Pub bans customer from smoking e-cigarette

A GLASGOW pub has become one of the first in ­Scotland to ban a customer from ‘smoking’ an electronic cigarette.

In what is the first highlighted case in the country, a local woman was enjoying a drink in Molly Malones in the city centre when she was approached by a member of staff and asked to put the e-cigarette away.

She was told the battery-powered smoking simulator – which emits a non-toxic ­vapour and is used by those trying to cut back – would need to be used outside the Hope Street pub which is also where smokers gather.

The Irish bar is a Belhaven pub and is managed by Suffolk-based Greene King, which confirmed that it is company policy not to allow electronic cigarettes to be used inside its premises.

The customer, who lives in the West End of the city, said she was left “speechless” and said pubs should be doing more to help those trying to quit.

The Scottish ­Licensed Trade Association told the Evening Times that this is the first case it has been made aware of.

But chief executive Paul Waterson, who is based in Glasgow, said he thinks more pubs may follow suit.

Mr Waterson told the Evening Times: “This is the first case anyone has been in touch with us about in Scotland but I think this is something we are going to see more and more of. Our position is that the decision on whether to allow these e-cigarettes rests with the individual publican.”


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