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Smoke without fire... a cigarette that's legal indoors
Jonathan Prynn and Alex Stephens22.10.07
They are already a familiar nocturnal sight on the streets of London - huddles of windswept smokers lighting up outside pubs, clubs and bars.
Now one nightclub claims it has solved the problem, allowing smokers to get their fix without having to sneak outside in mid-conversation.
Celebrity hangout Chinawhite in Soho is trying out Britain's first "e-cig", a Chinese-made device that mimics the ritual of smoking but is claimed to be entirely legal indoors.
The six-inch white plastic stick uses a battery- powered atomiser to create realistic puffs of "smoke," while the tip glows red with each suck.
The smoker even gets a strong kick of nicotine from a "nico-filter" cartridge.
Its manufacturer, the Golden Dragon Group, say the invention has no harmful side-effects because there is no smoke or tar.
A £50 starter pack includes the cigarette, one filter and a recharger for the battery. The filter will provide enough nicotine for about 350 puffs, equivalent to about 30 cigarettes. Replacement packs of six filters cost £10 each.
John Stephen, co-founder of Chinawhite, said: "Clubs should move with the times and offer members the choice to smoke outside or enjoy a smoke-free cigarette indoors.
"We're trialling these e-cigs to see if our members like them and the few that have tried them say they are amazing. In my opinion, our members who do wish to smoke should be given options that don't simply force them to light up on the street."
It may be ingenious technology, but is it likely to take off with London's style conscious-club and bar-goers? We tested the e-cigs on smokers at Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill.
Nicole Cammack, 18, a student from Ashford, Middlesex, said: "I like it. I smoke every day and I miss not being able to drink and smoke on a night out. This is a good solution. It's elegant and easy to hold and it doesn't make your hands smell like a cigarette does. It's almost like a herbal cigarette or a shisha.
"I would definitely use it as an alternative. I want one."
Rex Newmark, 23, an executive chef from Hampstead, said: "It tastes like apple tobacco. It would certainly be a talking point - a new toy to impress your friends with. It's good and I enjoyed smoking it but I think it's a bit too feminine for a man to use.
"I think it could become popular. Smokers would do anything to have a cigarette at a table rather than go outside."
Phuong Nguyen, 25, a bar worker from Bethnal Green, believed the price could put some people off.
She said: "You can feel the nicotine and it gives you a good taste. In a club I'm sure it would be very successful. But £50 is a lot of money to pay for a gadget. I wouldn't pay that much."
Francisca Chinchilla, 35, bar manager at Beach Blanket Babylon in Notting Hill, would have reservations about allowing her customers to smoke the electronic cigarette indoors.
She said: "Although it clearly doesn't pollute like a cigarette, I think this would cause problems by blurring the boundaries and creating confusion.
"Because it looks quite real, other customers might see it as an open invitation to light up real cigarettes inside.
"Anyway, I think my customers are perfectly happy going outside to smoke. It's good for us because it creates a nice atmosphere outside the bar and it draws more people in."
HOW THE E-CIG WORKS
The e-cig is claimed to deliver a dose of nicotine equivalent to a strong nicotine patch.
However, the device has been criticised in China for containing 18mg of nicotine compared with 1.2mg for a typical cigarette.
The makers claim the comparison is unfair because it would take much longer to get through one filter than a cigarette.
Evening Standard columnist and GP Dr Mark Porter said: "If you use them correctly you're not getting any more nicotine than you would do from a normal cigarette, but you are not getting any of the other nasty chemicals.
"Because this device lights up like a cigarette, looks like one, handles like one and even tastes a bit like one, it can only perpetuate that habit, making it more difficult for smokers to take the final step in the process and wean themselves off nicotine altogether. I would not recommend it as a way of quitting."
Reader views (13)
I would like to also say i have now quit smoking using an ecig i purchased last year infact.. it only took me 3 months.. i now sell these due to finding them amazing and wanting others to quit.. some of my friends have benefited and i have to admit some havn't.. they went back to regualar cigs..so it doesn't work for everyone. I think some people would be embarrased to use these in public maybe.. my hope is these wonderful devices will become more sociably accepted..like the mobile phone did!!! If you havn't tried the ecig.. you will never know!
- Ecigmate, Bolton UK
If someone is in the bar using one of these and drinking a soft drink should they flounce round moaning that the people drinking alcohol should all quit? Does it mean alcohol should be banned as soft drinks are the answer?
No they are enjoying their 'vice' and the people drinking alcohol theirs. And as long as they do it responsibly and the effects of one persons actions do not impact on anothers health etc. then no problem. Both can drink themselves or smoke themselves to death at home and there are consiquences for their families. Regulation is necessary in public but it has to be based on facts and not prejudices.
I don't smoke but I am tired of the self-righteous preaching. I understand the smoking ban as that affected the health of others but if this does not burn or cause smoke and has no tar then why not? The smoking ban was in parts a valid one, but please don't feel you need to take another crusade up now your bored by picking one that isn't proven as a problem.
And to those who don't want to quit at least now you have an option to not stand out in the cold and wet.
If they tried to ban alcohol next then we'd see people swap sides in these arguments in droves.
Finally to Mr Smith in the first post. I hope you never have any condition that requires you to 'use your brains'. Hindsight is a wonderful thing for those smokers wanting to give up but if they have people with attitudes like yours supporting them then I fear there is no hope for them. Help don't hinder
- Jock, London, Uk
Ye gods, that's stupid. It's sad that you're so hooked that this is a valid alternative. Maybe thin people that like eating McDonalds should also shove $50 pillows down their shirts to give them the illusion that they're fat, so they can feel like they can join in. Smokers, use your brains - sheesh!
- John Smith, Australia
I've been smoking for more than 30 years. I considered giving smoking up, but I was too busy and overworked. Now I feel free. Well, sometimes I smoke a regular cigarette - not more than two or three a day but I do it only because I'm a bit stupid. E-cigarettes are efficient and they make me feel like smoking tobacco but without all the well known side effects. I am ready to quit smoking at all, however I know I will be using no-nicotine cartridges just for fun.
- Jozef Mieluch, Warsaw, Poland
i have seen these cigarettes are they all the same then as price varies massively from £19,99 to £39,99
- fred smith, england
I too have tried most of the quit smoking aids, the problem is as a 20 plus a day smoker for some 30 years, I can honestly say that I enjoy smoking. This said, I know the damage that I am doing to myself and others around me, and we are now truly outcasts. The development of these `e-cigs' is amazing, with the size now that of a normal cigarette. I`ve just purchased my starter pack and will be trying to give up the real thing for a safe option, as of tomorrow. I`ll let you know.
- John Wilkinson, Didcot, Oxon.
I think it is a brilliant way to compromise! I am so relieved that I can go out and enjoy evenings out at restaraunts, pubs, and for travelling too - railway stations, airports etc. I feel that I have got my freedom back!!
Would like to see them being sold in local tobacconists, tho' rather than or as well as the internet - reduce costs of p&p and if items are faulty.
- sue barrett, bognor regis west sussex uk
I thought I would try the electronic lighter, as I have tried all nicotine aids including acupunture For the passed 6yrs and none have worked for me! Yet I recieved this electronic yesterday and bingo it had immediate affect from 30 cigarettes too 5 cigarettes I would say that I have a good chance of being a non smoker.
Oh and just one more thing! I would love to see a pub / restraunt or cafe with a sign outside "Smokers only"
- Ruth Jason, Canterbury
I sell an electronic smoking device that is quite popular in Europe. My customers choose it more because the nicotine content can be varied in the cartridges rather than being able to use it public. Obviously these are smokers who recognise the potential for electronic cigarettes to help them quit.
- Jonathan, Norwich, UK
I don't want to give up smoking but I would use one of these as an alternative to smoking, so win win for me as I can go back to the local pub and start supporting the licensed trade again, as well as improve my health.
- Neil, Bristol
Looks similar to the Super Smoker I have been using recently, although the SS uses a recipe made in the EU which I am more inclined to trust. Strange reactions when I use it indoors in pubs but it is accepted and stops me going outside, which is great now we are heading into Winter!
- Jon, Weybridge - Surrey
I have a Nico Pipe, which uses the slogan "smoke without fire", just like your headline. At first I thought the piece would be about that. It's really nice looking and helped me to completely give up. It looks less dodgy and much funkier than the e thing. Mine is turquoise but I have seen them in other colours and you get them online.
- Caroline, London
Oh dear.
- Paulo, London UK
