Smoke Signals!
When you see either of these signs on the door of a
restaurant, be prepared for an increased level of tobacco smoke. It is not
likely that the tobacco experts who developed them expect smoking to
decrease because of their presence.
The Accommodation and Peaceful Coexistence programs are marketing plans (or
ploys, depending on your perspective) developed by Philip Morris, the
worlds' largest cigarette manufacturer, and R.J. Reynolds, of cartoon Joe
Camel fame.
They want smokers to feel free to light up at the dinner
table, and they want nonsmokers to be more tolerant of them when they do.
Importantly, they want restaurant operators to provide the facilities and
permission to light up, and some have agreed to do it. Have they really
thought this out? We don't think so.
For participating restaurants, it will likely achieve the industry's goal;
it cannot help but increase the level of cigarette smoking in the dining
areas. And while this may benefit the cigarette manufacturer, it can do
nothing but harm to employees working the smoking sections.
The worst thing that could happen to participating restaurants, is for
these programs to work!
What if it does increase smoking and the number of smokers? What will
happen to the nonsmoking clientele who represent 75% of the marketplace?
What will happen to the health risks of the wait staff and managers who
must bear the brunt of the effects? What will happen to your profits?
We can only hope that restaurant operators see this as a ploy to increase
the profits of the tobacco industry, all at the expense of restaurant
profits.
These are not silver bullet programs which bring smokers and nonsmokers
together. If anything, they will make things worse by encouraging smokers
to light up when they otherwise wouldn't have. The restaurateur cannot win
under these circumstances.
This as a clear attempt by an industry under increased
public scrutiny to reverse the nationwide trend in smoke-free restaurants.
These signs are a clear insult to nonsmokers who do not disperse toxic
chemicals into the air, yet are expected to tolerate those who do. Let
restaurant operators know your feelings about these signs and your
preference for smoke-free dining!
