E-Cig Users to Restaurant Owners: Invite us inside!
The days of smoking sections in restaurants and ash trays on the tables are coming to an end. As the number of states banning smoking in public restaurants reaches 271 and numerous localities adopt the practice, restaurant and club owners are having a harder time keeping smokers in their venues.
Introducing the E-Cigarette
So what’s the solution?
Maybe it’s time you met the electronic cigarette. As the e-cig revolution continues to sweep the nation (the e-cig industry is expected to near 1 billion in revenue by 20142), it’s becoming increasingly harder to ignore these no offensive odor, no smoke alternatives. And with still only a limited number of restaurants and bars positively catering to the e-cig “vaper,” restaurants that do say “yes” could experience a huge differentiator
Saying ‘Yes’ to E-Cigarettes in the Restaurant
The truth is that many restaurant owners are taking a non-committal stance on the e-cig. They are either turning a blind eye, or ignorantly lumping them into the same category as traditional tobacco products.
This attitude may result in a giant missed opportunity. Many e-cig vapers are former smokers of traditional cigarettes. And they have come to expect the stigma this creates. For years, tobacco smokers have been forced to the periphery: They have been told to go outside to the sidewalk, or forced to huddle in corners as the conversation continues just out of their reach. In short, as former smokers of traditional cigarettes, vapers are used to being viewed as the dregs of society.
Inviting Vapers Indoors
Now, think about the restaurant that does welcome vapers. It does not have to be any grand gesture – Maybe a simple sign that says “Vapers Welcome.” Or, maybe just not kicking them out of your restaurant the minute you see the faint blue glow.
The positive potential is enormous. Not only would the restaurant attract vapers. It would create an environment that is open and accepting. Non-smokers would no longer have to wait for their smoker friend to go for a smoke break. Patrons of the restaurant will be able to enjoy their meals without smoke engulfing them. And the owners would no longer have to kick their guests to the sidewalk.
Increased Sales?
Better Yet, by allowing – or even encouraging – e-cigarettes at the bar or restaurant, owners could be looking at increased sales. Without having to go outside or leave for a smoke break, patrons are more likely to order that next drink or gobble up an extra appetizer. And in a competitive climate such as the food industry, having that leg up over the competition can be the difference between burgeoning success and failure.
E-cigarettes are sweeping the market as word-of-mouth advertisement pushes them throughout the country. Their no smoke, no ash, no offensive flexibility is attracting many new users who don’t to be hampered by smoking restrictions. Allowing e-cigarettes in restaurants could be the next industry revolution, and you don’t want to miss out.
References:
1: http://www.stateoftobaccocontrol.org/state-grades/state-rankings/smokefree-air-laws.html
2: http://www.stevevape.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/E-Cigs-A-Promising-Opportunity.pdf
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