Vaping Derailed
Vaping Derailed: Ecigs are run off the rails but still arrive on time in Carmarthen.
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by Dave Cross
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“The decision to say 'no' to e-cigarettes has been taken after reviewing feedback from front-line staff across our business,” say London Midland (LM), “as well as customers.” The spokesperson is quoted as saying: ““E-cigarettes produce a vapour to mimic smoke and can look very similar to the real thing. As their use has increased in popularity, so have instances of conflict and confusion amongst customers and colleagues when e-cigarette users 'light up'.”
The ban comes into effect on December 1st and will leave vapers out in the cold – alongside smokers. The change in position will impact on travellers using 147 stations across the country and all of LM’s train services.
Commuters using the Virgin service passing through Coventry will already have felt the impact of a ban and the measures bring the rail company into line with many other service operators...although vapers will say they have gone off on the wrong track.
The news was welcomed on the Express and Star’s site:
- NOSNP donated their considered feeling, “Ban. Just coz it looks like an e-cig does not mean it is. It has potential for terrorism too.”
- inity and beyond opined, “I can see why they want to ban e-cigs when some of the larger pipe type things chuck out more than a fog machine at a disco.”
- While ex Wolverhampton fought with a keyboard to add, “Yes , ban them ! I was sitting behind a woman with one on Tuesday ,i was just glad i wasn't next to her , although it's not like real cigarettes, there is still a smell from the vapour.”
In fairness, the direction being taken by LM was predictable although the same can’t be said for Carmarthen Town Football Club (CTFC). The Welsh Premier League side were delighted to announce that their new sponsor would be renaming the ground from Richmond Park to the Vibrant Vapours Stadium. Vendors on the POTV forum, Vibrant Vapours are well known to vapers in south Wales.
"It's a bold step for us," said Carmarthen Town AFC chairman Jeff Thomas. "But, in this very competitive age, we have to be bold to secure the funding we need to progress as a top class Welsh Premier League side.”
Brian Harvey, commercial consultant, for Carmarthen Town AFC, said: "We are sure that all of the club's backers and supporters will realise the importance of such a deal for Carmarthen Town AFC. These are challenging times in the sporting world and we rely heavily on the support of sponsors and advertisers to continue to progress in the Welsh Premier League."
Not everyone is impressed. Dewi Evans, retired foot doctor and town councillor, argues: ”It sends out the wrong message. This sponsorship glamorises e-cigarettes and youngsters don't associate nicotine with the vapour and e-cigarettes, but they should.”
Dave Cross
Journalist at POTVDave is a freelance writer; with articles on music, motorbikes, football, pop-science, vaping and tobacco harm reduction in Sounds, Melody Maker, UBG, AWoL, Bike, When Saturday Comes, Vape News Magazine, and syndicated across the Johnston Press group. He was published in an anthology of “Greatest Football Writing”, but still believes this was a mistake. Dave contributes sketches to comedy shows and used to co-host a radio sketch show. He’s worked with numerous start-ups to develop content for their websites.
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