
Since the blanket ban on tobacco smoking in enclosed spaces such as pubs, restaurants and workplaces, as well as those deemed substantially enclosed – often spaces which have a permanent or temporary cover, came into play the habits of the smoking public have changed dramatically. Those who choose to smoke tobacco are segregated in areas designated for that purpose – but how about those who prefer e-cigarettes?
Vaping doesn’t have anything much in common with smoking any kind of tobacco product, except when the e-liquid used contains nicotine. E cigs don’t burn anything, they don’t emit smoke, (although sometimes the vapour an e-cigarette produces can be mistaken for it at a distance), and any aroma produced by the vapour is unlikely to be mistaken for the smell of cigarette, pipe or cigar smoke.
Despite these differences, even when it comes to public spaces it’s not unusual to find the same rules applied to both vaping and smoking.
How about vaping at Formula One and other sporting events
There’s very little flexibility on vaping rules when it comes to large sporting venues such as Silverstone, the Northamptonshire village which is home to the Formula One British Grand Prix. At this venue, vaping is strictly prohibited in any of the grandstands, and pretty much restricted to the official smoking areas.
Vaping at football stadiums
There’s a complete and total ban on the use of e-cigarettes inside all UK Premier League stadiums, and along with no designated smoking/vaping areas the rules don’t allow anyone to leave-vape-and come back in. Break the vaping rules at the risk of being asked to leave, and possibly even being barred from returning, or losing your season ticket.
Vaping at Wimbledon
This iconic British sporting event has quite a clear policy on vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. Basically these translate as vaping being completely banned in all of the stadium areas, but e-cigs are okay in any open area unless you are in a queue, or on the outside terrace (where there are likely to be lots of people).
It seems that when it comes to F1 and other sporting events the use of e cigarettes is mostly either confined to any general smoking areas which exist or banned completely. As always, it’s best to check the relevant website for each specific venue or to ask staff on site for clarification if the rules on vaping are not clear. If in doubt, we would advise that you only vape in designated smoking areas.