Should we boycott businesses that ban vaping in their establishments?

[Arnie H]

Generally, with private places/businesses, it is up to the owner of the establishment to decide whether he/she will allow vaping on their premises. But I keep hearing of company after company (now AMF Bowling), banning vaping within its walls. And I think to myself, if these companies are not gonna be friendly to us, why the hell should we be friendly to them and keep giving them our money?

Boycotts and strikes can have a devasting economic impact on companies if well organized and properly executed. Particularly if the people who are boycotting or striking make up a sizable portion of the customer base or labor force.

The question is though, are we numerous enough to have much of an impact? There is no question in my mind, that if vapers boycotted vape shops (just as an example) they'd go out of business in short order, because WE are their customer base. But would it do any good against these large chains, like IHOP, and such?

Just thinking..

 

[degnr8]

Interesting idea. I don't think we really have the numbers for boycotts to be effective, but gatherings at vape friendly competitors could open some eyes. Say organizing your vape meet at the competitors bowling alley and getting them to put up "vaping allowed" or Casaa signs. This could let companies see that they're missing out on potential customers. We need a vape friendly business directory. I know when the GLBT community started one in Seattle businesses were falling all over themselves to get in it. We don't have that kind of clout yet, but the same principle should apply.

 

[Myrany]

I guess for me I have mixed feelings.

I don't want to smell someone else strawberry cheesecake vape while I am enjoying my steak. I get why some restaurants say no vaping.

On the other hand I resent the heck out of being sent to the smoking pit to breath the smoke I took up vaping to stop inhaling.

Consistent? Who Me?

 

[State O' Flux]

One of the many issues of concern - with non-vapors... most of which don't have the slightest clue what vaping is... vaping looks just like smoking. For a food service industry owner/manager, even one who knows the difference, trying to explain to every non-vaping/non-smoking customer what vaping is and isn't... well, that could be problematic, and time consuming.

Imagine... guy walks in, sits down, orders and starts vaping. 16 people in the restaurant notice. 4 complain. You, the manager now has to explain your "Vaping OK" policy to at least 4 people... then explain what vaping is and why it's not smoking and, and... and...... and.........

So, do you cater to the handful of vaping customers that think you're a great guy, but who's patronage isn't sufficient to pay the bills... or do you cater to the majority who just want to eat or drink in peace, without dealing with an establishment's "vaping enlightenment"... that they've decided to make you participate in.

Trendy night clubs and bars... nooooo problem. Bruno Mars vapes, rappers vape, Leonardo DiCaprio and Katherine Heigl vape... so hell yes, we'll allow vaping. Mom and Pop at the IHOP? Not a chance in hell.

 

[CrimsonJack]

I sort of already do this. If I've been asked not to vape somewhere, I don't make a fuss, but I don't come back, either. I realize you're asking if we should do this as an organized deal, but just thought I'd throw it out there. There's still plenty of places I can vape without getting hassled, and I let them know that it's part of the reason I go there. I totally get where State O' Flux is coming from, which is why I don't make a fuss about when asked not to vape, but I'd rather go someplace where I can do what I do and be comfortable, and if that means going someplace else, so be it. I've noticed it's mostly the big corporate places that have an issue, and let's be honest, IHOP's pancakes got nothing on the mom & pop breakfast places, anyhow, and those are the places that want to keep your business.

 

[Ken_A]

Honestly. and truthfully. Isn't it just like "no shoes, no shirt, no service"? and why would you have to go outside a restaurant to their "smoking area"? isn't there a whole parking lot? Yes, they have a designated smoking area. But they do not have a designated vaping area, so pretty much anywhere outside will work.
And if you cannot stop vaping for a meal then you need to consider lowering your nic or something.
I have a co-worker who vapes while he bowls. In an AMF establishment. It's still up to the owner of the bowling alley and not the company as to weather or not a "policy" is followed. They don't lose their licence to own a business if they allow or dis-allow something.

If it bothers you, then by all means don't go there anymore. However, I doubt that the small percentage of people in a particular area NOT visiting an establishment will make that much of an impact. You would have to organize an actual legal protest with signs and picketers in order to be SEEN to object before you would have any affect on how a particular corporation views such policies.

 

[EddardinWinter]

Yeah, I think the numbers, while improving, are not quite there. I think the positive angle of bringing events to places which permit vaping is probably a better way to go. I understand the issue with unrestricted vaping. Ever been to a VapeCon? When you walk into the ballroom of one of those places, its a fog! So anyone not vaping in a room with 25% vapors is gonna be put out.

As to restaurants, there are a couple in town that have private dining rooms that are completely fine with me and a couple friends vaping in that enclosed area. I don't vape in restaurants except in this situation. For a normal meal, no big issue. But if I am having a multiple course meal that may take well over an hour and several bottles of wine, I am gonna choose a place that allows me to vape. I make a point to take very good care of the staff so they know I appreciate it.

 

[Vaslovik]

Well, when I was told I could not vape at a table outside Starbucks well away from the building that was it for me, they lost my business then and there. Vaping indoors is another matter altogether, and I don't do it if I wouldn't smoke there, it would only alienate people and work against vaping in general. It's their establishment, and they have the right to make the rules inside their building, but of course, on the other hand people vote with their money and their feet.

If I go to a bar I want to go to one that allows vaping inside, and those I go to here in Naples do. Still there are those there who have to try and make an issue of it, or get snarky with me about it. They are easily dealt with when it's pointed out the bartenders are vaping on duty behind the bar. If they persist I encourage them to participate in the political process of our great nation, and write their congressman.

I never let them draw me into a fight about it, that's what some of them are after.

 

[OlDogNewTricks]

That is a personal call, but I am trying to get people thinking about vaping in a positive light, so I am not militant (lol). Also, a lot of places don't have good ventilation to start with, so I can't blame them for not wanting vaping, too many complaints for them to deal with. Just my two cents worth.

 

[Asbestos4004]

I didn't want to beat people over the head with my smoking, nor do I want to beat them over the head with my vaping. Out of pure courtesy for those who don't need a nic fix, I treat vaping as I did smoking. I smoked outside at a table at a Starbucks, I vape outside at a table at Starbucks. If they ask me to stop, I have the choice of whether or not to go back. I'm the one with the addiction to nicotine, not them. Banning an establishment for trying to cater to the majority isn't doesn't seem right to me, even if we did have the numbers. I started vaping to get off cigarettes and to improve my health, not so I could vape in an IHOP.

 

[Bimini Twist]

And if you cannot stop vaping for a meal then you need to consider lowering your nic or something.

I really enjoy vaping between courses, as EddardinWinter mentioned. Some of us are old enough to remember smoking between courses. And, of course, as soon as we lit that cigarette, the next course arrived.

And it is that "you need to..." attitude that gets lawmakers all giddy with writing new laws and regulations. They LIVE to create laws whether needed or not.

If it bothers you, then by all means don't go there anymore. However, I doubt that the small percentage of people in a particular area NOT visiting an establishment will make that much of an impact. You would have to organize an actual legal protest with signs and picketers in order to be SEEN to object before you would have any affect on how a particular corporation views such policies.

Agreed. I haven't been bothered anywhere around here, yet - from honky-tonk bars on up to very fine dining establishments. But if one decided to prohibit vaping, I would let them know how I feel, would likely not return, and would spread the word to other vapers. As you said, not much impact, but businesses in this area depend on local clientele when the tourists go back home.

 

[Chas F.]

I think once vaping becomes more common and visible people will realize it's NOT the same as smoking and may ease up on the restrictions. I understand how a business establishment wouldn't want even the appearance of someone smoking inside but it still irks me.

What we need to do are find establishments that are vape friendly and give 'em our business.

 

[vernhall]

I sort of already do this. If I've been asked not to vape somewhere, I don't make a fuss, but I don't come back, either.

Ditto! Same as with my Pup who I consider family -- if she's not welcome I don't make a fuss about it I just don't patronize that establishment...

 

[tj99959]

I owned my own business for many years, so I know both sides of the issue.

And I agree with this statement.

I started vaping to get off cigarettes and to improve my health, not so I could vape in an IHOP.

 

[sawtoothscream]

There business their rules. Your still inhaling and exhaling, your letting off a smell and your using nic. Others might be annoyed by that and its not fair for them to have to put up with it. If the business allows it, great enjoy. If they dont, be respectful and step out side.

 

[vape-addict]

I think once vaping becomes more common and visible people will realize it's NOT the same as smoking and may ease up on the restrictions. I understand how a business establishment wouldn't want even the appearance of someone smoking inside but it still irks me.

What we need to do are find establishments that are vape friendly and give 'em our business.

Never going to happen..Its the how dare you find a way to do something we said you cannot do crowd(ANTZ).

 

[darkstorm]

Well, when I was told I could not vape at a table outside Starbucks well away from the building that was it for me, they lost my business then and there.

Getting charged $5 for an admittedly decent cup of coffee cost them my business years ago.

 

[Penn]

Boycotts and strikes can have a devasting economic impact on companies if well organized and properly executed. Particularly if the people who are boycotting or striking make up a sizable portion of the customer base or labor force.

The question is though, are we numerous enough to have much of an impact?

Do you have anything to back up that bolded part? Yes, there have been a few occasions where boycotts were effective but usually they are just a minor nuisance at worst. Add to that the question you ask, "Are we numerous enough". Simply put, no.

When places started banning smoking in bars there were more smokers than the current number of vapers. What most bars found was for every customer they lost, one or more were gained. Sure there are a few with specific type clientele that are hurt but not most bars. I choose to point out bars for obvious reasons.

As already pointed out in this thread, even if we can get through to people that what we exhale is harmless, we are still creating an odor. I know I absolutely hate when people are wearing too much cologne or perfume. Partially because a few used to bother my allergies (I don't know why it doesn't seem to happen now) but mainly because it shows no consideration of people around you. I equate it to those jackwipes that will stop their car and wait in a parking lot while some lady with a toddler puts here groceries in the car and puts the child in the car seat by stopping the second she walks up to the car causing people behind them to have to wait. "HEY! Other people beside you exist, FIND ANOTHER PARKING SPOT!". (and yes I have actually told people that to their face). So if I feel this way about those people I will not put something in the indoor air for them to breathe.

All that said, yes I think we should fight for the right to not be treated as smokers but not to the point of imposing ourselves on others.

 

[GPSTrucker]

Everyone is entitled to their opinions. As for myself, I do not patronize any anti vaping business.

The business owner has every right to not allow it. The customer has every right to decide where they spend their money.

 

[ScottM]

If there are so many people wanting to vape in public, and determined to give business to establishments that cater to vaping, why aren't there more vapor lounges?