New York Chefs Say No to E-cigarettes

While electronic cigarettes have seen a tenfold rise in sales over the last year, U.K. Daily Mail reports that many owners of New York’s most exclusive restaurants are not as enthusiastic about the recent trend. Smoking in restaurants has long been banned across the United States, but e-cigarettes present a new set of issues for chefs and […]

A Guest or a Tenant…that is the question!

In the lodging area, a guest can be classified as being either a transient guest i.e., a customer who rents property for a relatively short period of time with no intent of establishing permanent residency, or a tenant who rents real property for an extended period of time with the intent of establishing permanent residency. […]

Scalded by Coffee: New Perspectives on an Infamous Lawsuit

The “McDonald’s coffee lawsuit” made national headlines in 1992 after Stella Liebeck spilled scalding coffee in her lap while removing the lid and decided to sue the corporation for damages. Years later, perspective lends new angles to this often-mocked story. Was Liebeck’s suit legitimate? And what does this still mean for restauranteurs and hospitality professionals […]

A Safe Night Out: Things to Avoid When Serving Alcohol

While it can be difficult as an alcoholic beverage server or bartender to determine how much is too much for your patrons, it is absolutely essential to pay attention. When it comes to legal compliance for restaurants and the potential for lawsuits, there are several things to avoid when serving alcohol.  For many young adults, […]

4 Best Practices for Food and Beverage Operators

I’ve been noticing some trends in the feedback I hear from those in the food and beverage industry and the customers they serve. The operators know what works, and the customers know what they like. If you’re involved in the food and beverage business, I encourage you to review and consider the following best practices:  In […]

Smoke Drift in the Home and Workplace

ntroduction Smoking in all indoor workplaces and public places has been prohibited across the UK since July 2007 but domestic premises are generally exempt from the smokefree law. The smokefree law has helped to change attitudes towards smoking: around 8 out of 10 people support the legislation, including the majority of people who smoke. Although […]

Third-hand tobacco smoke threatens child health

Third-hand smoke is a problem even in the homes of non-smokers, say scientists researching the level of carcinogenic tobacco compounds found in house dust. This is the first time actual measurements of third hand smoke have been used to understand the cancer risk posed just by coming into contact with tobacco compounds in your environment. […]

Many Changes in Cigarette Consumption Since the 1960s, But Still a Way to Go

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the first surgeon general’s announcement linking smoking to lung cancer in men. Smoking was common in the 1960’s, and even lauded for its health benefits. After this report, and years of subsequent research, the public opinion of smoking has changed, but there is still work to be done. […]

Major Cruise Lines Tighten Smoking Regulations

Some of the most popular cruise lines have recently changed their smoking policies to cut down on secondhand smoke. Disney banned smoking on all balconies on November 15th. Other lines have imposed similar rules. Cunard Line, MSC Cruises, P & O Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Seabourn have also announced stricter smoking policies for public […]

Indianapolis Event Potential Increases After Announcement of Smoking Ban

Organizations seeking venues for events often pass on Indianapolis because of the city’s poor air quality. Indianapolis has allowed smoking in bars, taxis, and hotel rooms for some time, but on June 1, 2012, the city passed a ban on indoor public smoking in these areas to improve air quality for visitors. Not only did […]