Even though a smoking ban in restaurants has been implemented long ago, many restaurants in Hanoi are reluctant to be too strict with customers.
Workshop on smoking ban at restaurants
The issue was discussed at the workshop held by HealthBridge Organisation and Hoan Kiem District People's Committee on May 27. Ngo Thi Thanh Huong, head of Hoan Kiem Department of Health said the district had 323 hotels and over 3,000 restaurants, food facilities. But only 35% were really keen to implement the smoking ban. Most restaurants said smoking was a personal choice of their customers and they were also worried about displeasing them. The restaurants don't have no smoking areas or if they had, there were no designated no smoking sign.
"They also do not make it a rule among the staff," Huong said.
Meanwhile, an owner of a restaurant said they had strict rules about smoking. Staff would be fined VND200,000 (USD9) to VND500,000 if smoking indoor. They also put the signs at prime locations but the customers still smoked anyway. They have faced various troubles while persuading people.
"We don't have punishment for customers and don't want to refuse them our services. We hope to get help from the authorities and community," the representative said.
World Health Organisation representative Pham Thi Quynh Nga said restaurants should be tougher as a recent survey done by HealthBridge showed that 82% of customers approved of a smoking ban. Experiences show that restaurants won't lose customers if they are determined to carry out no smoking policy, in fact, they are given even more support from other customers.
"First, restaurants must have no smoking signs. Then 60% of their job is done. The second step is to train their staff on persuading skills. Dealing with difficult people is another matter and can be done depending on the situation," she said. "Everyone knows the harmful effects of smoking and inhaling other people's smoke. It is estimated that for ten people died because of tobacco, one died from passive smoking."
She went on to say that customers must protect themselves by asking staff to remind indoor smokers of the rules and even refuse to use the services if the problem is not solved.
Ngo Thi Thanh Huong, head of Hoan Kiem Department of Health, said they would ask the restaurants to sign commitments with locality authorities and build suitable punishments.
According to the law on prevention and control of tobacco harms, smokers inside restaurants will be fined VND100,000 to VND300,000. Restaurant owners who fail to follow the law will be fined VND3-5m. In reality, few people have been fined. The Ministry of Health carried out an inspection on 100 hotels and restaurants from November to December 2015 but only fined five facilities.
