The smoking ban is not really a problem for bars like this one in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, as long as it's not raining.

Since a smoking ban in all public venues came into effect on July 1, owners of many entertainment spots have been howling over a decline in patronage and profits. Smokers also face the dilemma, either of walking out on all the fun to light up, or of having a nicotine fit.

Many bars and massage and mah-jong parlors were hit pretty hard by the ban in early July. The crisis has abated to some degree, as businesses grasp opportunities to attract new clientele. Kit Huang, owner of a massage parlor in Yau Ma Tei, is one entrepreneur who has seized the chance.

The parlor's client base had comprised mainly middle-aged male smokers. When the ban went into effect, business dropped about 20 per cent for about a week. Huang launched special early-bird discounts for housewives and the elderly and new aromatherapy and beauty treatments for office ladies.

"In the last week we've had quite a few female clients coming in during the day, mostly housewives with their siblings and friends. The boost hasn't made up for the drop in our male clients yet, but I'm confident that it will," Huang explained. "It's also a chance for us to step up advertising in the neighborhood."

Meanwhile, male visitors to the massage parlors are adapting to the idea of relaxation without puffing up plumes of smoke. Leung Ping-yin, a 49-year-old marketing manager, keeps up his weekly sauna and massage routine at a parlor in Kowloon Tong, where he enjoys the new VIP discounts.

"It's tough if you can't smoke when you're getting a foot massage. Sometimes it really hurts," he said with a laugh. "I'm okay with it though. The smoke-free environment is much healthier for the masseuses and a few of them have said they're happier at work. That's what the smoking ban is about, isn't it?"

Such thoughtfulness is harder to come by among bar and nightclub goers, some of whom still try to sneak a puff when staff are not around. Kalina Chow, manager of a bar in Sau Kei Wan, has had to deal with a handful of recalcitrant customers, especially older Caucasian tourists and mainlanders.

"They used to have such a good time smoking and drinking in bars in Hong Kong, when they came in for business trips or holidays," Chow remarked. "Some aren't accepting the ban yet, and I tell them they'd be responsible for the fine if an inspector turns up. They'd just smile and take their time to finish the cigarettes."

Inside, it's up to the customers to heed the ban. Edmond Tang

Despite a 30 per cent drop in customer traffic in the first half of July, Chow said business has been returning to normal. "My bar is on the ground level so the customers can go out for a quick smoke. They're getting used to it," she contended. "The local bar-goers have to find some place to go."

The ban is indeed a shock for many mainlanders who make regular visits to Hong Kong. Albert Zhang, a 32-year-old engineering manager, is rather annoyed at the quick trips in and out of bars during his nights out. It takes away the pleasure of clubbing in Hong Kong for him.

"I liked clubbing in Hong Kong because the clubs are cooler than those on the mainland. The smoking ban almost counts as bad services for me now," Zhang stressed. "The only upsides are some bars have extended their happy hours and ladies' nights, so I can hang around more often without worrying about the bill."

Young tourists from overseas seem generally accepting of the ban. Izumi Hanako, a Japanese tourist, believes the smoke-free venues will help improve Hong Kong's image as a civilized and efficient city, since many cosmopolitan cities adopted similar measures long ago.

Special promotions are on the top of agenda for many bars and clubs. Sharon Tam, owner of a private club in Tsuen Wan, is offering discounted membership fees to newcomers and special discounts to existing members. An extended wine list and new dessert menus are next.

"We've been thinking up new gimmicks like desserts from exotic locations, maybe wine tasting with guest music performances," she elaborated. "People who go to private clubs are those who want to have a cozy and quiet time with their friends. The smoking ban won't stop them from going to places they like."

In another segment of the entertainment spectrum, lovers of mah-jongg and tin kau feel much greater animosity toward the new regulation. Lam Yau-shan, a 51-year-old business owner, has stayed away from his favorite mah-jongg parlor since the smoking ban was enforced.

"It's impossible to not smoke when you're playing mah-jong. The smoking was part of the fun in the mah-jongg room, where we forgot about all the complaints of our wives and kids," Lam exclaimed. "In the last couple weeks I've only gone to friends' homes to play mah-jongg and it's not the same."

Leung Siu-ho, a cleaner at a mah-jongg establishment in Wan Chai, is worried about her job because the decline in customer traffic has been so marked. "These days many customers leave after a couple hours whereas they used to play all night," she observed. "My boss keeps complaining about it."

Mr Mok (unwilling to disclose his full name), owner of a mah-jong establishment in Tsuen Wan, shares the same sentiment. His business in July plunged by at least 40 per cent compared with last month. Mok is deeply pessimistic about his business prospects for the near future.

"You can't expect a mah-jong player to leave the table and go out for a smoke. Once they pause from the game they may not go back," he emphasized. "If my business stays bad for a couple more months, I'll have to lay off some staff, and I really don't want that to happen."

 

(HK Edition 08/01/2009 page3)