Impact of Starbucks smoking ban on e-cigarettes

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Starbucks implemented a new policy on June 1 that prohibits smoking within 25 feet of their stores, which includes the patios outside, as long as it doesn't impede adjacent businesses. But does this apply to smokers who have converted to the e-cigarette?

The e-cigarette (electronic cigarette) is an electronic inhaler that vaporizes a nicotine-based liquid solution that produces water vapor, which simulates cigarette smoke. The smoker can adjust the nicotine release, but the risk of secondary smoke is eliminated. Originally the e-cigarette was sold as a smoking cessation aid or replacement because the device enables the smoker to adjust, and if desired, taper back the amount of nicotine being inhaled. Although met with widespread approval by families of smokers, businesses with non-smoking regulations are in a quandary on how to handle the e-cigarette.

A barista at the Starbucks on Sawdust Road conferred with a couple of other employees and replied, “We’re not sure. That question hasn’t come up.” Two other local Starbucks in The Woodlands did not know if e-cigarettes were included in the ban as well.

Starbucks' Customer Service Relations in Seattle, Washington confirmed that the smokeless e-cigarette is included in the ban, and users would have to adhere to the 25-foot restriction. The perception that someone could be violating the guideline was enough of a concern to restrict the e-cigarette, even though the individual is not producing cigarette smoke.

An e-cigarette user, Dan Tavano, said “That’s pretty stupid if Starbucks wants to run off everyone who smokes.”

Daniel Pruitt, another e-cigarette user, voiced his concern on the matter.

"Some of the most hardcore coffee drinkers are smokers and Starbucks may potentially lose them as customers."

Smokers trying to accommodate society’s attitude towards smoking by embracing new technology that’s less invasive, appear to have been dealt a setback.