Vape exile--is it common?

[Pandora Wilde]

Hi, everyone,

I'm new to vaping and I had started back in September with some disposables I found online. I took my set with me to a geek culture convention, figuring I'd be able to spend more time in the convention and less running outside to deal with nic fits.

Surprise--eCigs were actually outlawed in convention areas, along with a long list of things I'd expect to find exiled (since I run a similar convention in the northern part of the same state). The information wasn't posted anywhere--I'd pulled one of my disposables out while having a talk with a staffer for the convention and was told then I "wasn't allowed to do that here." The reason? "We've decided we don't want them."

I do get that many people don't understand the difference in the vapors we blow out when we vape and the smoke analog cigarettes produce, but to actually require ecig users to leave the convention area just as if we were still trashing the air everyone has to breathe? That's what I don't get.

My question--is this becoming a common experience in workplaces, at events, in stores-clubs-bars or other places people congregate?

 

[xanderxman]

Yes it is. This is an unfortunate thing but e-cigs are getting lumped into the same group as cigs in a lot of places. I chalk it up to ignorance mostly. If it looks like a duck and quacks like a duck then it must be a duck. That is not the correct mindframe to have toward vaping but it is the current one for most people. The deeper into this debate you get, the more angry you will become. Welcome to the rabbit hole.

 

[Baditude]

I would imagine it differs from place to place, facility to facility, business to business, state by state.

I vape mostly anywhere, but I do follow most rules/laws forbidding smoking. My workplace is a hospital that bans tobacco, yet I stealth vape by my locker in the dressing room, which luckily is out of direct site of the entry.

I vape at outdoor festivals and concerts. I rocked with my Provari and BB at the Loverboy, Pat Benetar, and Journey outdoor concert a couple of weeks ago. I asked security as I entered the security gate if electronic cigarettes were allowed, and she replied yes they were.

In my city there are non-smoking areas such as parks and a downtown fountain square where smoking is prohibited, and although I haven't visited any of those places since I began vaping, I likely would abide to those rules even though technically I am not smoking, I just don't want the hassle.

 

[ravenlily]

Weird. Must be per venue. I went to a scifi con 5k+ and vaping was encouraged and i met tons of vapers. I even thanked the general manager after.

 

[jonnyr21]

I get the same reaction as well, I've resorted to vaping in my office hoping that nobody will see me. It really is to bad, but i think it will just be a matter of time before its more widely accepted. Until then, i guess some of us are doomed to vape in shame....

 

[The Ocelot]

One thing I rarely see commented on is being sensitive to those who still smoke. I know for myself, seeing others smoke (even in a movie) used to trigger a desire for a cigarette. We may be vaping, but to those who still use cigarettes just seeing the act of inhaling something and exhaling the vapor can give them a craving. I still go to a smoking area when vaping.

 

[tnt56]

At the place where I work at it's not only "Not allowed" but you can be fined if your caught vaping on state property. That's why I got some things to stealth vape.

 

[xanderxman]

I refuse to vape in shame. I vape proudly. I don't care about the dirty looks but I do respect others. If smoking is not allowed I will generally not vape. I say generally because I do sometimes go stealth and vape in places where smoking would not be permitted, but I do it respectfully. I do not blow big clouds and I do not make it obvious. For example, I vape during movies at the theater. I do a quick pull and hold it as long as I can so I produce no vapor.

The more we let oursleves feel bad about vaping and let the opinions of others drive when we vape, the more vaping is pushed into the shadows. My motto is respect others but also respect yourself.

 

[newq]

I have the luxury of working outdoors where most of my day I am not confined to a smoking area. I have vaped for long enough that I use it without thinking about it. I do it everywhere and when I notice people staring at me I simply look right at them and begin vaping. Not to rub it in their face but because if there is no reason not to then I cant be embarassed by it and generally they stop staring or they ask what is that thing?

The smart alec in me wants to reply a crack pipe or similar but the more reserved portion of me explains its an ecig which invariably leads to a discussion of interest smoker or not from most.

 

[steved5600]

Ignorance is the enemy. People don't trust stuff they don't understand. Only way to combat it is to inform when and IF the opportunity presents itself. Also the guys that enforce those rules usually don't want to hear any discussion on the matter as they are usually busy or in some cases (unfortunately) they are control freaks. You can't do much when that happens because you not talking to the boss. I would really like to see that policy in writing. It's a tough thing if you are to forceful you poison the well. But on the other hand we do not have to be doormats. I guess what is best is to follow their rules and try to educate. It's a real dilemma. Say nothing and we get walked on a bit say to much and the door closes forever. I don't know of a right answer for every circumstance. Being nice about it would be my default and follow their silly rule. It sucks.

 

[xtypez]

People don't really mind at my work, they seem more interested in it than offended by it

 

[Rz78]

Hi, I'm in a different dilemma. Exiled myself from the smokers. So now I'm stuck vaping in my store room workplace area. I don't join my fellow smokers in my workplace's designated smoking areas. Why? I just can't stand the smoke smell anymore. Now I understand truly, how horrible my wife had to stand up at my smoking days months ago in the loo and living room. Gals are so patient

 

[Pandora Wilde]

I have to agree that ignorance is a large part of it and the policy I ran up against seems to be limited to this one con (I do PR for ours among a ton of other jobs) and I actually met other vapers (equally unaware of the policy and vaping anywhere they pleased) who gave me a lot of info on how to get started, especially on how to DIY eLiquids.

Sounds like a can of worms that I'll put farther down the line with this con's management beyond asking them to put their policy in writing--they have far larger issues going on than a policy they've neglected to publish. But apparently it's something to bring up with our own board. Since I'm on that board I think we know how I'll vote on it.

Oh and steved5600? DO want that Sonic Vape Screwdriver--if I saw one I'd be screaming for someone to shut up and take my money.

 

[Crazyinariz]

For the most part i don't use an 'e-cig' i 'vape' a 'nicotine inhaler'. Most places (restaurants in particular) don't hear the 'e', just the word cigarette. I find that if I ask if I can vape w/my nicotine inhaler.most places have no problem w/it.

 

[zuzette]

do get your own policy in writing. this convention you went to is setting themselves up for a liability allowing employees to give the appearance of setting policy based on personal preference. imagine that the refusal to allow vaping, if not written into the policy could be used as an excuse to call prejudice based on race, religion etc. a lawsuit probably would not get far but it would be expensive regardless.

 

[tnt56]

Ignorance is the enemy. People don't trust stuff they don't understand. Only way to combat it is to inform when and IF the opportunity presents itself. Also the guys that enforce those rules usually don't want to hear any discussion on the matter as they are usually busy or in some cases (unfortunately) they are control freaks. You can't do much when that happens because you not talking to the boss. I would really like to see that policy in writing. It's a tough thing if you are to forceful you poison the well. But on the other hand we do not have to be doormats. I guess what is best is to follow their rules and try to educate. It's a real dilemma. Say nothing and we get walked on a bit say to much and the door closes forever. I don't know of a right answer for every circumstance. Being nice about it would be my default and follow their silly rule. It sucks.

Unfortunately I'm one of those guys that have to enforce the policy, laws and rules. You have no idea how hard it is to tell someone they can't use an e cig when they see the ones I carry. I'm always hoping that they will ask me about it. Most do and at that time (since I've been asked a direct question) I try to have them step off for a very quiet and personal conversation. I've yet to have one get upset after we talk a bit. Most always smile and say thank you.

 

[Vapoor eyes er]

A friend does sound for some major musicians and he told me special effects permit must be gotten if Fog Machines are to be used because of smoke detectors. He said they generally always get one whether or not there is to be a Fog Machine. He also told me many of the crew use PVs without issue.

I would imagine it differs from place to place, facility to facility, business to business, state by state.

I vape mostly anywhere, but I do follow most rules/laws forbidding smoking. My workplace is a hospital that bans tobacco, yet I stealth vape by my locker in the dressing room, which luckily is out of direct site of the entry.

I vape at outdoor festivals and concerts. I rocked with my Provari and BB at the Loverboy, Pat Benetar, and Journey outdoor concert a couple of weeks ago. I asked security as I entered the security gate if electronic cigarettes were allowed, and she replied yes they were.

In my city there are non-smoking areas such as parks and a downtown fountain square where smoking is prohibited, and although I haven't visited any of those places since I began vaping, I likely would abide to those rules even though technically I am not smoking, I just don't want the hassle.

 

[Pandora Wilde]

I totally agree--policies like this need to be spelled out, both on our website and each event's Program Guide. In fact it surprised the snot out of me that it hadn't been put into this other con's policies. They have a lot of picky-picky policies but they're listed somewhere easy to see. Previous year's conventions have had smoking rules changed mid-stream, like having a smoking area well-stocked with ashtrays suddenly completely off-limits, with even using the doors marked with "NO EXIT HERE" signs.

The more I think about this and other times policies change there in the middle of everything the more I think this is a bull I'll have to take by the horns.

Thanks for the input everyone--it's been a lot of help.

do get your own policy in writing. this convention you went to is setting themselves up for a liability allowing employees to give the appearance of setting policy based on personal preference. imagine that the refusal to allow vaping, if not written into the policy could be used as an excuse to call prejudice based on race, religion etc. a lawsuit probably would not get far but it would be expensive regardless.