A Guide To Vaping Etiquette

Etiquette experts reveal top vape tips to respect those around you

Etiquette experts reveal do's and don'ts for vaping, including not during meals, not during a Zoom call, and asking when in doubt.

E-cigarette use is on the rise, but six in 10 adults who use e-cigarettes as an alternative to smoking admit they're not sure what the benefits are when it comes to vaping politely. 61% even described using e-cigarettes in public places as a "social minefield."

It has been five years since their last guide and now Debrett’s, the definitive authority on etiquette and behaviour, has updated its recommendations.

The advice comes after a study of 2,000 adult nicotine users found that more than two-thirds agreed that vaping etiquette "is important."

 

A spokesman for Debrett 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.”
 
If you're not sure if vaping is allowed in the public area you find yourself in, just ask a member of staff the etiquette guidelines suggest. If you are told this is not allowed, please “take this news with good grace” as "people will appreciate your good manners and consideration".

 

The guidelines also advise against using e-cigarettes in confined spaces such as elevators or public restrooms and in hospitals or other medical facilities.

Many of those surveyed agreed - hospitals (38%), elevators (36%) and public toilets (24%) were all considered unsuitable places for vaping.

The guide also states that “engulfing others – or their surroundings – in a vape cloud is not socially acceptable.”

Being mindful in public

 
45% seem to agree with this view - when vaping in public, they believe users should lower the wattage setting on their device to minimize vapor clouds if possible.
When it comes to food, the guidance is pretty clear: “vapers shouldn’t vape while consuming food or drink.”  More than a third of respondents seem to agree - they think restaurants should be off limits, while fewer than three One in 10 respondents agreed. The opinion is that vaping should be avoided where food is prepared.

E-cigarette use in the workplace is discouraged - "unless your employer has given permission", while vaping in meetings, Zoom calls and job interviews it can indicate someone is “not focussed”.

Additionally, 33% of those surveyed by OnePoll believe you should not use e-cigarettes in the office.
 

Vape Etiquette

• When in doubt, ask

• respect personal space

• Know your audience

• rely on your host

• Remember, food and vaping cannot be mixed

• vaping at work looks boring

• respect the opinions of others