Defiance: India Smoke Van Solution

Smoke van is here, for better or worse

March 11, 2006
Gouri Shah

Tucked away in one corner of the Apsara Talkies compound at Lamington Road, is a red-and-white van, with huge tinted panes, plush red sofas and a perpetual crowd of onlookers waiting to get a glimpse of the action inside. What could easily pass off as a Bollywood star’s make-up van is actually a “smoke van”—not a polluting-the-environment kind of van, but a room-on-wheels where smokers of the world unite and discuss, among other things, the dangers of passive smoking, over a pack of cigarettes and free mints.

Inside the air-conditioned haven is a motley bunch of senior college students, working professionals and the occasional movie buff, who saunter into the mobile smoking lounge for a “ciggi-break”. The concept, introduced by a cigarette major as a part of its corporate social responsibility programme, to promote smoking etiquette, is still new in India.

The smoke van, offers free entry to smokers “only 18-years and above” and encourages them to “act responsibly” by smoking in an enclosed area so as to reduce the chances of passive smoking by those around them.

However, while the corporate is hoping to create the image of a responsible brand, anti-tobacco groups are not too pleased. “The company may be promoting responsible behaviour, but it is also encouraging people to smoke,” says Prakash Borgaonkar, from Crusade Against Tobacco.

“This concept may be useful for adult chain smokers who have to smoke. But the company should ensure that young people are not allowed to use these facilities. The concept of having your own private space away from prying eyes, may actually encourage students to smoke,” he adds.

However, the concept of exclusive areas, lounges and in this case, smoke vans is fast gaining popularity with smokers, especially college students who enjoy the few minutes of AC comfort, blaring music and ample cover from prying eyes. “Students like coming here, because it gives them some privacy,” says Shabnam Mistry, a sales girl with Godfrey Phillips.

For others, it’s a concept that needs to be replicated in all Indian cities. “Though Mumbai isn’t as strict as certain foreign countries, I still have to deal with non-smoking zones in restaurants, theatres and corporate offices. It’s time someone installed more of these vans,” says businessman Suhel Patil.

However, Abhishek Dixit, a college student begged to differ. “This cannot be termed as corporate social responsibility, as it encourages smoking which affects the individual’s health. Whether you smoke alone or with ten other people, it is still going to affect your health,” he said.