I believe in any social group, in nature, there are rules; some from courtesy some from research.
Not all rules are logical to everybody and many will oppose. At the end, the rules are there and we should courteous follow or ask before doing something right that may appear as wrong to the naked eye.
As vapers, today we know for a fact how bad smoking is. Many of us living with our families know how second hand smoke can hurt the ones surrounding us. People thought my wife was a smoker because her clothes smelled because I smoked.
Because of all information and propaganda against smoking is floating around; it does not mean vaping is prohibited but let’s face it and be honest… we wanted/needed something very similar! Many of us even use or used a devices looking and feeling like a cigarette. At a distance, our vapor clouds look a lot like smoke clouds… to the untrained people it is the same.
How many of you have been mugged? I am sorry, but many delinquents use fake guns… Would you jeopardize your life to check if the gun is real? I don’t think so… Yeah, it is an extreme example, nonetheless a valid one. If you own a bar and that business makes your living; Would you jeopardize it for one person? I wouldn’t. I’ve seen inspectors in NYC giving fines easily and threatening owners about closing establishments for smoking. What if we, as vapers, face one of those inspectors who don’t listen? The owner will be slapped with a fat ticket because of us… Not fair to my eyes.
I’ve been very lucky, I always ask before doing it. Most times, I explain what it is and how it looks. Most times they allow me to do it telling me if anybody complain I should stop. I haven’t had any problem in any establishment yet and despite having permit I never create a huge cloud of vapor nor I do it dragging any attention. Following this, I do not create problems for them and I can vape without being bothered. In the other hand, there is always one “nasty” person who has to complain. I used to vape in my office, but one coworker complained because “I am messing with his lungs” stupid? Yes, Can I do something? Sadly no, so what’s the solution? I stealth vape! Not that often, not in the open, but I do it without major problems.
Now, there is another situation that I haven’t seen around here. Migraine. There are different types, and one is triggered by odors… yes, there are people who can’t stand perfumes or other odors. Is it fair for them to get an attack because we have to vape in front of them? The answer there is courtesy. I don’t do it. Would you?