E-cigarettes challenge interpretations of smoking bans

Taking a puff on an ego electronic cigarette isn't technically smoking, prompting some local businesses to allow customers to use the cigarettes indoors. Others still prohibit their usage, which can make it difficult for smokers and nonsmokers alike to navigate the hundreds of bars and restaurants in New Hanover County.

"They're allowing electronic cigarettes now in most of the bars I've been to," said Nathan Garrison, sales associate at Vape Hut, a Wilmington store that sells e-cigarettes on site and via its website. "Restaurants usually don't mind. I'll usually ask first, but businesses are generally becoming more tolerant."

Traditional cigarettes have been banned by law in bars and restaurants statewide since Jan. 2, 2010. But the legislation didn't specifically ban ego t electronic cigarette, which were at that time a relatively new and much less popular technology. That loophole allows businesses to make their own rules governing their usage, meaning policies vary greatly from place to place.

Sometimes, the differences are small and nuanced. For example, New Hanover County employees are permitted to smoke solely in designated outdoor smoking areas. That policy doesn't explicitly ban the usage of e-cigarettes indoors, but county workers aren't permitted to use them in the office.fds1EWS6

"The interpretation that I received from human resources is that our policy covers the intent of smoking, which would include the use of e-cigarettes," said Charles Smith, a spokesman for the county. "If HR is comfortable with that interpretation, I don't foresee a change."

Many moms out there are trying to kick the nasty cigarette smoking habit and have found a great alternative in electronic cigarettes. Considered much safer than traditional tobacco, e-cigarettes work with a censor, a microchip and a heating element to fulfill nicotine cravings without the dangers usually associated with cigar smoking.

A great resource for moms who are into ego-t battery smoking is E-cigarette-Review.net. The online review site offers detailed information about e-cigs, with emphasis on top electronic cigarette brands that have established a name for themselves in the industry.

This month of May – the time to remember and celebrate mothers all over the world – E-cigarette -Review.net takes the time to give the best gift for mom who smokes. The website presents the e-cigarette products at very low prices, courtesy of top e-cigarette brands.