In several organisations, there are unofficial smoking zones despite the ban on smoking in workplaces. In many, ironically, these zones also display the ‘No Smoking Area – Smoking here is an offence' sign prominently.
Someone in the top rungs of one such organisation notes that since there are several smokers in the company — and exiting the premises to smoke and return would entail a lot of time — the unofficial smoking areas (on the staircase, behind the building, etc.) help. He contends that they are harmless, as long as they are located away from non-smokers.
There are others who note that by law, no one should smoke within the premises. Implemented stringently, such a ban could bring down smoking — active and passive — they contend.
What do you think? Should ‘unofficial' smoking areas be allowed in workplaces? Why? Write in, in less than 200 words. The best responses will get published.
Keywords: unofficial smoking zones, ban on smoking, workplaces