Most eateries in the city display ‘No Smoking’ sign
KUCHING: A random survey at various food premises in the city centre following the official launch of the smoking ban yesterday found most of the operators and owners displaying the ‘ No Smoking’ sign.
However, one of them, who wished not to be named, said he was not aware of the new policy that encourages smokers to kick the habit.
“I don’t allow customers to smoke in my eatery, anyway. They can smoke elsewhere, just not in my eatery,” he said with a grin when met.
The food premises operator said he did not mind acquiring a standard ‘No Smoking’ sign to display at his outlet as soon as possible.
Sarawak Health Department has made it crystal clear that a standard warning sign comes with a size of 40x50cm, and that each food premises must have at least one of such display.
The operators of the other two eating outlets, which have yet to display the standard sign, said they had banned smoking way before the government enforced it.
‘ No Smoking’ signs could be seen in their premises but they were proud to declare that their customers had complied with their request all along.
Both of them said they would get themselves the standard warning sign sooner rather than later.
“We ‘enforced’ the smoking ban at least five years earlier than the government did. When we see customers about to light up, we show them the way out.
“We do not want to see children who patronise our outlet suffer from second-hand smoke. More importantly, we do not want cigarette butts thrown everywhere,” said one of them.
They said they would be more than happy to comply with the ‘ No Smoking’ sign display requirement.
“I will buy one standard sign for display one of these days. There is no way I want to be penalised,” said the other operator.
Under the smoking ban regulation, food premises operators who are found not displaying the 40x50cm ‘ No Smoking’ sign will be fined not more than RM3,000 or six months’ jail.
One coffee shop operator in Padungan here, who wished to be identified only as Chong, said a few individuals still smoked despite having three standard ‘No Smoking’ signs displayed in and outside the outlet.
He said he would remind regular customers not to smoke but not all of them would heed his advice.
“That’s regulars. But I won’t do it to others particularly those having tattoos. This morning (yesterday), I did observe that a few customers puffed some distance away.”
Chong, who has been in the industry since 2014, believed that the smoking ban would not affect his business.