The Northern Ireland Smoking Ban is likely to leave many businesses coping with withdrawal symptoms. However the ban will be a breeze for the streat cafe, Irelands fastest growing cafe franchise - all 22 outlets are smoke free ahead of the pack and the streat is the only multi-site cafe chain in the UK to have been non-smoking for over one year. Michael McQuilllan, Managing Director of the streat franchise says, I absolutely agree with the smoking ban and can state from experience that it has a positive impact on business.

Every single streat cafe franchise holds the Gold Air Award which is certified by the Cancer Foundation - the award means that customers cannot smoke in the cafe and staff cannot smoke in or around cafe. Feedback from streat customers, and indeed the franchisees, has been very positive. Some smokers now have their smoke on the way from the office and still come for their morning coffee.

Many say they are smoking less as a result and get the kick they need from the streats top quality coffee instead! Family usage definitely has increased, more meetings are now held in the cafes because of the comfortable, smoke-free environment, so its a win-win situation for customers and the business.