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What does a post-lockdown Britain mean for vapers ?
Words : Gordon Stribling
T he UK may finally be reopening for good after a year of intermittent lockdowns . As we begin to get back to normal , one slow step at a time , the vaping community hopes the past 12 months of shop closures are coming to an end . While there are no guarantees , as with all things COVID , we take a look at what vapers can look forward to if all goes to plan .
VAPE SHOPS REOPEN
The British government has come under fire from the industry for not classifying vape shops as essential businesses . Vape products may be more widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores than ever before , but only specialist shops can provide the expertise smokers need on their journey to a smoke-free life . Sadly , not all vape shops will have survived the past year , but many adapted to lockdown and will return stronger than ever . Now is your chance to repay the retailers and individuals who supported you through lockdown .
OUTDOOR SERVICE IN PUBS AND RESTAURANTS
I ’ m sure we aren ’ t the only ones who ’ ve been gasping for a ‘ proper ’ pint these long months . Well , now we can have one , outdoors and weather-permitting of course . There ’ s nothing quite like a pint and a vape in the open air , especially when catching up with friends and family after all this time . But it ’ s never been more important to practice considerate vaping . Remember that people around you may still be feeling nervous – vaccine or not – so consider leaving the highpowered mods at home and keep it stealthy . You won ’ t impress anybody with large billowing clouds of vapour right now . It ’ s likely that vapers will be relegated to smoking areas , especially in beer gardens and other outdoor public places . This is a long-standing issue and people are unlikely to be any more tolerant of errant vapour than they were prepandemic .
DOMESTIC HOLIDAYS
Itching to get away to sunnier climes ? Well , don ’ t reach for the sunblock just yet because international travel is still a no-no . But you can finally travel outside your local area for a much-needed getaway ( if you can afford the inevitable mark-up that is ). It may have been that long since you went any more than a mile from your house that you could have forgotten about the importance of being vape-prepared when you travel . Remember : Mod , e-liquid , charger / batteries and spares of everything ! You ’ ll likely struggle to find that niche strawberry and lime crème brûlée juice in the wilds of Scotland .
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