All the public establishments will soon switch to non-smoking areas.  Good or bad news?  The bars and nightclubs will probably be the most annoyed with this new regulation.  It will be difficult to impose on the smokers to extinguish their cigarette.  Le MUST (a new nightclub at the complex Le Chapiteau in Saint-Pierre) decided to implement this concept since its opening in last July, making it the first non-smoking nightclub on the island.   

Imagine a trendy and contemporary interior design with a glimmering red glow.  Comfortable chairs and green plants along the terraces coupled with background music, all wrapped up in a non-smoky and non-polluted atmosphere:  this is what is being offered at Le Must, the new nightclub in Chapiteau, Saint-Pierre.  Although, it is difficult to impose on the Réunionese to quit smoking in public areas, some of the establishments do it without difficulty.     

Le Must, open since July, has anticipated everything to implement the forthcoming rule: totally ban smoking inside the nightclub, panels of "non-smoking areas" are hung up almost everywhere across the walls, no ashtrays are laid on tables and bar.  For those who are addicted to the nicotine, beautiful ashtrays are especially laid on the tables along the terraces.      

The outcome : a clientele pleased to note the benefits of such a mechanism: "It's great, my hair and clothes no longer smell the cigarette when I'm back home and I may breathe freely inside, this is all new and definitely a good thing for us, the non-smokers," states a new client, Marina.    

A healthy environment  

Even the chain smokers note the pros: "I smoke less since I prefer to party inside rather than going to kill my lungs outside," confides Jean-Paul.

It is not always easy to explain to the customers that Le Must is implementing a new concept for everyone's welfare, but this news is quickly spread out and the rebellious are showing up less and less.  "You just have to explain the purpose of this ban.  Except if one forgets, one is not allowed to light a cigarette inside," explains the manager of the nightclub, Maullis.     

Hence, it's within a charming and welcoming setting that the partygoers may enjoy the benefits of a fresh air.  Le Must is innovating on various significant aspects, fewer cigarettes imply first of all respecting a new regulation where none is exempted from but it's above all respecting the health of everyone.    

The concept pleases everyone and as a proof, pregnant women can now dance to the boisterous rhythms without fearing about the health of their babies.  One should get used to it, the cigarette is gradually extinguished for the welfare of everyone and for the prestige of this original nightclub.   

Béatrice Gonthier
August 2007