Approaching someone who is smoking in a smokefree area
can be daunting.
Below are some tips to help you ask them to stop without a
confrontation.
1 - Keep calm
Take some deep breaths and, whether you agree or disagree with
smoking, try to detach yourself from your point of view. Be
understanding to the smoker and not aggressive in what you say. Try
something like, “I understand you like to smoke.”
2 - Communicate your situation
Express your point of view. Tell them it is against the law for
them to smoke here, or, if it is an extended part of your company’s
policy, that this is a smokefree area.
3 - Suggest a solution
Tell them where they can go to continue smoking. This may be an
outside smoking shelter or somewhere else outside the building.
4 - Consider the consequences
Think about what would happen if the situation is not resolved.
Explain this to the smoker. For example, you may have to call your
manager in to help, you may have to refuse them further service or
ask them to leave altogether. If they are refusing to move, call
your manager. If they continue to ignore your request, or if they
become violent at any time, call the police.
When the smoker puts out the cigarette, thank him or her.
It is important to be calm and positive in your approach. You
are not rejecting the smoker, just the smoke.
For more information contact
our Food and Safety
team.
