CBIZ INNKEEPERS INSURANCE BLOG

Insights and liability tips on how to protect your inn or bed & breakfast, giving you and your guests peace of mind.

Ward, Hayden
/ Categories: BLOG Articles

Cutting Costs at Your Inn by Going Smoke-free

No smoking sign at inn

Did you know that making your inn smoke-free can help you save money? More than half of U.S. states are covered by a law that prohibits smoking in public places. For those who are not covered by these laws, following suit is often still economically advantageous. Going smoke-free at your inn protects your employees’ health, improves productivity, reduces insurance premiums, lowers maintenance expenses, reduces absenteeism and can even make customers happier. It often makes good business sense to run a smoke-free establishment, no matter what local laws mandate.

Worker Health

Long-term exposure to secondhand smoke has been shown to lead to sicknesses and disabilities such as rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis, and other respiratory and heart problems that result in costly workers’ compensation claims. Eliminating smoke in the workplace minimizes your inn’s risk.

Experience with the passage of smoke-free laws in several states demonstrates that hospitality workers’ health improves dramatically in the absence of smoke. After the smoke-free law in New York State went into effect, the number of hospitality workers who experienced morning coughs dropped by 46 percent. Healthier workers mean higher productivity and fewer sick days.

Smoking Effects on Business

According to a summary of studies assessing the economic impact of smoke-free policies in the hospitality industry compiled by the VicHealth Centre for Tobacco Control, 47 of 49 major studies showed no negative economic impact from the introduction of smoke-free policies. Your profits won’t be going up in smoke by switching your policy. Many of your customers will appreciate the switch. With today’s increasing number of smoke-free establishments, consumers are used to the idea, and many expect it.

Lower Insurance Premiums

Allowing smoking in your establishment increases your risk of fire, workers’ compensation, medical and liability claims. When you prohibit smoking, you are decreasing your risk. As a result, you’ll see the difference in your insurance premium.

How Do I Do It?

Prohibiting smoking at your bed and breakfast is simple:

  • Create a clear written policy prohibiting smoking on the premises by both employees and patrons, distribute it and communicate it with employees.
  • Display a notice to patrons prohibiting smoking.
  • Include all areas of your facility, plus outdoor patios or terraces.
  • Enforce your policy. Present an alternative location where patrons can smoke.

Breathe Easy With CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance

The economic and reputational benefits of going smoke-free are undeniable. You’ll cut costs while reducing risk and boosting customer satisfaction. For more business safety guidance and innkeeper insurance solutions, connect with a member of our team.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

Print
7111 Rate this article:
No rating

CBIZ_Innkeepers-Insurance-Program_logo

 

885.945.5221 | [email protected] 

700 W 47th Street, Suite 1100 |
Kansas City, MO 64112 

Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (CST)

ABOUT US

CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance, a division of CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc., is the largest insurer of innkeeper businesses in the United States. As part of an $850 million New York Stock Exchange traded company (CBZ), we developed a specific policy coverage to meet the needs for inns and bed & breakfasts, and the amenities offered by these businesses. Our policy is underwritten by an A.M. Best Rated A++ (Superior) company.

The CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance team knows insurance, specifically the risks and exposures related to beds & breakfasts. We won't confuse you with technical "insurance speak" — our representatives will explain your coverage in simple terms. With hands-on, personal customer service, we guarantee swift communication. As specialists in the industry, we leverage our knowledge and passion to ensure you and your inn are protected.

EXPLORE

COVERAGE
BLOG
ABOUT US
CONTACT US

GET A QUOTE

PROUD MEMBER OF

Association of Lodging Professionals Logo.

EXCLUSIVELY ENDORSED BY

Select Registry Endorsement logo.