Grinders Stubs Out Smoking: Ash-less Wednesday

Iain Shaw | Feb 23, 2011 12:00 pm | 7 comments | 2437 reads

Shuangjing sandwich-and-beer bar Grinders is banning smoking - for at least one day a week. Starting tonight (Feb 23), Grinders owner Trevor Metz is stubbing out China's third-most popular pastime for what he calls Ash-less Wednesdays.

Metz says: "People are free to smoke outside, and as the weather warms up that will become a little less burdensome. I am a non-smoker myself and the thing I hate about this industry the most is all the smoke in the air. I would love to be a smoke free establishment but that is pretty much impossible. Still, one day a week is a start and gives people who don't want to reek like cigarettes after a night out an option. It could really hurt my business, but I think one day a week is a good way to test the waters of a smoke free environment."

A fully enforced smoking ban in public places still seems a long way off - anyone remember the "smoking ban" that was introduced in spring 2008? As we reported here, the Health Bureau did recently announce its intention for all indoor public spaces to be smoke-free by late 2015 - of course, few details were given about how this will be achieved.

Personally, I think Trevor is being a bit draconian.*

*Actually, I think it's a good idea and applaud Grinders for trying it out. I've just always wanted to write "draconian."

Comments

New comments are displayed first.

Comments

Grinders's picture Grinders Submitted by Guest on Thu, 02/24/2011 - 11:59

Hey guys,

In case anyone is interested, the first night of Ash-less Wednesday went pretty well. I don't think anyone really came in because it was non-smoking but the people that did come in didn't seem to mind. Only two people left when we told them there was no smoking. Many of my regulars that smoke stayed away but all and all people seemed OK with it. It was very nice not having my clothes smell like smoke at the end of the night. Cheers!

Trevor

Esmash's picture Esmash Submitted by Guest on Wed, 02/23/2011 - 13:46

"I would love to be a smoke free establishment but that is pretty much impossible."

How is it impossible? I would assume a good portion of Grinders' customers come from parts of the United States/Europe/UK/Australia/Canada, all areas where there are often no-smoking laws in effect. I can't imagine this idea is all that shocking to customers.

Heck, even North Carolina, home to a large number of international tobacco companies, has a ban on indoor restaurant and bar smoking.

Validate your mobile phone number to post comments.