Vape Lounge – What is it in Vaping?
Definition
A Vape Lounge is a dedicated social space—similar to a café or bar—where adults can gather to vape, sample new Juice“>vape juice flavours, and share knowledge. Staff (often called “vape sommeliers”) provide device support, coil-building help, and flavour recommendations. Unlike retail shops, the primary purpose is comfortable, communal vaping rather than sales, though most lounges still stock hardware and e-liquid. They serve as community hubs for both smokers transitioning to vapes and experienced enthusiasts chasing bigger vapour clouds.
Technical Details
Most lounges are fitted with commercial-grade ventilation rated at 10–15 air changes per hour to keep vapour from lingering. Tables offer built-in USB-C and 510 charging ports, plus Wattage (VW)”>Variable Wattage (VW) and Variable Voltage (VV) power stations so guests can test devices at 5–200 W safely. Seating zones are zoned by nicotine strength (0 mg, low 3–6 mg, high 12–20 mg) to prevent accidental throat-hit surprises. Some premium lounges add ultrasonic cleaners for rebuildables, laser engraving rigs for custom mods, and lockable humidified “juice lockers” that store e-liquid at 18–22 °C. BYO juice bars charge a small “wicking fee” to cover cotton and coil wear.
Usage & Tips
- Ask before blowing large clouds; not every guest wants a face-full of vapour.
- Bring a spare set of batteries in cases—lounge power stations can be busy on Friday nights.
- Use the provided drip-mats to keep tables sticky-free; spills destroy high-end VW mods.
- If you experience dry hits, request fresh cotton from staff instead of cranking VV higher.
- Respect Australian nicotine prescription laws: lounges can’t sell nicotine juice, only assist with mixing 0 mg flavours.
History & Context
The first Australian Vape Lounge opened in Melbourne’s Fitzroy in 2010 as a reaction to indoor smoking bans. When federal nicotine restrictions tightened in 2021, lounges pivoted to education, coil-building workshops, and zero-nic flavour tasting flights, cementing their role as harm-reduction community centres rather than simple retail add-ons.