Reasons that Smoking is Bad for Business

For years, no one thought much about smoking in bars, restaurants and other business establishments. Especially in bars and restaurants, smoke was not only allowed, but also considered a right of the patrons. Smokers smoked. Those who did not, inhaled and ignored. Once health concerns regarding tobacco surfaced, however, smoking in public places was first restricted, banned completely in many establishments and then banned legally by many states.

Haze

• Smoked-filled business establishments make it difficult to see, to think and even to breathe. Smoke saturates clothes, hair, purses and anything else carried or worn that absorbs, leaving a person smelling of smoke long after a meeting or luncheon ends. While old or left-over tobacco has a stale odor, newly released tobacco has different underlying odors depending upon the tobacco used. It can even have a sweet or tart odor. Neither the casual customer nor the business person in an expensive suit wishes to leave a business establishment reeking of smoke.

Health Concerns

• With health a primary concern for both individuals and families, a smoke-filled establishment serves as a warning that the business is not a healthy place to enter. The health consequences of smoke exposure include migraines, a decrease in the senses of smell and taste, and respiratory problems. Those with breathing problems such as asthma and/or a sensitivity to smoke do not wish to subject themselves to a business establishment that might trigger an attack. Additionally, no business wants to open itself up to bad publicity or lawsuits due to a customer having a reaction while in the establishment. Furthermore, for a business establishment that allows smoking, any item purchased or taken from the business will hold the odor of the smoke and may continue to cause health problems.

Temptation

• Smoking is bad for business, because former smokers and those seeking to quit will avoid business establishments that allow smoking in order to cater to their customers who do smoke. A smoker who is quitting or a smoker who has quit finds staying smoke-free difficult enough without being enticed by the sights and smells of a smoke-filled environment.

Families

• Most individuals know that smoking is not healthy and that inhaling even second-hand smoke can be seriously harmful. To that end, parents often avoid taking their families to businesses that allow smoking. Smoking reduces much of an establishment's business when families avoid the business both to protect their families and to set an example.

Costs

• Smoking is bad for business because there is a cost for allowing staff and customers to smoke. Allowing staff to smoke costs business time lost in smoking breaks and in time off for staff with smoking-related illnesses. Allowing customers to smoke means losing business from those who prefer not to subject themselves to second-hand smoke. Staff and customer cigarette butts and ashes can cause damage to tablecloths, chair coverings and carpeting, as well as burn damage to furnishings. Smoke residue coats an establishment's walls and ceilings, making cleaning difficult and constant. Smoking causes cleaning, and furniture replacement and repair costs.