For those of you that own or are opening a new food business in a non-smoking state you don’t have much to think about, but for those in states without a ban yet this can be a tough decision. If you are like me this isn’t much of a debate. I hate smoking and don’t believe smoke free sections work if they are in the same building as smoking sections.

Those that want to allow smoking in their restaurants use the argument that they will lose business without it and smokers will simply go to a smoking establishment instead of there place of business. This sounds like a good argument on the surface.

Those that run smoke free restaurants know that it only increases business as it brings in more families and offers the 80% of the population that doesn’t smoke a clean and healthy place to eat.

My state banned smoking in all restaurants a few years ago and I can tell you that I have never enjoyed eating out more. With the clean air I can enjoy the food and I don’t leave smelling like I just left a bar. Now, when I do eat in smoking states the experience is not pleasant and it makes me appreciate smoke-free restaurants even more.

Eventually every state and every region in North America will be smoke free. It is only a matter of time. So why not open your new business as a smoke free establishment. If you happen to be in a smoking area you will attract all those non smokers that appreciate a place that cares about their health and comfort.