The London-based pub company has defended its position, six months after it emerged JD Wetherspoon had banned the use of the products inside its venues.
Despite e-cigarettes being exempt from Smokefree Legislation, the pubco said it is often hard for customers and staff to tell the difference between a tobacco cigarette and an e-cigarette from a distance.
'Disconcerting'
Fuller’s Inns managing director Jonathan Swaine said: “Since the smoking ban, we have worked to ensure our pubs and hotels are now not only smoke and odour free, but are also, more than ever, welcoming and inviting places for all.
“For non-smoking customers, the sight of a customer using an electronic cigarette is disconcerting, especially as it’s often hard to tell the difference between a tobacco cigarette and an e-cigarette from distance, which causes added anxiety for our guests.
“In addition, asking our staff to monitor this puts added pressure on them, when they should be focusing on delivering engaging service and the best possible experience for our guests.
“Therefore, we took the decision sometime ago not to allow e-cigarettes to be used inside our managed pubs and hotels.”
Critical
A Fuller’s customer criticised the decision on Twitter: “Would Fullers like to explain why they have banned ecigs? As an ale drinker I shan’t buy any more.”
