Starbucks Bans Smoking Nationwide

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In a move to comply with the new Smoking Ordinance Republic Act Section 5, No. 9211, effective on June 27, 2011, a Monday, Starbucks stores all over the Philippines will be smoke-free. That means there’ll be no more smoking areas at any Starbucks store. Yes, they will be imposing a no-smoking policy at their branches nationwide.

Checking the Facebook page of Starbucks Philippines, you’d see a mix of reactions from smokers and non-smokers alike. Most smokers are mad because they can no longer hang out at Starbucks to puff a ciggy or two. A ton of avid Starbucks customers though, smoking and non-smoking, showed their support towards this move.

I shamefully admit that my smoking habits returned. Yes, I’ve been smoking again for months now. And I know I must stop this immediately ‘cause this nasty habit is not really doing anything good to me. With that said, I’ll be sharing my opinion on this move by Starbucks banning smoking at their stores as a smoker and one of their frap lovers.

I completely support Starbucks in their move to ban smoking at their stores. Why? Because, c’mon. Smoking is BAD for our health. And Starbucks is actually a place for coffee lovers, not for smokers.

I see a lot of families or kids hanging out with their parents at Starbucks and I can only imagine how much all the smoke around them could endanger their health. Remember that secondhand smoke is actually more fatal than what the smoker inhales. I wouldn’t want to encourage anyone, even my worst enemy, to start smoking. Really.

I love Starbucks’ Frappuccinos, especially Java Chips and Mocha. So I definitely will go back for their coffee.

If I still want to smoke, I don’t really need to go too far as to need ATV accessories just to find a place where they’d allow me to smoke my lungs out.

Some may say how hypocritical of me to be saying all these. But, let’s get real here. Though I’m a smoker, someone who quit for over a year and got sucked back in a few months ago, I know the health risks of smoking. I’m just too hardheaded to listen, you see, like most smokers out there. And I wouldn’t want to affect people around me so it’s truly a good move for Starbucks to ban smoking at their stores.

Yeah, non-supporters of this decision may say they didn’t really have to do that since there’s no indication on the ordinance that stores like theirs should follow suit. But, it’s a truly bold move and I believe it’s for the good and health of their loyal customers. It’ll definitely ward off those who only hang out at Starbucks to smoke. *LOL*

Now, will they lose sales and loyal customers over this decision? That’s a completely different story. Some may argue that they don’t want anyone to tell them when they should stop smoking that’s why they’re mad at Starbucks for that decision. But, in all honesty, those smokers are just fooling themselves. It’s just another lousy excuse to continue smoking. Trust me, I’VE BEEN THERE.

I don’t think Starbucks’ competition will be banning smoking at their stores anytime soon. I’m sure they’ll be taking advantage of this situation.

How about you? What do you think of this big move by Starbucks?

Image credit: Smoke-Free Coffee