Archive · 24 May 2025
Kolkata's Cafe Culture Faces Challenge: Smoke vs. Family-Friendly
In Kolkata, cafes are dealing with whether to allow smoking.
Some cafes want to be family-friendly, but many customers enjoy smoking with their coffee.
The city has a strong smoking culture, making it a challenge to change.
Some people want designated smoking areas to protect non-smokers.
Cafe owners are split; some tried banning smoking, but it didn't work.
The success hinges on how well cafes manage smoking areas, including proper ventilation and respecting both smokers and non-smokers.
Kolkata cafes are grappling with the integration of smoking and family-friendly environments.
A national cafe chain is implementing designated smoking areas.
Kolkata leads Indian metros in tobacco use.
Some cafe patrons feel smoking is deeply tied to their social 'adda' culture.
Proper infrastructure and consideration are vital for managing smoking areas.
- Who
- Cafe owners, customers, and city residents
- What
- Debate over smoking in cafes
- When
- Ongoing, with recent developments in cafe policies
- Where
- Kolkata
- Why
- Balancing smoking culture with the desire for family-friendly environments and respecting the comfort of all patrons.
Supporters of the Existing Smoking Culture
Advocates for Smoke-Free or Designated Zones
Smoking in Cafes
Supporters of the Existing Smoking Culture
The current culture integrates smoking with coffee; removing it could disrupt social norms.
Advocates for Smoke-Free or Designated Zones
Smokers require designated spaces, proper infrastructure, and consideration for non-smokers.
- City with high tobacco use
- Kolkata leads Indian metros in tobacco use
- Smokers' increase
- 44% of smokers increased cigarette intake in 2-3 years
- Cafe revenue from smokers
- Smokers bring in approximately 5% of revenue