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Starbucks bans smoking within 25 feet of stores in US and Canada Starbucks bans smoking within 25 feet of stores in US and Canada
(4 months later)
Coffee and cigarettes used to be an inseparable pairing; like wine and cheese or pancakes and syrup.Coffee and cigarettes used to be an inseparable pairing; like wine and cheese or pancakes and syrup.
But now, according to a new rule by mega-cafe chain Starbucks, the two won't even be allowed to be seen in the same vicinity.But now, according to a new rule by mega-cafe chain Starbucks, the two won't even be allowed to be seen in the same vicinity.
From Saturday the company has banned smokers from lighting up a cigarette within 25 feet of its most of its storefronts in America and Canada, setting a new standard for consumer culture's crackdown on smoking. The rule will only apply at stores where leases permit such restrictions.From Saturday the company has banned smokers from lighting up a cigarette within 25 feet of its most of its storefronts in America and Canada, setting a new standard for consumer culture's crackdown on smoking. The rule will only apply at stores where leases permit such restrictions.
Though indoor smoking bans are common place in much of America – and frequently welcomed by non-smoking patrons of restaurants and bars – the extension of a ban to large areas of outdoor space is unusual. The move is expected to impact around 7,000 stores.Though indoor smoking bans are common place in much of America – and frequently welcomed by non-smoking patrons of restaurants and bars – the extension of a ban to large areas of outdoor space is unusual. The move is expected to impact around 7,000 stores.
A Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement: "We take seriously our responsibility to provide all customers a safe, healthy environment that is consistent across our company-owned stores. We sincerely thank all customers for their support and cooperation."A Starbucks spokesperson said in a statement: "We take seriously our responsibility to provide all customers a safe, healthy environment that is consistent across our company-owned stores. We sincerely thank all customers for their support and cooperation."
In recent years smoking in America has been in retreat on all fronts. More than a thousand cities, counties – and several entire states – now ban smoking indoors in businesses and public buildings. That move has gradually also covered outdoor space, including some 800 university campuses.In recent years smoking in America has been in retreat on all fronts. More than a thousand cities, counties – and several entire states – now ban smoking indoors in businesses and public buildings. That move has gradually also covered outdoor space, including some 800 university campuses.
In New York, efforts to stamp out smoking have extended to prohibitions in parks and beaches. Earlier this year, city mayor Michael Bloomberg sought to ban displays in stores. Instead buyers would have to ask for shopkeepers to delve below the counter or into closed cabinets to get their fix.In New York, efforts to stamp out smoking have extended to prohibitions in parks and beaches. Earlier this year, city mayor Michael Bloomberg sought to ban displays in stores. Instead buyers would have to ask for shopkeepers to delve below the counter or into closed cabinets to get their fix.
In such an environment, Starbucks' move is not expected to cause much in the way of controversy. America's increasingly beleaguered smokers have long been used to being shunted away from the general populace.In such an environment, Starbucks' move is not expected to cause much in the way of controversy. America's increasingly beleaguered smokers have long been used to being shunted away from the general populace.
But it may finally put pay to the old image of the cafe intellectual, dragging on a cigarette while pondering life's great questions.But it may finally put pay to the old image of the cafe intellectual, dragging on a cigarette while pondering life's great questions.
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