Many vapers assume smoking rules do not cover them because vaping is a different thing. Users of JUUL pods and other discreet devices that make little vapor are especially prone to thinking so. In practice, most places treat vapers and smokers alike and apply the same conduct rules to both.
Below are five places where you should expect not to be allowed to vape, even though some of them are outdoors. Laws differ between states and countries, and this list is not complete.
Subway stations
Underground platforms are the obvious part. Outdoor platforms are less obvious, since there is often no sign about smoking or vaping, and for a long time we were not sure of the answer. A close friend settled it by taking a few puffs on an open-air platform while he waited for a train. An undercover police officer walked up, told him it was prohibited despite the open air and the lack of signs, and wrote him a summons. Wait until you are fully outside the subway system.
Beaches and parks
For beaches, the rule covers the boardwalk as well as the sand, and details change from one location to the next. In summer a boardwalk can hold hundreds of people, and none of them wants to walk through an unexpected cloud. We have been guilty of this ourselves and have to remind ourselves that a public place still calls for respect toward whoever is nearby.
On the sand it is tempting to reason that the wind carries vapor off quickly. Other beachgoers may still not welcome it, and those sitting close to you are entitled to the sun and the breeze without waving clouds away. Once you are off the boardwalk and back on a sidewalk or street, you should be fine.
Parks work much the same way. They are public government property meant for residents to enjoy, and you do not want the police called because your vaping spoiled the park for someone else. Many parks have smoking sections along the trails, so look for those.
Concerts
We have lost count of the concerts where a big cloud rose out of the crowd. Joining in is tempting, but a single quick puff can get you a warning from security or get you removed from the venue. Most concerts run metal detectors at the gates. We have never been refused entry for carrying a vape, but leaving it in the car or keeping it pocketed during the show is the sensible choice.
The last two concerts we attended each had a designated smoking section. One was a fenced area outside the building, where you needed a hand stamp to get back in. The other was at the far side of the alcoholic beverage area. Not every venue plans for smokers and vapers like that, so vape before you go in.
School grounds
This one should go without saying, but habit can override common sense. A school holds hundreds of children each day, many of them young and inclined to copy adults. One puff of sweet-smelling vapor at pickup time and you have kids asking what it is or whether they can try it, which is a bad situation for you and for the other parents.
Vaping products are age-restricted and strictly enforced as such; they are for adults. Whether you are collecting your own child, a sibling or a child you babysit, switch the device off and leave it in a purse or pocket until no minors are around to breathe the vapor.
Amusement parks
Many amusement parks have designated areas for a vape break, and they are generally shared with smokers. You can bring a vape in, with some cautions:
- Glass bottles will be confiscated at the gate.
- Spare batteries can overheat and even explode when left in direct heat for too long.
- Rides can take your device. One of us lost a vape on Bizarro at Six Flags Great Adventure in NJ, the last ride of the day. It was pushed deep into a front jeans pocket, and the twists, turns and loops worked it loose anyway. The loss only became clear after getting off, and Lost and Found did not have it.
Taking a bulky device into a park full of roller coasters was not a smart move. Since then we either leave the vape in the car somewhere cool and dark, such as the trunk, glove box or center console, or carry a small drawstring backpack that adds little weight or heat while walking around.
The takeaway
Vaping outdoors usually needs no second thought, but in these places keep the device put away. Be patient and respectful in public spaces wherever you travel. If we missed a place, if your state does not enforce one of these rules, or if you have vaped in one of these spots without trouble, tell us in the comments.