The recent incident at Etihad Stadium involving a Manchester City fan and his electronic cigarette has raised questions about the legality of vaping in various places.

 It’s evident that while electronic cigarettes are technically legal to use anywhere, individual establishments reserve the right to impose restrictions.

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The unnamed fan found himself in a predicament when security approached him while he was vaping in the concourse. Although the ban on vaping devices within the stadium falls within the prerogative of the stadium management, the subsequent confiscation of the fan’s season ticket and his expulsion from the premises seemed excessive.

Under the Health Act 2006, which primarily targeted smoking tobacco in public places, the definition of smoking encompasses the act of being in possession of lit tobacco or any substance that could be smoked. However, as electronic cigarettes don’t involve tobacco or combustion, they technically fall outside the scope of this provision.

Despite the legality, concerns have been raised about the confusion electronic cigarettes may cause, especially in crowded areas like stadiums. However, distinguishing between vaping and smoking is usually straightforward, given the lack of smell and distinct appearance of vaping devices.

In response to the fan’s ordeal, Withington MP John Leech intervened, urging the club to reconsider its stance on vaping. While acknowledging the club’s decision to reinstate the fan’s season ticket, he emphasized the importance of education in preventing such overreactions in the future.

Ultimately, educating the public about electronic cigarettes and their differences from traditional cigarettes is crucial in avoiding unnecessary confrontations and misunderstandings. The more informed people are about vaping, the fewer instances of unwarranted restrictions or actions against vapers are likely to occur.

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