In North Carolina, tobacco has been the #1 cash crop and top industry for many years. The phrase “Tobacco is King” is not just an expression of industrial standing, but has been a way of thinking. Despite this, several of our larger cities have banned smoking in public places. Recently, the (N.C.) Governor’s Task Force on Health and Safety issued a list of recommendations for North Carolina to aspire to attain by the year 2000. One of the top 10 goals was the elimination of smoking in public places. This was a bold step for a state with a subservient and substantial industrial interest in tobacco.
After witnessing the trend toward smoke-free areas and facilities, we decided to make the 35,000-sq. ft. base lodge of Appalachian Ski Mountain a smoke-free building. This was easily accomplished by posting a few decals on doors entering our base lodge.
Response to this decision has been overwhelmingly positive and appreciative. We have found that no-smoking policies have not only become accepted, but also expected by many smokers.
These are a few of the windfalls of our new policy:
- Most importantly, a healthier, more enjoyable recreational facility and workplace for our guests and staff.
- A greatly reduced risk of fire.
- No cigarette butts in urinals.
- No ashcans or ashtrays to clean at the end of the day.
- No cigarette burns on our tablecloths and carpets.
Our industry studies have shown that clean, fresh, mountain air is one of the attractions of skiing. Don’t we owe our guests the same clean air in the lodge that they enjoy on the mountain?
The EPA has recently issued a report declaring second-hand smoke a health hazard, and OSHA is now beginning a study on the quality of indoor air in the workplace.
Let’s eliminate smoking in our ski facilities. This is an idea whose time has come. I challenge my fellow ski area owners and managers to take the lead.
