AFC Telford stubbing out e-smokers in stand
Smokers have been given permission to use electronic cigarettes at AFC Telford's New Bucks Head stadium – but only in the ground's smoking area.
The club is the latest in a long line of organisations to restrict the use of the e-cigarette, which is described by its makers as a healthier alternative to normal cigarettes.
Shrewsbury Town has completely banned them from the Greenhous Meadow.
JD Wetherspoon has banned their use in its pubs and Premier League clubs Manchester City and Chelsea have also banned them, along with numerous shopping centres.
AFC Telford bosses say they have tried to appease fans whether they are smokers or non-smokers.
Lee Carter, chairman of the Blue Square Premier side, said: "I must state smoking e-cigarettes is not banned in the stadium. We have a designated area in the East Terrace for smokers of normal cigarettes and e-cigarettes to go.
"We are trying to treat everybody the same whilst limiting offence. The use of e-cigarettes can put people off who do not smoke so we have prohibited it from certain areas."
The New Bucks Head is one of only a few stadiums in the country where fans are allowed to smoke normal cigarettes while watching the game in the designated area.
Alan Roberts, safety officer at Shrewsbury Town, said the club completely banned the use of them just before Christmas.
"It occurred when visiting fans or fans who sit in different stands look over into the next stand and see people smoking the e-cigarette, and think they are normal cigarettes so they light up themselves. Banning them takes away any confusion that may arise."
