Altalia, Llanelli

Mama mia……it’s Ciao to smoking at Altalia!

With the Italians happily used to living with their own government’s smoking ban since 2005, Llanelli’s Italian inspired café restaurant Altalia followed in Italy's footsteps soon after when they also banned smoking.  Serving pizzas, pastas and tasty Italian coffees, business is booming for this restaurant since it banned smoking over eighteen months ago.  What’s more, they’ve noticed a definite increase in food orders - so Altalia are certainly living ‘la dolce vita’!

Established 5 years ago by Al and Tal, Altalia used to allow smoking in the bar but manager Tal Einon took the plunge and decided to smoke-free. Since then, he hasn’t looked back. Today, they generally have more food orders throughout the day thanks to hungry customers who enjoy the smoke-free surroundings. With a covered canopy outside for the customers who can’t do without a puff, Tal is aware that introducing the smoking ban at Altalia is also protecting his staff who were working every day in a smoky environment.

Tal said, “The reason we banned smoking is simply because it was too smoky here. Although we only allowed smoking in the bar, it was an open building and smoke was going around everywhere. It was easier to just say no. I don’t think you can say one area is smoke-free when there’s lots of smoke from another part wafting through to it.

 "I don’t know why people have sat on the fence for so long! Business has improved immensely here. I didn’t want customers coming here just because they knew they could have a cigarette – they now come for the whole dining experience. We do get the odd customers trying to persuade us to go back to our old ways, but there’s no way I would. Smoke-free is definitely the way forward for businesses! "