The following is a guest post by Carolyn. As always, opinions are those of the author
Where Can I Vape?
There are an estimated 2.6 million e-cigarette users or vapers in the United Kingdom with the majority of these being ex-smokers like myself. I personally smoked 40 plus cigarettes a day for 33 years and decided after a health scare that I had to give up. I had previously tried patches, inhalers, cold turkey etc to no avail. So with a bit of determination I managed to kick the filthy habit with the help of an e-cigarette, my health and fitness has improved no end and I do not feel so much of a burden on the Health service. However, it appears now that the practice of vaping is now being considered the same as smoking with declining places where it is permissible and acceptable to vape. We could argue the facts of secondary smoke verses secondary vape, but it appears this is an argument likely not to be successful.
In terms of where it is acceptable to vape it is wise to always ask if you are unsure and if it is acceptable to be respectful of those around you.
Transportation
The railway companies have decided to ban all e-cigarette use on their trains and stations with the only notable exception to this being South Eastern who still allow vaping on their stations and trains at the writing of this.
E-cigarette use is not allowed on any buses or coaches and you are likely to be asked to leave the vehicle if found to be vaping. All the major airlines allow you to carry your e-cigarette but will not allow their use on their planes, however, Ryanair allow you to use their own smokeless, nicotine free cigarettes on their planes provided you have purchased them from Ryanair themselves.
All the major airports do not allow e-cigarette use in their buildings , including Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, Manchester, Newcastle , Birmingham, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The only airport that have considered the needs of vapers is Heathrow who have a dedicated vaping area in terminal 4. It is worth noting that some of the airports do have smoking areas where it is permissible to use e-cigarettes but this does seem to defeat the object for us ex-smokers.
Eating and Drinking Out
This is an area that seems to have a few grey areas, some large companies have placed a blanket ban on vaping, such as KFC, Wetherspoons, Starbucks, All Bar One and Cafe Nero. However other venues can differ considerably, some will happily allow e-cigarette use in their venues and others treating it the same as smoking and provide areas for this. Independent restaurateurs and pubs are far more likely to have a more lenient policy on vaping. It is always better to ask to save any embarrassment or upset. Nightclubs appear to have a more lenient attitude on vaping with most of the clubs having no problems for their clientele to vape away to their hearts delight.
Hospitals
Hospitals in Scotland have a blanket ban on the use of e-cigarettes in any building or in any of their grounds. Hospitals in England and Wales do not have a similar ban but vaping inside buildings is not allowed, however, ecigarettescan be used in designated smoking areas in the grounds.
Cinemas and Theatres
In general vaping is not allowed in cinemas and theatres and the large multiplexes have policies in place that will result in your removal from the site if caught using e-cigarettes. Many theatres provide a smoking area that can also be used for vaping.
Museums and Galleries
There are no museums or galleries that allow the use of e-cigarettes on their premises.
Workplace
Each individual workplace will have their own policies on the use of ecigarettes, most large multi national companies have banned their use as have government departments and the Civil Service. However, there are some companies that take a different attitude and as they consider e-cigarettes differently to tobacco products. Always check to see if your workplace has a policy, if not ask as it could save a lot of problems in the long run. Generally the use of e-cigarettes and vaping is being likened to tobacco smoking despite all the published research stating it is safer than smoking tobacco and research about the effects of secondary vapour being scant. In my experience if you are respectful to those around you, vaping can be more acceptable by most than smoking. If in doubt whether you can vape or not the simple answer is to ask the question.
This guest post was written by Carolyn Clayton, on behalf of Electronic Cigarettes Co which offer quality genuine branded quality e-Cig Kits uk, e-liquid and accessories all with FREE UK same day shipping.
