FAQ's About Smoke-Free Restaurants

What about installing a ventilation system?
According to the Surgeon General’s latest report, eliminating smoking in indoor spaces is the only way to fully protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke. Separating smokers from non smokers, cleaning the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposure of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke. There is no risk-free level of exposure to secondhand smoke!

If I implement a smoke-free policy, will I lose business?
Studies show that restaurants that go smoke-free do not tend to lose business due to their new policies. Some studies even show restaurants increasing business after such a change. For any type of business, most people support businesses that adopt a policy such as this in the interest of the health of their employees (and customers), especially when smoke-free workplaces have become so common nationwide.

If I implement a smoke-free policy, will I lose employees?
Most of your employees will probably appreciate the fact that you are adopting this policy in the interest of their health. While your smoking employees may be frustrated at no longer being able to smoke at work, it is unlikely that you will lose any employees over this decision, especially if you offer cessation services for your smoking employees who want to quit.  According to the latest Surgeon General’s report, establishing smoke-free workplaces is the only way to ensure that secondhand smoke exposure does not occur in the workplace.

What about separate work areas for smokers and nonsmokers?
Putting smokers in separate work areas does not protect the nonsmokers from secondhand smoke. Smoke drifts from area to area and is circulated throughout the building by the air handling system. Furthermore, allowing smokers to smoke in their separate work area would still create a dangerous place for any nonsmoking staff (including the maintenance staff) to visit. According to the recent Surgeon General’s report, separating smokers from nonsmokers cannot eliminate exposures of nonsmokers to secondhand smoke.

Advocates of smoke-free restaurants cite studies that show a positive impact on business. The opponents say the studies show a negative impact. Who should I believe?
The Tobacco Control Journal published a summary review in 2003 where three researchers independently looked at 97 studies that had made statements on the economic impact of smoke-free hospitality venues. They found that smoke-free restaurant and bar laws had no impact, or a positive impact, on sales and employment. The researchers also found that all the studies that had concluded a loss of jobs and profits following smoke-free legislation had been supported by the tobacco industry.

Is it the government’s role to regulate smoking?
Most people agree that where there is a public health hazard, it is the role of the government to help mitigate the risk. This is why there are health inspections of restaurants and there is a law that requires those who handle food to wash their hands. We have laws against driving while intoxicated. Much like smoking, these are personal behavior choices but when the risk of harm to the public is apparent, it is imperative that laws are in place to protect the public over the rights of an individual.