Columbus Coffee making more cafes smoke-free inside and out

Columbus Coffee making more cafes smoke-free inside and out

This Sunday is World Smokefree day and the day yet another of Columbus Coffee’s 64 franchised cafes becomes fully smoke free inside and out. Columbus Ashburton is the first café in its area to become smoke free and the 27th in the Columbus group.

"When I was approached to become entirely smoke free as part of World Smokefree Day, it was a pretty easy decision." says Nigel Heney, owner of the Ashburton Store. "For my customers and staff it means a much healthier environment, particularly for the children who visit the cafe. But it also means our customers can enjoy our outdoor seating without needing to sit amongst smoke which can have a negative impact on their experience."

All 25 of Columbus Coffee’s cafes inside Mitre 10 Megas are fully smoke free, along with their Auckland Hospital store, and the national franchise is in discussion with all franchisees about making all of their cafes entirely smoke free. A move they say is part of a range of initiatives they’ve undertaken to deliver healthier customer experiences.

Columbus has 64 cafes throughout provincial and metropolitan New Zealand, and with such a nationwide presence realises it has a responsibility to think about the health of its customers. Nearly two years ago it launched a dietician and nutritionist approved range, and in a month will be launching another lifestyle range with refined sugar free, raw, and Paleo options.

"Healthier experiences are an issue of importance for all kiwi businesses, and we're proud to be taking a stance." says Peter Webster, General Manager of Columbus Coffee. "Smoke free environments and healthier menu options can only be a good thing for anyone trying to make positive change in their lives. Being smoke free creates a more enjoyable experience, helping customers enjoy their food and coffee without the risk of passive smoke or allergic reactions; and the healthier menu options coming next month mean people don't have to sacrifice good eating when they are out and about."

World Smokefree Day is 31st May 2015. For more details see www.smokefree.org.nz/world-smokefree-day

ENDS

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