Smokefree trial wins over cafe crowds

A trial of smokefree outdoor dining at a group of Christchurch cafes has been an overwhelming success, with 18 cafes that completed the trial choosing to continue with their smokefree status.

Feedback from the Fresh Air Project – a six month trial where 18 Christchurch cafes made their outdoor dining areas smoke-free – shows over 95 percent of customers supported the idea.

Cancer Society spokesperson Martin Witt said as well as benefiting customers, the trial had also been great for businesses. He announced the results on the eve of World Smokefree day.

Feedback showed that 72 per cent of respondents said they were more likely to visit the venue again because their outdoor area was smokefree. No venue had reported a decrease in customers.

Merivale Coffee Culture owner Glenn Rewi says customers have enjoyed the smokefree outdoor dining trial, and his cafe will remain smokefree.

"The results show that customers love being able to enjoy their coffee or meal in a completely smokefree environment. We thought that most Cantabrians would support smokefree outdoor dining, but even we’ve been surprised how much appetite there is for it.”

“Happy customers mean happy cafes. It’s telling that all of the eighteen venues that completed the pilot have chosen to stay completely smokefree,” Mr Witt said.

Merivale Coffee Culture owner Glenn Rewi said in six months only a handful of customers had raised the issue with him, and the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.

“We are continuing on with it for sure. I think more people would be upset now if we went back to a smoking area.

“One of the reasons we started this trial was because I was sick of cleaning up cigarette butts. For our staff, it’s pretty unpleasant sweeping up butts every morning and emptying ash trays, so they’re definitely a lot happier, and so are the customers.”

Christchurch City Councillor Glenn Livingstone said the results sent a clear signal that people want more smokefree places.

“Looking ahead, I want our new city to be a really liveable city, attractive to all who live here, work here or visit. My hope is that more and more hospitality venues will see that being totally smokefree is a really positive move, both for their business, their customers and for our city,” Cr Livingstone said.