As the city gears up to stub those cancer sticks before getting into public spaces, the custodians of those public spaces (read restaurateurs and five-star hotels) are already beginning to rue the fact that the balance sheets are not likely to tilt in their favour come October 2. And for smokers who like to dangle it like James Dean did, it means tons of exercise stepping out every time they want to light up.

Although the collective voice of hoteliers and restaurateurs agrees with the ban, there are whispers of anxiety. AD Singh, of the upscale restaurant Olive, says, “There are no two ways about implementing the ruling. We will abide by whatever the government says. At the same time, I feel that a total ban on smoking in public places is a bit too drastic. In dining areas cigarette smoke can be pretty irritating. In the bar, on the other hand, it’s part of the experience. I have been a non-smoker throughout but in the last one year I have begun to smoke cigars. Along with some music they just help me unwind. But I won’t be able to do that any more. And I wonder why.” At Indigo in Colaba, the rule will be enforced strictly too. That means no more lighting up the Cuban Cohiba at their Cigar Lounge.

At Café Mondegar, where many a pub-purist wafts through smoke clouds to get anywhere, there are no signs of a no-smoke makeover yet. Owner Hoshang Yezgardi says, “Last year we converted the A/C section into a no-smoking zone. We haven’t heard anything from the government yet but we will implement the ban across the property once we do.”

An off-shoot of the ban is a steep dip in the business. “Needless to say, it will affect us quite significantly. For many, not smoking will translate to not go out,” says Singh.

Business in bars will slow down to a trickle. “There’s recession everywhere. It’s about time we were hit too,” says Yezgardi.

Although standalone restaurants and clubs have not heard from the government yet, five-star hotels have already begun de-smoking their premises to address the smoldering issue. At Trident, Nariman Point, special signage will be put up amongst other things. “Besides, the areas that were originally smoking need to be cleared of the smoke smell and the smoke particles using ionisers. A separate area is being created for staff members, which needs to have separate ventilation as per government guidelines,” says Devendra Bharma, executive vice president, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Mumbai.

At JW Marriott (where the trendy nightspot Enigma will be a no-smoke zone too) the management feels that at some level, they will have to appease the smokers too. “We have a smoking area available for them to smoke in the open as well as smoking rooms for in-house guests,” says Kanika Hasrat, director of rooms, at the Mumbai property.