Lights Out

The Nationwide Smoking Ban Is One Big Step Towards a Healthier Philippines, but Is This Cold Turkey Approach Ailing Bars and Restaurants?
 

- Alyosha J. Robillos

 On July 23, 2017, the Philippines was placed under a nationwide smoking ban under Executive Order No. 26. Three months into the implementation, a number of restaurateurs are already finding it difficult to ignore the dip in their sales since the ban started. Are we likely to see these businesses going up in smoke any time soon?

“It’s something that customers need to get used to,” admits chef Francis Lim. “We aren’t the only ones who implemented the ban. I expect people to understand that it’s a nationwide thing.” According to Lim, the ban hit his BGC gastrobar Tipple & Slaw harder than Nav, a Thai restaurant in Kapitolyo, primarily because the former is a watering hole situated in one of the city’s most popular party districts. “People come here to drink, and sometimes this goes hand in hand with smoking.” Prior to the ban, customers were allowed to smoke inside the bar. For the first few weeks, Tipple & Slaw experienced a 30 percent decrease in customer turnout but has since regained its usual crowd.