Vaping at Your Favourite Pub: The Do’s and Don’ts

Vaping is a new phenomenon for most of the world, including pubs and other public service businesses. Like most other businesses and entities within the public sphere, pubs are still figuring out how to negotiate the vaping scene. Do they treat it the same as smoking? Or do they recognize that it has a far better health profile, is more environmentally friendly and does not have a negative impact on the health of others, as cigarette smoke does with second-hand smoke?

The extent to which pubs and clubs have embraced vaping culture will usually depend on whether the management is aware of vaping, and whether they perceive a demand from clientele to
support vaping in their businesses.

These do’s and don’ts will help you negotiate the vaping scene within the context of your favourite drinking establishment.

Do: Find Out What the Rules Are

The first and most important step to vaping in your favourite pub is to find out what their rules are regarding vaping both indoors and out. Some people say it is better to ask for forgiveness than permission. They merely vape discreetly and apologize afterward if they are “caught” and asked to stop. However, this can lead to an uncomfortable confrontation or

potentially to being asked to leave. Your relationship with the pub could turn negative, which obviously no one wants.

To avoid any conflict, it makes sense to ask what the rules are. Your bartender, the manager or proprietor may not be informed about vaping and how it differs from smoking, which gives you the opportunity to share some education as well. This could potentially lead to vaping being permitted inside your preferred establishment or having the rules relaxed to
allow vaping in different areas.

Do: Offer to Share

Sharing is caring, and if you intend to vape in a public social space, make sure you are prepared to share your stuff with others. This may mean sharing your hardware — though inadvisable

with total strangers — or sharing e-liquid flavours with other people who vape and are interested in what you are blowing.

As a plus, vaping is by nature an activity that is conducive to socializing. It can distract from social awkwardness, act as a talking point with people you have just met and enhance
the vibe of your favourite drinking establishment. Sharing your favourite flavour with fellow pubgoers is a great way to make new pals on a night out.

Do: Develop Rapport with Your Bartender

Perhaps the most important step towards being able to vape with ease inside your favourite pub is to develop a solid relationship with the bartender.This includes basic courtesies like waiting your turn, being patient while you wait for drinks, always paying your tab at the end of the night, not ordering drinks that are unnecessarily complicated or inappropriate for the location (mojitos, we are looking at you) and always saying thank you. It also includes tipping well and consistently, preferably in cash.

By making sure you have a good rapport with the people who are the eyes and ears of the establishment, you will have the highest possible chance of getting your request to vape granted. Pubs never want to risk losing an excellent customer, so your requests will be more strongly considered.

Do: Pay Attention to the People Around You Situational awareness is a lost art in this day and age. People are often oblivious to others around them and the impact they may be having on their experience. This goes double for the pub setting, where the senses tend to soften. It is essential to pay attention to your fellow pubgoers as you vape — especially their reactions as you are vaping. Do they seem upset? Interested? Confused? Do they get up and leave their tables?

If people are unhappy that you are vaping, it is a sign to move elsewhere or stop altogether. After all, pubs live and die by their customers, nd chasing away paying customers is a sure-fire way to be asked to leave yourself. However, many people may believe you are smoking if they see you from afar and get upset for that reason. This is an awesome opportunity for sharing the
vape love and educating them about the differences.

Do: Support Pubs that Support Vaping

Supporting pubs that support vaping is a great way to promote the community. If your current preferred establishment is so strict they refuse to allow vaping indoors, outdoors or anywhere on the premises, it may be a sign that it is a good time to find a new favourite locale that is a little more open-minded. After all, nothing goes as well with a pint as a puff of the best eLiquid on the market.

Not only do many pubs in the UK and across Europe allow vaping in either an indoor setting or outdoors on a terrace, but many of them have moved specifically towards advertising themselves to the vaping community.

This often includes selling vape hardware and eLiquid to interested vapers, as well as having vape-friendly areas inside and outside with comfortable furniture.

Don’t: Break the Rules

This should be obvious, but it is rude and probably inappropriate to vape when you are explicitly asked not to, or when there are signs posted that prohibit vaping. Being respectful of the rules helps to spread a positive image of vaping and promote the vaping community. By following the rules and requests of your bartender, you make sure the bartender and fellow pub-goers know vaping is something they might enjoy. No matter which pub is your primary watering hole, following these tips will ensure you can vape comfortably and happily while also enjoying

a pint or two.