Untitled by Doun Dounell via Flickr.
Naturally the announcement has been received with mixed reactions by the smokers and non-smokers everywhere, with the usual cries of outrage and how this will be the "end of Starbucks".
First of all, I'd like to praise Starbucks Philippines for taking a corporate stand on this health concern. Yes, the outside seating of the stores are not officially part of the coverage of RA 9211 or the MMDA campaign. But as a private company, Starbucks Philippines is free to determine how their stores should operate and what is and is not allowed, including smoking.
By supporting the no-smoking campaign, they'll open up their outside seats to non-smokers who want to enjoy being outside thus better utilizing their available seats versus before. True coffee fans who also smoke will still possibly pass by a Starbucks and order their drinks to go and consume them at their leisure at a non-smoking location. If you're really big on coffee (and not just looking for a smoking area that's convenient), then I'm sure the people who go for Starbucks are the same ones who don't necessarily appreciate the differences in flavor when compared to other specialty coffee shops.
As for the people who will be most affected by this policy change, it'll mean them looking for alternative smoking tambayan (hang-out) instead of wasting Starbucks' time and giving their crew a lot more to clean up in terms of cigarette ash.
Three, it'll help set Starbucks apart. Talk about a strong branding campaign. Would you rather go to a coffee shop that just focuses on celebrating coffee or do you want a store with a cloud of cigarette smoke in front of every store?
Four, it really is healthier, and if the MMDA push triggers more actions like this, expect local governments to jump on the bandwagon and pass more ordinances regulating where you can and cannot smoke within their areas of jurisdiction. In the US smoking in public locations is a lot more regulated than it is here. I expect this trend to continue as we become more and more focused on preserving public health and discouraging people from smoking instead of celebrating it all the time.
This year I promised myself that I would not pay for any specialty coffee as part of an effort to save money, enjoy home-brewed coffee more and avoid the smoking areas associate with the stores. While I'm not about to totally go against this promise to myself, at the very least the occasional trip to Starbucks might not seem as bad once the new policy is in effect.
The Geeky Guide supports you, Starbucks Philippines! Don't give in to perceived public pressure to keep those smoking areas and make a firm stand! That's real social responsibility and one should never turn your back on that kind of a noble initiative.
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