28.Apr.2008 HospitalityLawyer Hospitality Law: Barth’s NonSmoking Challenge to Industry Gains Momentum – More and More Businesses Realize Benefits of Going Non-Smoking Everyday

Read Barth’s NonSmoking Challenge to the Industry

Beijing announced on Friday that it would ban smoking in time for the Olympics.  The ban would cover most public buildings.  According to the USAToday article, “restaurants, bars, and hotels can still allow smoking but must provide smoke-free areas or rooms.”  In a city where “23% of those above age 15 smoke,” one restaurant preempted the ban and went smoke free last week.  The restaurateur already reports improved business and customer satisfaction.

Mexico City also has recently banned smoking in all public areas.  Read the blog post here.

Sheraton Hotels recently announced a smoke-free policy.

Choice Hotels’ Comfort Suites brand is also 100% smoke free.

Atlantic City recently closed a loophole in its state’s smoking ban, which allowed smoking in gambling halls.  According to the Associated Press article, casino employees supported the initiative, wearing T-shirts with the slogan “Nobody deserves to work in an ashtray” emblazoned across the front.

Isn’t it time your business supported a smoke-free policy as well?