Vaping Etiquette

Top vaping etiquette tips revealed by experts to respect those around you

If you get told vaping is not allowed, “take this news with good grace” because “people will appreciate your good manners and consideration.”

Etiquette experts have revealed the vaping do’s and don’ts including never during mealtimes, not during Zoom calls, and if in doubt, ask.

Vape use is going up but six in 10 adults who vape as an alternative to smoking confess they’re not sure what’s okay when it comes to vaping politely.

And 61 per cent even describe vaping in public area as a ‘social minefield.’

However, five years since their last guide, leading authority on etiquette and behaviour, Debrett's have teamed up with Vuse to update its advice.

The advice was formulated following a study of 2,000 adult nicotine users which found more than two third regard vaping etiquette to be ‘important.’

A spokesperson for Debrett's said: “The number of people who vape in the UK has increased significantly in recent years, but the rules around vaping are not always clear.

“Five years on from our first guide to vaping etiquette, we’re delighted to team up with Vuse to share our top tips for being a courteous and considerate vaper.”

According to the etiquette guide, if it’s not clear if the public area you’re in allows vaping, just consult a staff member.

If you get told it’s not allowed, “take this news with good grace” because “people will appreciate your good manners and consideration.”

The guide also suggests against vaping in “small spaces like lifts or public loos” and “hospitals or other healthcare settings.”

And plenty of those polled concur – hospitals (38 per cent), elevators (36 per cent), and public loos (24 per cent) are all regarded as place you shouldn’t vape in.

The tips also state “engulfing others – or their surroundings – in a vape cloud is not socially acceptable.”

Be mindful in public

This is a viewpoint which seems to be shared by 45 per cent - when vaping in public, they think users should have to reduce the wattage setting on their device to minimise the vapour clouds where possible.

When it comes to food, the guide is very clear “vapers shouldn’t vape while consuming food or drink.”

More than a third of those polled appear to agree – believing restaurants should be off limits.

While just under a third believe vaping where food is being prepared should be avoided.

Workplace vaping is advised against – “unless your employer has given permission”, while doing it during meetings, Zoom calls, and job interviews can suggest someone is “not focused.”

Further to this, 33 per cent of those polled through OnePoll feel you shouldn’t vape in an office workplace setting.

A spokesperson for Vuse, which commissioned the research, said: “We hope this newly updated guidance will spare vape users any awkward situations – as the study shows there is lots of confusion over what’s good vaping social etiquette.

“But clearly it’s important to respect those around you and be as accommodating as you can.”

VAPING ETIQUETTE

If in doubt, just ask

Respect personal space

Know your audience

Defer to your hosts

Remember food and vaping don’t mix

Work-based vaping looks vapid

Respect others’ views

Electronic cigarettes may be hazardous to health and contain nicotine which is addictive. They are not suitable for use by: people under the age of 18; people who are allergic/sensitive to nicotine; pregnant or breast-feeding women; people who should avoid using tobacco or nicotine products for medical reasons; or people with an unstable heart condition, severe hypertension or diabetes. Keep them out of reach of children. – By Richard Jenkins for The Scotsman, April, 2022

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Etiquette and Manners for Vaping

 The Need for Vaping Etiquette

First came smoking, now comes vaping.  A much less invasive activity but, nevertheless, one which I've received etiquette questions about.

E-cigarettes (electronic cigarettes) and other vaping devices are fast gaining in popularity, and I believe the mannerly behavior of those who partake should, too.

What is vaping?

Vaping is the use of an electronic device from which you inhale the vapors of a liquid.  The liquid may contain various flavors and nicotine.  

Because the devices are small (some akin to cigarettes), and because "smoke" is produced when you exhale while enjoying the activity, many people around you may think you are smoking.  And here in the United States, smoking is banned in many public areas, office buildings, shops, and restaurants.

Many vapers (or, people who are vaping), receive glares and comments from people in their vicinity.  They may be told they cannot smoke even though, technically, they're not.

Vaping is not necessarily a smelly activity like smoking is.  The mild fragrance that may be emitted is not typically strong enough to be disturbing to others.

While this may be true, until vaping and smoking are easily distinguishable, they are bound to be considered the same in many opinions.

Appropriate Vaping Etiquette

One thing vapers can do to win over anti-smoking opinions is show courtesy and understanding.  As is the basis of etiquette, show consideration for the people around you and the environment in which you find yourself.

For instance, it may be perfectly acceptable to vape while attending an outdoor concert, but not in a restaurant.

Other mannerly behaviors for vapers are . . .

• When in public or surrounded by other people, ask if they are okay with vaping before you do it.
  
• Avoid vaping around children.
  
• If you are in an establishment where smoking is prohibited, do not vape.
• If you are in a place where smoking is prohibited, but vaping may be acceptable (like a bar or outdoor venue), ask the management of the establishment, and the people around you, for permission.
• Be respectful when someone asks you to cease vaping.
  

Though vaping has advantages over cigarette smoking - it's a healthier and more economical alternative - the acceptance of vaping will spread more quickly when vaping etiquette is observed.  After all, people who observe mannerly behavior are more easily respected by others.

For more vaping etiquette guidelines, take a look at this infographic, courtesy of Steve Barrett at purplebox vapours.  

Contributor Candace Smith, teaches university students and professionals, the soft skills of etiquette and protocol. She found these skills necessary in her own life after her husband received international recognition in 2002. Plunged into a new “normal” of travel and formal social gatherings with global leaders, she discovered how uncomfortable she was in many important social situations. After extensive training in etiquette and protocol, Candace realized a markedly increased confidence level in meeting and greeting and dining skills and was inspired to share these skills that will help others gain comfort and confidence in dining and networking situations. Learn more at http://www.candacesmithetiquette.com/

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia