Summer of sport: beware vape bans

From the Olympics to the Euros to two cricket world cups, the summer of 2024 is set to be a bumper season for sport.

However, if you’re planning on travelling abroad to watch your favourite sport, you’ll need to be aware of national and regional laws on vaping.

Here’s what you need to know:

Paris Olympics - France

Smoking and vaping is not permitted at any Paris 2024 venues except in the designated areas provided.

The French parliament recently voted unanimously for a blanket ban on disposable vapes. However, the law still needs to go through government approval and backing by the European Union (EU).

If both approve the bill, the government said it hopes the ban will be effective by September 2024 - so not in time for the Olympics.

Euros football - Germany

Vaping is strictly forbidden in all of the stadiums where the Euros 2024 games are taking place.

You could face being thrown out of the stadium as well as a hefty fine if you are caught vaping inside the stadium.

Cricket world cups - USA & Bangladesh

The men's cricket world cup will be held in the USA, which has varying vaping laws depending on the state you’re visiting.

For example, vaping is banned in restaurants in Florida but allowed in bars in some localities, such as Miami. Vaping fines vary from $50 up to $500 (€46 to €460) depending on the state.

Meanwhile, the women's cricket world cup will be held in Bangladesh, which has strict rules on vaping. Any vaping, with or without nicotine, is strictly prohibited, regardless of the kind of product and the place. If you are caught vaping, you could be fined Tk 5,000 (€40).

Athletics European Championships - Italy

Vapes are legal in Italy, both to buy and to use. However, they are banned in all enclosed spaces.

Also some areas including Veneto and Sardinia are completely smoke-free (including vapes). If you break these rules, you will face a fine ranging from €27.50 up to €550.

Tour De France

While we’ve already covered France, the Tour De France actually begins in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, where disposable vapes with flavours are banned.

However, it is still legal to buy nicotine-free, tobacco flavoured disposable vapes.

US Open - New York

The US Open will be held in New York City. As above, be mindful that vaping laws vary across America. In New York, the use of vapes is banned in all places where smoking is not allowed. This includes residential common areas, restaurants, sports arenas and workplaces.

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Summer of sport: beware vape bans

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