A WEEK after the smoking ban came into force, some eatery operators have reported a drop in regular clientele by between 10% and 15%, while earnings from the sale of cigarettes have also taken a hit.

Some operators are slowing down on restocking their shelves with new cigarette packs while others have decided to clear stock and halt sales completely.

The Bintang Sidewalk Cafe in Shah Alam made around RM500 a month just from selling cigarettes but stopped restocking its shelves at the end of last year to discourage patrons from smoking at its premises, said owner Yasir Arafat Abdul Wahid, 31.

“Fewer customers dine here now, especially at night,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Some patrons complained about not being able to smoke on the premises, he said.

“Some got angry when we stopped selling cigarettes and there were those who were unhappy when we told them not to smoke even if they were seated outside.”

The shelf behind the cashier where various brands of cigarettes used to be displayed is now empty. Instead, a “No Smoking” poster reminds patrons of the ban.

“Yes, we have to face losses in sales. I think we have also lost 15% of our customers,” said Yasir, who runs the cafe owned by his family for the last 12 years.

Restoran Fawwaz, a mamak outlet in Subang Jaya, has also seen a drop in the number of customers since the smoking ban at all eateries was imposed from January 1.

The owner, who would only give his first name Fawwaz, said the drop in the number of customers in the first week of the new year was noticeable after running the outlet for 20 years.

“We have lost at least 10% of our customers. Fewer people come here for breakfast,” said Fawwaz. 

The shop still sells cigarettes but has reduced its stock. The supplier used to come twice a week but only came once this week as sales barely moved.

As a result, food and beverage sales have also been affected.

“Sometimes our customers buy two packs (of cigarettes) and then leave without ordering anything. Usually they would stay (to eat).

“Now they buy cigarettes elsewhere.”

Restaurant operators voiced concerns last year that the smoking ban would affect business.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, however, remained firm, saying the ministry would not compromise on public health.

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said then patrons may now smoke at restaurants provided that they are 3m from the premises. 

A smoker, who only gave his surname, Ng said the distance requirement would lead to more smokers littering the public space.

The 33-year-old woman said it was better for the government to allow outlets to provide a separate area or zone for smokers with ashtrays.

“Sometimes people choose those places just because they can smoke after eating, rather than littering the roadside.

“You cannot completely eradicate smoking, so why not just provide (alternative) places and we will go there to smoke.”

Smoker Eugene Ho, however, praised the ban and said he is willing to adapt.

“When I first heard about it, I didn’t think it was quite necessary. But when I thought about it, it is actually good for the public, especially non-smokers.

“I just have to adapt to it. My smoking habit should not affect another person’s health.”

Patrons caught smoking at eateries can be fined a maximum RM10,000 or jailed up to two years, while restaurant operators who do not put up no-smoking signs can be fined not more than RM3,000 or jailed up to six months.

However, Sabah and Sarawak have yet to impose the ban as they await the decision of their state cabinets. – January 10, 2019.