Smoking shelters built to last

Smoking shelters offer a number of solutions for a business or organization with a large number of smokers. This solution can actually meet the needs of non-smokers and maintenance crews alike and make all groups happy. Which is not something easily accomplished in today's society.

First of all, it's inevitable that a certain percentage of employees or customers will enjoy smoking. Experts estimate about 20% of the adult population in the US are regular smokers.

The big question is, where are these people going to go? They certainly can't smoke in an office, store, bar or restaurant. If they are going to be forced outside in the wind, sleet, rain and snow, wouldn't it be nice if they had a protected place to go?

The answer?  A smoking shelter - a simple enclosed structure with a roof and glass or Plexiglas sides. Providing any hideaway from the elements will certainly be welcomed by smokers. (These structures can also be used for bus shelters).

Bus shelters with dome roof

Smoking shelters also offer a benefit to non-smokers. Because the shelter will be a natural draw for smokers, they will not be congregating where non-smokers like to hang out. That eliminates any complaints or concerns about second-hand smoke.

In addition, a business owner can locate the smoking shelters in an area of their choosing. This way they can steer odors and noise where they want them to go on the premises and away from entrance ways and windows, for example.

This is great for restaurants, bars, shopping malls, universities or other public places where you want to control visitor traffic and destinations. No one wants a bunch of smokers hanging out at an entrance to a store or office building. Give smokers a place to hang out.

Smoking shelters can cut down on litter

Another huge consideration and benefit of smoking shelters is litter. According to Keep America Beautiful, cigarette butts are the No. 1 source of litter. Most people might not think this. But think about how this happens. Cigarettes can easily be flicked to the ground. Many smokers mistakenly think the remains just deteriorate. But they don't. Piled up, discarded cigarettes can cause an unsightly mess.

With smoking shelters, you can provide outdoor ashtrays or a smokers pole to deter littering. Most smokers are responsible and will use these cigarette receptacles. Keep America Beautiful research shows the closer the trash receptacles are to people, the more likely they will be used. This move will be appreciated by your maintenance crew. It's one very simple way to keep your property cleaner.

Adding smoking shelters to a location is not a big deal. Many of these products come in easy-to-assemble pieces. They can literally be erected in a day with just two people. (Be sure to check with the local building department in some cases).

As a site manager, if you have smokers on your property, adding smoking shelters is an easy decision to make. Give smokers a protected place to smoke and you will make several groups of people much happier.

Note: Now that vaping has become the next big thing, it's important to consider adding smoking shelters for these people as well. You don't want a bunch of wet, angry vapers to be stomping on your office carpets.

To see cigarette litter facts from Keep America Beautiful.