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Can I vape at the cinema?
Most people are aware of (and resigned to) the way using any kind of vape device is so often treated the same way as regular cigarettes – which is basically banned from most enclosed public spaces such as shopping centres, airports, restaurants and bars, as well as some company workplaces and most forms of public transport.
Keep in mind though that the rules imposed on the use of e-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not, (unlike regular tobacco products), based on the law; instead vaping policies are generated and enforced by the individual business owner, or the management of corporations responsible for chain companies.
This means that when it comes to using electronic cigarettes nothing can be taken for granted, so the question asked here is: can you actually vape in a cinema? After all, considering that with the pre-film ads and trailers to sit through you can easily be rooted to the spot for 2-3 hours minimum on every visit there are plenty of vapers who would enjoy the chance to use their device, either discreetly or openly.
The blanket ban
Unsurprisingly, according to the big names in the UK cinema scene, (Odeon, Showcase, Vue, etc) the official company policy on this subject states that vaping is a definite no go, whether or not there are signs to that effect displayed, or that such a policy actually even exists in writing anywhere. In practice, however, there may be a more flexible approach in place, especially in smaller, private or independent cinemas, where it’s definitely worth asking management for permission.
Why is vaping at the cinema even a problem?
In general it’s good business practice to listen and respond to what your customers have to say. As previous big chain customers have complained about things such as the vapour from the e-cig spoiling their view of the screen, being bothered by the scent of the e-juice, or expressing concern that it seemed like a regular cigarette was being smoked it s easier to ban the use of all vaping devices completely.
In a sentence: you are unlikely to find a cinema boasting an official ‘vaping welcome here’ policy, but there may be some vaping – friendly spaces at smaller, independent cinemas.
If you’re interested, find out more about the Vype devices here.
Most adult nicotine consumers understand that vaping is often treated the same as smoking when it comes to use in enclosed public spaces in the UK.
While no UK law bans vaping indoors, most venue owners have rules about vaping in the areas they have jurisdiction over. That includes public transport, airports, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, and cinemas, many of which have strict vaping policies.
Is it illegal to vape in the cinema?
The rules around using e-cigarettes and other vaping devices are not written into the UK law (unlike cigarettes and other tobacco products). Instead, vaping policies are outlined and enforced by individual business or venue owners or the management of corporations responsible for chain companies.
When it comes to using electronic cigarettes, nothing can be taken for granted. With adverts and trailers before the film starts, you can easily be sat in the cinema for up to three hours and, if you smoke or vape regularly, you may ask yourself whether you can vape during this time
The UK ban on vaping in cinemas
Big names in the UK cinema scene (Odeon, Showcase, Vue, etc.) have official company policies on vaping. Using vape devices is not allowed anywhere in the cinema building, including screens, toilets and the lobby. That means you can’t vape at the cinema, whether or not signs are displayed or such a policy exists in writing.
There may be a more flexible approach, especially in smaller, private or independent cinemas, where it’s worth asking management for permission – some private establishments may be more flexible.
Why is vaping at the cinema a problem?
Listening and responding to what your customers say is good practice as a business owner. Cinema-goers once complained about vapour from e-cigarettes obstructing their view of the screen and the smell of e-liquid flavours. Banning vapes is more straightforward for cinema owners than dealing with such complaints.
Learn more about where you can vape in the UK in our complete guide. Find the answers to your common vaping questions to put your mind at ease before exploring Vuse vape kits online.
