The ban in public smoking has disappointed many smokers due to the fact that they cannot smoke freely in pubs, clubs, working places, and hotels. Considering the ban, a smoking shelter is a welcome relief to the smokers as it allows them to smoke freely without putting the public at risk of the dangerous fumes. A smoking shelter is an specific area for the smokers to gather and light up. The fumes from the smoke are diverted away from the public exposure.
The smoking shelters are usually located outside the offices, pubs, hotels. They are supposed to have not more than 50% wall area. Made of strong materials, these shelters protect the public from fumes and enable the smokers to light up their cigarettes without restriction. The smoking shelter is constructed in such a way that the smoke is not released into the public space or the office.
The advantage of smoking shelters is that they protect public completely from secondhand smoke. Studies show the exposure to secondhand smoke can result in respiratory problems, heart problems, and several other health risks. Hence, smoking shelters prevents the smokers from smoking at a public space and saves others from the risk.
The other benefit of smoking shelter is that it prevents fire accidents caused by carelessly tossed away cigarette butts. As smokers crush the butts in the trash bins present in the smoking shelters, the risk of fire accidents is reduced.
Smoking shelters come in various designs and materials. Some of them can accommodate 5-8 people while others are small and can accommodate 2 to 3 people. A smoker can enter the smoking shelter, have a quick smoke and continue with his normal routine without disturbing other people. Offices, hotels, pubs are the places where installing a smoking shelter would be ideal.
Even though it may be argued that smoking shelters encourage smoking, they can protect the public. Some smokers may also dislike the idea of smoking at a specific place and reduce smoking. Smoking shelters have strict laws regarding their construction. To put up a smoking shelter, a planning permission would be required.
