The purpose of the smoking ban in the catering industry is to give employees the opportunity to have a smoke-free workplace. The smoking ban in the catering industry was introduced in 2008. The exception are the “small cafes” without staff, where smoking is allowed, provided the owner agrees. In other cases, the owner risks a hefty fine. This article is about the introduction and arguments for and against the smoking ban in the catering industry.
Exception for smoking ban for small cafes
The so-called small cafés with a maximum plot area of 70 m2 may escape. The Rutte cabinet wants to lift the smoking ban in small cafes. The Council of State still has to consider this draft decision. Some owners of (small) sole proprietorships went to court in 2009 with a request to abolish the smoking ban in small cafés. Due to a lack of space, they saw no options to set up a separate smoking area.
Smoking ban in catering establishments
The smoking ban remains in force in other catering establishments, such as restaurants, discos, cafes and sports canteens. Air quality in the hospitality industry has improved and smokers have made more successful attempts to quit their smoking addiction.
Fines for violating smoking ban
The fines for violating the smoking ban in the catering industry will increase significantly. The Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport announced this in January 2011. The current fines do not have an insufficient deterrent effect. Sometimes the smoking ban is openly violated. In addition, small cafés without staff are already exempt from the smoking ban in the catering industry.
Arguments for a smoking ban in catering establishments
- Smoking is bad for your health because cigarettes contain harmful substances that can cause diseases such as cancer. Second-hand smoke has the same effect.
- Smokers have the right to a smoke-free workplace
- As for the smoking ban in restaurants, it spoils your appetite if the person sitting next to you smokes.
- The odor nuisance caused by smoking
- Quit smoking: people who want to quit smoking are no longer tempted when they go out for a night.
Arguments against smoking ban in catering industry
- Smoking is fun, a habit. With the introduction of the smoking ban, a certain group of smokers stays at home, under the motto ,it is allowed there,.
- Another argument against the introduction of the smoking ban is that catering staff know that they may have to deal with cigarette smoke. That’s part of their job.
- The smoking ban means that many people no longer go to entertainment venues and restaurants. If fewer people come, this will lead to a decrease in turnover. The owner is then forced to dismiss staff. Job loss is the result.
- Café owners are perfectly capable of regulating the smoking ban