Gets In Your Eyes

In a way, it's weird. I had been to countries where smoking is much more an everyday thing than it is here in the Netherlands. Ten years ago, I would have told you with conviction that we'd be among the first to put a ban on smoking in restaurants. And yet, we don't have one yet, whereas countries such as Britain, Ireland, Italy, Belgium and France do.

What's more, the ban that is supposed to become effective on 1st July, is still under heavy fire from both the smokers lobby and the national association of café and restaurant owners. The latest and greatest is that smaller businesses are "not ready" yet to introduce the ban. Not ready! How "ready" does one need to be? It's not like all matter of equipment is required, is it? Basically, what you do is take the ashtrays off the table, isn't it?

What they mean, of course, is that they haven't found a means yet of keeping nicotine addicts on board. We're talking common fear of losing business. And why? It's quite clear that no such thing has occurred in several countries that have preceded ours. Smokers will joyfully step outside to light up and if there are major problems, I have not heard about them.

Especially the restaurant owners' attitude is one I cannot understand. They obviously have not realized the huge business potential of a smoke-free environment for diners. I, for one, would choose a non-smoking restaurant over a place where everything comes with smoke sauce anytime. And thick sauce it is, for few smokers realize what every non-smoker knows: that the sharp smell of smoke is everywhere the minute the first cigarette is lit in any restaurant room.

Now every restaurateur knows--or should know--that tasting food is more a matter of the nose than of the tongue. Imagine a theater owner who smilingly allows patrons to use their mobile phones during a concert or play. Why, then, are restaurateurs so eager to let part of the clientele ruin their product?

A colleague of mine once had dinner in the kitchen of a Dutch top restaurant (*** Michelin). Hardly seated, a number of the diners tossed fliptops and lighters onto the table, which prompted the kitchen staff not to admonishment, but to the placement of ashtrays. Surrealistic!

Well, the clock is ticking and guaranteed smoke-free eating will be around in just one month. In theory, at least. Oh, did I forget to mention? Nicotine addiction among Dutch chefs is unusually high...