When e-cigs were first introduced into the world as a viable alternative to cigarettes one of the biggest selling points that I remember is that you could do it indoors. And while we don’t yet know what, if any, effects second-hand vapor has on people, being able to enjoy your nicotine inside is great. But there’s a caveat, don’t be an asshole!

When my wife and I bought our first home I was still a smoker, but we knew that we wouldn’t be allowing cigarette smoke inside our luxurious new dwelling. It lingers, it stains, and ashes will inevitably end up getting flown around and making a mess. When I made the switch to vaping one of the main reasons I did it was so that I didn’t have to go out in the freezing weather to enjoy my nicotine. Even if someone around you doesn’t enjoy the smell of the particular juice you are vaping it will dissipate and you won’t be left with any of the nasty residue that is left by conventional cigarettes. As an HVAC tech, I am constantly walking into customer’s houses who smoke, and the smell is overwhelming, especially now that I have been reformed.

Here is where we come to our crossroad: with great vaping comes great responsibility. My motto on vaping in public places goes as follows, “When in doubt, don’t do it.” There have been many advances in electronic cigarettes just in the past year alone, and blowing huge clouds inside the movie theater, while others are trying to watch a movie they just paid $15 to see, is rude and inconsiderate, it’s that simple. The “It’s not smoking, I’ll do what I want” crowd is embarrassing to our community and give a bad name to those of us responsible vapers.

I deal with vaping in public establishments a couple different ways. If I’m in a bar environment I will probably vape stealthily, and try not to exhale near, or in anyone’s face. If I am approached by an employee about said vaping I just apologize and stop. Most bars used to let you smoke inside of them anyway, so I feel that vaping probably isn’t going to ruffle any feathers. Now, If I’m in a restaurant, that has a bar ambiance to it, I will most likely ask an employee what their vaping policy is. Some places are cool with it, some aren’t. But if they are, this by no means gives a vaper the right to start blowing gigantic clouds and be obnoxious about it. Respect the fact that these places are cool with vaping and don’t abuse the privilege. Movie theaters, fancy restaurants, and establishments that are kid friendly? Just don’t do it, period. And finally, there’s vaping in a non-vaper/non-smoker’s house. Just ask. If you don’t ask before you fire up your mod in someone’s house you’re a dick and that’s all there is to it.

When you make the decision to kick the sticks and switch to vaping you are also making the decision to represent a growing community of people trying to dispel the ridiculous scrutiny we have recently been getting in the media. Please don’t mess it up for everyone else. When in doubt, just treat vaping like smoking. If you don’t feel like it’s an appropriate time or place to vape, don’t do it.

Stay tuned…