From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Sat, 05/20/06
Cafes in France Losing Customers in Droves Due to Smoke
Only 41% of French visit cafes regularly, down from 81% in 1997
Parts excerpted from Agence France Press, 5/19/06
PARIS (AFP) - The French have been deserting their country's trademark cafes in
droves in the past decade, preferring more sophisticated bars or other
smoke-free venues, a study showed. Only 41 percent of French people said they
regularly visited cafes -- compared to 81 percent in 1997 -- although a majority
still said they saw them as an important part of French culture.
Asked why they had changed habits, consumers cited high prices, smoke, and a
lack of good music or entertainment, according to the study on consumption
patterns, carried out for the drinks group France Boissons.
The move away from cafes also signaled a broader trend, with 80 percent of
people saying they were now staying in more often, because of rising prices and
the challenge of finding smoke-free areas.
To send a letter in support of smokefree air where you live, go to
www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret
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