To smoke or not to smoke

I was skeptical about whether a smoking ban could really be imposed in restaurants. Although being a non-smoker myself, this development was welcome news to me. My skepticism was misplaced because up to this day I have to pinch myself just to make sure I’m not dreaming when I enter a restaurant since smoking has truly become a no-no.

At last, I’m finally able to breathe smoke-free air. So far, so good. I am sure that it’s just a matter of time before smokers finally get used to walking out of a restaurant before they light up.

RIKKI DEE, restaurateur behind Dish, W, Kai, Osake, Krokodile Grillery, Mangan, Ebun, Kitchen and Chin’s Empress: The ban is good and bad. Good for my resto business coz it’s finally smoke-free but bad for my bar business because majority of our guests there are smokers. But generally speaking, I think it’s a great idea that restos and bars be required to have a well-equipped designated smoking area.

INO MANALO, director, Metropolitan Museum: It‘s a smoky issue. It’s hard to tell where smokers’ rights end and where non- smokers’ rights begin. I don’t like people who smoke in public places. Why should I get cancer from someone else’s vice?

JR ISAAC: TV host, ANC Live and events planner: I think we should be given a choice where we can and should not smoke. Smoking in bars and clubs should be allowed. Perhaps there should be a choice between going to a smoking or non-smoking bar.

DENNIS LUSTICO, fashion designer: It doesn’t make a difference. Smokers will always find a place to light up and non-smokers have no way out of becoming victims of second-hand smokers. If the objective is to protect non-smokers, then they might as well ban the manufacture and importation of cigarettes, this way they achieve their purpose and at the same time solve the problem.

RAUL MANZANO, investment banker: Although I’m a smoker, I am all for the ban because the rights of non-smokers should be respected, too. Smokers also have the option of going outside the restaurant if they want to smoke anyway.

ANTHONY YUPANGCO, chef/Domani International, Inc. manager: I have mixed feelings. I am not affected because I am a closet smoker, but those who do like to smoke also have rights. Restaurants must provide a smoking cabin where guests can smoke especially after a hearty meal. This smoking cabin must meet proper ventilation and air circulation guidelines.

ROSEMARIE ARENAS, socialite, philanthropist: The smoking ban in restaurants is long overdue. People go to restaurants for nourishment and smoking is definitely harmful to one’s health. SHEILA ROMERO, CEO, Azzurro and Spargo: I don’t smoke so I appreciate the new law. However, business wise I think that it will eventually affect the sales of most restaurants. To address the concern, Azzurro established a separate enclosed area for smokers. But, the interpretation of the ordinance has gray areas which should be cleared i.e. not being allowed to smoke outside the restaurant and even on the streets.

JOSEPHINE KNOX, socialite: I am in favor of the smoking ban in restaurants. The smoke bothers my eyes – this plus the smell of cigarettes burning definitely detracts from the overall ambience and from a pleasant gastronomic experience.

WYNN WYNN ONG, jewelry designer: I can understand why it’s being imposed. It’s indisputable that second-hand smoke affects one’s health. I didn’t smoke when my children were growing up; I disliked having smoke blown in my face then. The ban is perfectly acceptable as long as both smokers and non-smokers have places to exercise their individual rights. I still don’t smoke in public but I do enjoy a cigarette after a great meal or over a cup of coffee with close friends who smoke.