxed, but check with a club member of staff before you vape inside.
If vaping is allowed inside, don’t vape in a crowded area.
Vaping In Enclosed Public Spaces
There are three large public areas that may have vaping rules in place – businesses, transport and stadiums.
• Transport
All UK airlines and airports have a ban on vaping, although you can take your vaping kit with you on most planes. Manchester airport for example bans vaping from anywhere inside the terminal building, but Heathrow terminal 4 has a special vaping area.
You can’t use your e-cigarette on the plane, but you can pack it in your hand luggage. However, you can’t charge your e-cigarette on the plane and you are not allowed to take more than two individually protected spare batteries.
You can’t pack your vaping kit into your checked luggage in the hold due to the restrictions on lithium batteries.
Most train and bus companies ban vaping entirely, including the London Underground. Most journeys are not so long as to make this difficult – just take a vape break at the end of the journey away from a crowded area.
• Stadiums
Vaping is forbidden inside all of the UK stadiums and you can’t vape and then re-enter if you are there to see a concert or watch sports. The punishment is often cited as being thrown out, so make sure you adhere to the rules of the venue.
All premier league stadiums have a ban – Manchester United and Manchester City will eject you immediately if you break the rule.
• Businesses
Restaurants and cafes generally treat vaping like they would do smoking, simply because the vaping smoke can irritate people when eating, rather than for the serious health reasons behind excluding smokers.
Offices will usually ask people to vape outside in a designated area. Old-fashioned and traditional business locations such as banks are going to be stricter than forward-thinking, trendy digital agencies, but every business will have specific policies.
People are especially irritated by vapers in the following locations, so avoid vaping in these locations:
• Waiting rooms
• Food area
• Queues
• Lifts
Choose Your Flavour Considerately When Vaping In Public
Vaping smells differ with their flavour and people prefer different smells. It is considerate to choose lighter smells when in public areas – such as a mint variety.
Strong smells can interfere with people eating, they won’t be able to taste the full favour of the food they are eating if their senses are bombarded with a strong smell (particularly the food related vaping flavours!)
Practice Stealth Vaping
Stealth vaping is the art of vaping subtly. You can do this by:
• Inhaling and holding before exhaling
• Exhaling through your nose instead of your mouth
• Scaling down the vapour production
• Increasing the PG to VG ratio in e-juice to make smaller cloudsour cities generally welcome vapers,
Cities in England generally welcome vapers but different countries have different laws. Some countries have very tight restrictions; some have even completely banned vaping. Make sure you research before you travel, or you could end up in prison – simply for vaping.
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