Marie, 22, is a law student. A smoker since the age of 16, she has noticed the clientele at Paddy’s getting smaller. “I’m a regular on the Nice nightlife scene, and I mainly come to Paddy’s. The staff is friendly and there are good bands playing on stage. But ultimately, the lack of conviviality has been noticeable since the smoking ban. There are people constantly going in and out, which sort of creates a divide between smokers and non-smokers. It’s true that in terms of health, the air will be more breathable. But still, a cigarette with a beer is always more enjoyable than having to go outside every time to smoke.”
Mike, 25, a salesperson, is not at all in agreement with this law. “I don’t smoke, that’s a fact. But I don’t think it’s right to forbid others to smoke just because. They could just reintroduce the same system that bars and restaurants used before, a non-smoking area. Anyway, this law will harm nightclubs and pubs, that’s for sure. It’s always the same with the government. They pass laws without considering the consequences. At the end of the day, it’s always the same people who end up paying the price. I have only one example to mention, the owners of hookah bars, forced to shut down their businesses, even though their case is quite particular.”
Tara, 30, an accountant and an occasional smoker, is not unhappy with these measures taken by the state. “It’s true that previously, I liked smoking with a good glass of wine. But I appreciate the taste even more now. And what’s nice with this kind of club is that a system has been put in place so that clients who want to smoke can do so without any problem. When someone wants to go out to smoke, they get a stamp on their hand from the bouncer. That way, everyone is happy. Moreover, going outside provides opportunities to meet people you wouldn’t necessarily have the chance to inside the club.”
Hassan, 40, a business owner in construction, thinks this idea is excellent as it might encourage people to reduce their smoking or even quit entirely. “Personally, I think it’s a great initiative that the government has taken. My father died of lung cancer. He used to smoke nearly 2 packs a day. So, when I see these young people complaining while they should be glad that the health ministry is taking care of theirs, it enrages me. Business owners should just create smoking areas, like the one at Casino Ruhl, a real fishbowl. Anyway, I think this ‘transition’ will go smoothly. Look at Italy or Ireland; there are just as many customers as before. Everything is going well, and the air is much healthier and more pleasant without tobacco.”
