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

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 has increased in recent years, but a quarter of nicotine users based in Southern England are confused about the rights and wrongs of vaping etiquette.

And 24 per cent agree vaping in public is 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 tips were developed following research of 2,000 adult nicotine users which found 26 per cent of those living in the South consider 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 polite vaping guide, if it’s not apparent whether the public area you’re in allows vaping, simply ask a member of staff.

And if the answer is no, “take this news with good grace” because that way “people will appreciate your good manners and consideration.”

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

Of those living in the South, 45 per cent are against vaping in a hospital, while 43 per cent feel similarly about doing it in a lift, and 27 per cent consider public toilets to be off-limits too.

Be mindful in public

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

And almost half (46 per cent) of those polled from Southern England are of the view users should keep vapour clouds to minimum where possible by reducing the wattage setting on their device.

When it comes to food, there is no ambiguity: “vapers shouldn’t vape while consuming food or drink.”

Four in 10 South-based respondents seem to share this view – suggesting restaurants should be off limits for vapers.

And a third 31 per cent don’t think vaping should take place where food is being prepared.

Workplace vaping is not recommended – “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, 37 per cent of South England locals polled through OnePoll think vaping shouldn’t take place 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.