Star of India, Aurora: Tobacco Smoke Destroys the Dining Pleasure

I feel that our diners and staff should be focusing their attention on the fine food and beverages that our restaurant provides, rather than be distracted by the unsavory smell of tobacco smoke.  A good restaurant is more than just cuisine - it is an atmosphere.  Tobacco smoke destroys the pleasure of dining for nonsmokers.

We became smoke-free in part because most customers don't smoke, and the impact is good - a better profitability model.  We want to see a smoke-free standard because cigarette butts look ugly; there is enough pollution in the air, and it affects the health of the workers.

I hope my fellow restaurant owners will look at this issue carefully and move toward protecting all employees, workers and management from tobacco smoke pollution.

—Paul Gill, Owner, Star of India, Aurora