Ashoka West End, Glasgow
The Ashoka West End in Glasgow, a member of the Harlequin Indian Restaurant group, has been operating for over 25 years.
It implemented its no-smoking policy back in November 2003, much to the delight of staff and customers.
The decision to go smoke-free was made by Nasreen Aksi, the manager, because she felt that it was important to accommodate all of her clients’ needs. The majority of the Ashoka’s clientele do not smoke; therefore introducing the policy was the best and easiest option.
In addition, Ms Aksi feels that she has a duty to care for the health of her staff who would have to inhale second-hand smoke and suffer the consequences later on in life.
Before the decision to go smokefree was made, careful consideration was given to the affect it would have on her staff and clientele and they carried out an in-house survey to help make their final decision.
Signs are posted on all of the restaurant walls demonstrating that the Ashoka advocates a no-smoking policy.
Customers and staff warmly welcomed Ms Aksi’s decision to go smoke free. Smokers and non-smokers alike have commented on how the air is cleaner and fresher.
Ms Aksi believes the smoke-free policy is a “win-win situation”. The policy allows everyone the freedom to breathe easy and the smoke-free policy has not had much affect on business, in fact, sales have gone up. Customers are also able to enjoy the cuisine and atmosphere because the smell of smoke does not detract from the aromas.
To those worried having such a policy, Ms Aksi advises: “Providing a healthy environment to sit in as part of the hospitality industry is important. The policy does not impact business profitability but impacts on peoples’ lives, therefore we should do something about it and implement the no-smoking policy now.”