uk bat.com - Public place smoking

Air filtration systems offer a less expensive alternative to built-in air ventilation

We know many people don’t want to breathe second-hand smoke, dislike the smell of tobacco smoke and avoid smoky places. That’s why we support restrictions on smoking in indoor public places including offices, restaurants and bars.

A few countries have adopted strong measures, banning all indoor smoking in work and public places. We believe these go too far. There are ways to reduce the smoke but not banish smokers – and not leave people who smoke feeling discriminated against.

We believe that governments, employers, the hospitality industry, the tobacco industry, consumers and others can work together on practical initiatives. These include providing separate smoking and non-smoking areas and ventilation to reduce involuntary exposure to second-hand smoke.

Air filtration systems can also make a room more comfortable, although they too cannot completely remove the smoke.  They do offer a relatively inexpensive alternative where built-in fresh air ventilation systems are less feasible, perhaps because of the size and complexity of a building.

For example, in Rome’s Fiumicino airport, British American Tobacco has provided comfortable enclosed smoking lounges with air filtration to demonstrate what can be done.  Feedback from smokers has been very good.

Many of our companies also support a Respecting Choices campaign which aims to help the hospitality industry accommodate all its customers in restaurants, convention centres, cafes, bars, clubs and hotels, and involves technical analysis of ventilation and owners allocating flexible smoking and non-smoking areas.

Read our views on second-hand smoke and health.