Bavarian Inn's Smoke-Free Environment: A Breath Of Fresh Air

The Bavarian Inn has multiple locations, including in Michigan and West Virginia. Smoking policies vary by location and have changed over time. As of 2024, the Bavarian Inn Resort & Brewing Company in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, is smoke-free. The Bavarian Inn in Michigan is also smoke-free, in compliance with Michigan law. In 2023, smoking in a room at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Michigan, caused a fire alarm, leading to an evacuation. Prior to the Michigan smoking ban, the Bavarian Inn Lodge had already started converting smoking rooms into non-smoking rooms.

Smoking is banned in all public areas in Michigan

Michigan's Smoke-Free Indoor Air Law states that smoking is prohibited in workplaces and food service establishments. Workplaces are defined as places of employment with at least one employee, while food service establishments include any place licensed to serve food or beverages. This includes restaurants, bars, coffee shops, cafeterias, and more.

To comply with the law, business operators must post "No Smoking" signs or the international "No Smoking" symbol at each entrance and in areas where smoking is prohibited, such as patios or rooftops during food service. Ashtrays and other smoking paraphernalia must also be removed from these areas.

The law does provide some exemptions. For example, cigar bars, tobacco specialty retail stores, and the gaming floors of casinos may be granted exemptions. Additionally, private residences that are also used as offices are exempt.

Violations of the smoking ban can result in civil fines of up to $100 for the first offense and up to $500 for subsequent violations.

The Bavarian Inn, a lodge in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has also implemented a no-smoking policy in compliance with Michigan law.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge has been smoke-free since 2010

The Bavarian Inn Lodge takes this rule very seriously, and guests are not allowed to smoke on their balconies either. If a guest is caught smoking inside their room or on their balcony, the smoke alarms will go off, and the fire alarm will wake up the entire lodge. The Bavarian Inn Lodge provides designated smoking areas outside, usually benches near the entryways.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant, which is separate from the Lodge, went smoke-free in 2001, except for the bar. After the 2010 law came into effect, the restaurant, including the bar and the Fischer Platz with live music, food, and drinks, became completely smoke-free.

The Bavarian Inn Lodge is committed to providing a healthy and smoke-free environment for its guests and employees and fully complies with Michigan's smoking ban.

The Bavarian Inn Restaurant has been smoke-free since 2001

Before the law came into effect, the Bavarian Inn had already started transitioning its smoking rooms into non-smoking rooms. Since the law was passed, smoking has not been permitted in the hotel at all, including in the bars, lounges, or outdoor areas where food and drinks are served.

The Bavarian Inn takes the health of its building, guests, and employees seriously, and this transition to a smoke-free environment has been beneficial for all. While smoking is not permitted inside the Bavarian Inn, there are designated smoking areas located just a short walk from every door. These areas are outside the building, where smoking is permitted, and guests are asked to be considerate of others when smoking in these areas.

The Bavarian Inn's commitment to providing a smoke-free environment for its guests and employees demonstrates its dedication to creating a healthy and enjoyable space for all who visit and work there. This proactive approach to health and wellbeing aligns with the values of the state of Michigan, which recognizes the importance of clean air for its residents and visitors.

Guests are allowed to smoke outside

Smoking is prohibited in all rooms at the Bavarian Inn Lodge in Frankenmuth, Michigan. This includes the balconies, as smoke alarms are set off if guests attempt to smoke in these areas. However, guests are allowed to smoke outside the building in designated smoking areas.

The Bavarian Inn has been ahead of the curve regarding smoke-free policies. Even before the Michigan no-smoking law in all public areas took effect, the Bavarian Inn had already started converting its smoking rooms into non-smoking ones. The only areas that allowed smoking at the time were the Ratzkeller, Lorelei Lounge, and outside.

After the Dr. Ron Davis Smoke-Free Air Law came into effect on May 1, 2010, the Bavarian Inn fully complied, ensuring smoke-free air throughout the entire hotel, including the bars, lounges, and outdoor patio. This law protects Michigan residents, workers, and visitors from exposure to secondhand tobacco smoke in all restaurants, bars, and businesses, including hotels.

While guests at the Bavarian Inn are allowed to smoke outside, they are expected to be considerate of other visitors. The inn also provides signs listing locations where smoking is permitted. Additionally, smoking is not allowed on the balconies, as they are not private, and guests in adjacent rooms expect a smoke-free environment.

For guests who require a smoke, the Bavarian Inn requests that they step outside to one of the designated smoking areas and be mindful of other individuals who may be nearby.

Smoking in rooms or on balconies is prohibited

Smoking in rooms or on balconies is strictly prohibited at the Bavarian Inn. This rule is in accordance with Michigan state law, which states that smoking is banned in all public areas, including restaurants, bars, businesses, and hotels. The Bavarian Inn has been ahead of the curve regarding this legislation, having already started transitioning its smoking rooms into non-smoking rooms before the ban was even discussed.

As a result of this policy, guests are expected to smoke outside and be considerate of others. There are designated smoking areas located near the entryways of the Inn, and signs listing these locations are posted throughout the property. The Inn takes this rule very seriously, as smoking inside will set off the fire alarms and require a deep cleaning of the room, resulting in an additional charge for the guest.

The Bavarian Inn is committed to providing a healthy and smoke-free environment for its guests and employees. This commitment has had a positive impact on the building's health, as well as the well-being of those who stay and work there. By ensuring smoke-free air, the Inn is able to offer a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.

It is important to note that the Bavarian Inn is not the only location within the Bavarian Inn Properties portfolio that adheres to a smoke-free policy. The Bavarian Inn Restaurant, located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, has been smoke-free since 2001, with the exception of the bar area until May 1st, 2010. After that date, the entire restaurant, including the bar and outdoor Fischer Platz, became completely smoke-free.

In summary, smoking in rooms or on balconies is strictly prohibited at the Bavarian Inn. This rule is in line with Michigan state law and is enforced for the health and safety of guests and staff. The Inn provides designated smoking areas and expects guests to be considerate of others by smoking outside in these designated areas. By prioritising smoke-free air, the Bavarian Inn creates a healthier and more enjoyable environment for all.

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