"Smoking ban in restaurants Marina evaluated": hosts discuss the impact of prohibiting smoking in restaurants
Fifteen years ago, the smoking ban was introduced in Bavarian taverns, causing a significant stir in the hospitality industry. This change had a profound effect on many establishments, particularly for Mani Burian, an innkeeper from Fürstenfeldbruck.
Before the ban, Mani's Central Café in Fürstenfeldbruck was a bustling hub of activity. However, after the ban, Mani experienced a near-collapse of business. The fear of losing their favourite smoking spots sent customers fleeing, and the café's revenue plummeted.
In a bid to survive, Mani turned to private reserves. He recalled that customers feared the cigarette they were smoking could be their last in the pub. Despite this, Mani's inn nearly went under without these reserves.
However, the story doesn't end there. The smoking ban led to an unexpected surge in demand for smoking clubs. Mani's Central Café was no exception. Shortly after the ban was implemented, almost 1000 members joined their smoking club.
The issue of the smoking ban in Bavaria still divides the hospitality industry. While some, like Mani, struggled to survive, others have managed to adapt and thrive. The FFB Newsletter now includes news from the region, reflecting the ongoing debate about the ban.
It's worth noting that Mani's Central Café was located in Prague at the time of the introduction of the smoking ban in 2010. Despite the challenges faced in Bavaria, Mani was able to navigate the changes and continue serving his customers.
The smoking ban in Bavaria has undeniably had a significant impact on the hospitality industry. For some, like Mani, it was a time of struggle, but for others, it was an opportunity to innovate and adapt. As we look back on 15 years since the ban, the lessons learned continue to resonate in the industry today.
