Are Electronic Cigarettes on the Banned List?

The electronic cigarette is a device that is used by some smokers to get around the smoking ban and use their nicotine delivery product in public places such as pubs. The devices are not smoked in the traditional meaning of the word. However, that has not stopped some over- zealous pub owners from declaring that the inhaler violates the smoking ban. An understanding of what the e-cigarette is and what it is not seems necessary to clear up the misconception that some anti smoking folks have about the product.

The e-cigarette is an atomizer that heats liquid nitrogen and produces a harmless vapour that simulates the look of a traditional cigarette. The vapour is not necessary to the full enjoyment of the product, but it does give the smoker a psychological connection with the device. There is no odour emanating from the e-cigarette and those that happen to be close by when someone is using the device will only know if they see it in action. The vapour will not cling to clothing and it does not cause any ill effects to innocent bystanders.

The liquid nicotine in an e-cigarette satisfies the cravings that smokers have and delivers it in a way that is familiar to the smoker and provides an instant hit to the smoker. This is very different from other nicotine replacement products that sometimes take a bit of time before the effects of the nicotine is felt. For smokers trying to kick the habit, the difference that the e-cigarette provides means all the difference in the world in terms of their success in stopping tobacco cigarettes.

This should be enough to clear up any confusion that the e-cigarette has caused recently. A consumer of an e-cigarette had recently been asked to take the device outside of a pub because it violates the smoking ban. While this is a false claim on the part of the pub owner, it nevertheless still occurs. Smokers are not only banned from partaking of their nicotine habit in public, but they are now being banned for attempting a healthier alternative. It would appear that it is the appearance of smoking and not necessarily the harmful effects of second hand smoke that has some up in arms.

Electronic cigarettes are providing a valuable service for smokers and can even help some stop smoking tobacco cigarettes completely. While the device is not marketed as a stop smoking aid, it has been used for this purpose with great success. Some prefer to take the device out with them so that they can enjoy a night out with friends without being in violation of the smoking ban. Whatever the reason for using the device, it is important that the word get out to pub owners such as the Weatherspoon pub’s owner that recently threw out a smoker with an e-cigarette.

Quitting smoking is a difficult task and if the device helps to alleviate cravings and satisfy cigarette smokers, it should be embraced and not condemned as it has been by some.