MPs call for e-cigarette ban to be lifted
By Emma Beavon
The Houses of Parliament should become a vape-friendly zone, as part of efforts to make vaping more acceptable in the workplace, according to MPs.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Vaping (APPGV) have said there should be vaping policies for businesses and public places to help tackle ‘misunderstandings’ about the practice, thus ensuring it is treated separately to smoking.
MPs have expressed that Parliament should lead the way in catering for the needs of vapers during this time when e-cigarettes are often banned.
However, this pro-vape stance is not shared by everyone on the council level.
Vince Maple, a labour member of Medway Council, said that the science in regards to vaping has not been completely proven.
He said: “Although, anything that reduces smoking is in itself a positive. I would encourage all good employers to treat vaping and e-cigs in the same way they treat traditional smoking.”
This pro-vape stance taken by Parliament could set a precedent for businesses across the UK which could then see a rise in vapers and vape shops.
Alastair Smith, the owner of Solvape Kent in Gillingham, feels that this could be a good and bad thing, as the pro-vaping move could potentially mean more vape shops which could put a strain on already existing vape shop’s business.
He said: “With that it’ll make it a little bit better because people who do smoke in the working environment have to go outside and smoke.
“If they’re told they can vape, they might actually start vaping. So that could be a good thing for businesses but if they keep opening up then no, it’s not going to be good for anyone because no one’s going to the business because there’s too many shops.”
The APPGV has now created a new vaping policy for the Parliamentary Estate which is to be added into the staff handbook.