A guide to vaping etiquette

There are now more than 3 million people who vape in the UK. While vaping can be an alternative to cigarette smoking, the rules about when and where it’s OK to vape are not always clear.

Vuse commissioned research to find out what people think is and is not socially acceptable when vaping in public, so adult nicotine consumers can activate Vuse vapes with a proper understanding of good vaping etiquette.

THE PROPER WAY TO VAPE IN PUBLIC

There’s a lot of confusion around vaping. Almost 6 out of 10 (58%) of vapers told us they’re unsure about the social etiquette around vaping. A few more (61%) agreed with the statement: ‘Vaping in public is a social minefield’.

Those wanting to understand the most considerate way to vape in public will be pleased to learn that 5 years after their first guide to vaping etiquette, Debrett’s (the unrivalled guide to protocol and modern manners) has once again teamed up with Vuse to update their advice on the correct, socially acceptable ways to vape in public. 

Read on for 7 helpful tips for considerate vaping etiquette.

PEOPLE WHO VAPE WANT TO DO THE RIGHT THING

We were pleased to see our research findings show that most vapers want to do the right thing and vape respectfully in public. 

We asked what people do (or would do) in a situation or place where it’s unclear whether they’re allowed to vape. Almost 4 out of 10 (38%) say they would ask if they can vape, while a slightly larger group (40%) would assume they could not and so would not. Only 16% say they would vape unless someone told them it was prohibited.

It is also worth remembering that 3/4 of all respondents (including people who don’t vape) said they thought that in a public setting, someone wanting to vape should ask those around them if they mind. They thought permission should be requested in at least some situations (35%) or always (40%). 

This demonstrates the good sense and manners in the first of Debrett’s tips for vapers: if in doubt, ask.

7 TOP TIPS FOR VAPING ETIQUETTE

1.     If in doubt, ask

2.     Respect personal space

3.     Know your audience

4.     Defer to your hosts

5.     Remember, food and vaping don’t mix

6.     Work-based vaping looks vapid

7.     Respect other views

There are no legal restrictions on vaping in public in the UK. However, individual businesses, transport authorities and hospitality venues may have policies. So it’s essential to be conscious and considerate and ask if vaping is acceptable in a pub, restaurant, hotel, office, cinema, taxi or public transport. 

If you are told vaping is prohibited, take this news gracefully and comply without complaining. If you make polite enquiries, people will appreciate your good manners and consideration.

In general, it is better not to vape in confined spaces to avoid blowing clouds of vapour into other people’s faces. It’s best to avoid vaping in small spaces like lifts or public loos. Using a vaping device in hospitals or healthcare settings is also not advisable; you want to respect other people's personal space.

When someone offers you hospitality (whether an invitation to their home or a ride in their car), you must observe the simple rules of guest etiquette. Always ask permission to vape first, and be a considerate vaper. Open a window to air the room or car, and don’t leave vape devices lying around. If your hosts ask you to refrain from vaping, comply accordingly – it’s their space and, therefore, their prerogative.

Avoid vaping while eating or drinking, cooking or watching somebody else cook; for some people, the smells are a significant part of the pleasure of food preparation. For that same reason, it can be anti-social to vape immediately after a meal, either at home or in a restaurant, when everybody is still savouring the tastes and smells of their food.

Refrain from vaping in professional situations unless your employer has given permission. For example, during a job interview or difficult business meeting, it’s good advice to eliminate anything distracting from the conversation. Vaping may make you look distracted, and colleagues and bosses might assume you are not focused on the task, whether in-person or online.

Recently we’ve all become much more aware of physical proximity. Some people feel comfortable being near others, while others are more protective of their personal space and may be unhappy with people vaping around them. You may disagree with this attitude, but being receptive to others’ preferences and willing to accommodate them is essential.

Enjoy vaping – but be considerate

Of all the considerate tips above, the most important are: ‘Recognise when vaping is out of place’ and ‘Respect other views’. 

8 out of 10 people who vape (79%) agree with the statement ‘I am considerate of others when vaping’. We hope that is the case, but almost 3/4 (74%) of people who vape also admit that they sometimes start vaping without considering whether people around them will mind. They include 50% of vapers who occasionally vape without thinking about other people’s preferences but say they do so unintentionally (thoughtlessness is rudeness). 24% say vaping without thinking about other peoples’ feelings is not something they see as a problem.

This is a concern because although 55% of all the respondents in our survey say they don’t mind when someone vapes near them in public, 60% say vaping in public is inconsiderate because they do not like the smell. You may enjoy your chosen flavour, but not everyone will feel the same way.

We can take comfort from the fact that most people we surveyed (55%) say they think most people who vape are considerate of others. But it would be a good idea for people who vape to consult the tips that Debrett’s has provided to ensure they are doing the right thing. By doing so, we can prove that vapers are considerate people who understand the importance of good manners.

Visit our FAQs page for the answers to your common vaping questions, or explore our guide to vaping on planes and airports and our indoor vaping guide for more helpful advice.