Every year, approximately 450,000 people die of an illness related to their smoking. But smokers are not the only ones whose health can suffer. Breathing secondhand smoke can be a hazard to your health and the health of children. This is why smoking should be made illegal in all restaurants.

The more often you’re around secondhand smoke, the greater your risk for health problems. Second-hand smoke contains hundreds of chemicals, approximately 43 of which are known carcinogens. Second-hand smoke is actually considered to be more toxic than the smoke inhaled directly by smokers. This is because the smoke particles are smaller and are inhaled deeper into the lungs. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a non-smoker can inhale 10 times more toxic compounds than a smoker. Levels of second-hand smoke are about two to thr

So why become a smoke-free restaurant? People with asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems will become more loyal patrons. There will be fewer sick leaves caused by exposure to secondhand smoke. Furniture lasts longer, there won’t be anymore burn holes in tablecloths, carpeting, or booths. Smokers won’t stick around and linger after meals, thus causing a faster table turnover resulting in quicker seating. Also, you will never have to buy or clean ashtrays again. It may be easier to obtain insurance, since insurance companies look more favorably on smoke-free restaurants. And no more complaints about the drifting smoke, or an employee having to work in the smoking section.

Smoking bans in New York City and Massachusetts also did not witness negative effects on their overall sales. Although there were initial fears from restaurant owners, the ban on smoking has actually resulted in an increase of revenue as well as business. Based on sales receipts from restaurants in New York City, researchers found that sales have actually risen two percent since January of 1995, when the ban first went into effect. The studies show there was no negative effect on job growth or income as well.

Some restaurants are worried that making smoking illegal in their own restaurant will decrease their business. However, smoke-free restaurants are universally mandated in the state of California, and they have done studies that show restaurant laws did not affect the restaurant business.

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