Two friends having a rest in what’s now a smoke-free Kiev restaurant environment. Two months after the country-wide smoking ban went into effect in bars, cafes and restaurants, many say they welcome the change with open arms.
[Marina Petrovic, Restaurant Patron]:
“People who don’t smoke used to be put in some kind of framework, limitations. As a rule, the worst rooms were reserved for those who don’t smoke, in the corridor or somewhere less comfortable. But now even restaurants have benefited from the new law, because in the evening, as I saw, the number of visitors with children has gone up.”
Supporters of the ban hope the new law will cause smoking to decline in the country. And a study by activist coalition “For a Smoke-free Ukraine” shows that almost all the cafes, bars and restaurants have been observing the law.
[Yulia Solokha, “Life” Media Center Coordinator ]:
“Of the 508 cafes we monitored, we found 20 violations, which is 4% of the total number of cafes. Of 254 restaurants we found 16 violations – so that’s 6%. In 261 bars we found 20 infractions, representing 8%.”
But not everyone is so enthusiastic. Dmitry co-owns a restaurant where activists found violations. He argues the smoking ban has had a negative impact on his industry.
[Dmitry Dubas, Restaurant Co-owner]:
“My colleagues’ statistics: a 22% drop in attendance. I have to say that smoking remains a competitive advantage, at least for establishments frequented by my target audience.”
But activists argue the ban will eventually have a positive impact on the restaurant business.
[Andrey Skipalsky, Project Head, “Smoke-free Ukraine”]:
“In the experience of other countries, restaurateurs will benefit from this law. People eat more, there’s less need to spend money on cleaning, and employees are more satisfied, work better and are less sick.”
A country-wide smoking ban in Ukraine entered into force on 16 December 2012. According to the new law, smoking is prohibited not only in bars, restaurants and cafes, but also on playgrounds, bus stops and schools.
NTD, Kiev, Ukraine
For more news and videos visit ➡ http://english.ntdtv.com
Follow us on Twitter ➡ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision
Add us on Facebook ➡ http://on.fb.me/s5KV2C