Eatery owners opposed to total smoking ban, proposes win-win solution

KUANTAN (Dec 17): A win-win solution is being called for by Pahang eatery owners, who are opposed to a total smoking ban at all open-air outlets.

The Star quoted Kuantan Cafe, Hotel and Restaurant Association chairman Sin Thin Sang describing the move as too extreme. The move, he said, would unfairly burden business owners with fines and inconveniences.

The solution proposed is to allow designated smoking areas within the business premises, which would allow the interests of all parties to be protected.

“The government proposed this without seeking a win-win solution to protect both non-smokers and smokers in our eateries.

“We have workable solutions adopted in other countries with similar open eating places and hope the government will hear us.

“If the government will listen to our suggestions, we are willing to compromise,” Sin was quoted as saying at a press conference.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye previously announced the smoking ban in all restaurants, coffeeshops and hawker centres nationwide, including open-air eateries, starting next year.

A fine of RM10,000 would be imposed upon individuals who were caught smoking in the designated areas, and eateries that fail to enforce the ban may be fined RM2,500.

The daily reports that Sin called the fine for eateries unfair, and moved the burden of enforcement upon the eateries.

“What if we tell customers not to smoke but they refuse to listen? The government cannot expect us to get into fights with our customers over this,” he said.

Sin noted that illegal cigarettes were rife, which showed a lack of effectiveness in the methods emplyed by the Health Ministry in dealing with the smoking problem.

“Even with the price increase of cigarettes, the number of smokers are not decreasing. They may be getting their cigarettes from illegal sources.

“Would it not be more effective to eradicate illegal cigarettes so that smokers will give up the habit? Why is the Health Ministry not issuing summonses to those smoking illegal cigarettes but holding us honest business owners liable for failing to stop someone from smoking in our shops,” he said.

Also present, representing some 500 owners of Pahang eateries were Temerloh Coffee Shopkeepers’ Association chairman Foo Kok Chuan and Lipis, Raub and Jerantut Coffee Shopkeepers’ Association president Kong Swee Pin.