In an informal survey, we discovered the average visit of a non-smoker to a sit-down, full-service restaurant was 35 minutes or less. Our smoking friends tell us they love to have a cigarette right after their meal and linger an extra 15 minutes enjoying their smoke. By eliminating a smoking section, restaurants see a quicker turn over of tables, leading to increased revenue.

We have noted that at almost all the restaurants we frequent, the hostess can seat us immediately if we agree to be seated in the smoking section. There is almost always a wait for the non-smoking section. Logically, we can say there is a higher demand for non-smoking seating.

We often hear restaurant guests complaining to their servers that smoke is wafting over from the smoking section and ruining their meal. Personally, we’ve never heard a person in the smoking section complain to a waitress that the clean air from the non-smoking section is ruining their dining experience.

Smoke-free restaurants are seeing a shorter waiting period for their guests, no complaints from patrons concerning smoke, a greater turnover of tables, and a reduction in unhealthy work environment for their employees.

No one is asking smokers to give up their habit. If a restaurant goes smoke free, the smoking patrons have to put their addiction on hold for 35 minutes or less. Then go outside to enjoy that post-meal smoke. Our friends who smoke say it is a courtesy they are willing to exercise.

If every restaurant were smoke free, those who smoke and enjoy fine food wouldn’t hold out long before they are back in their favorite eateries. And there will be plenty of non-smokers to take up the slack.

Mike and Sharon Hartz

Bowling Green