Dutch smokers pine for the aroma of cigarettes smoke

Published on July 21, 2008 3:04 AM

Smoking ban goes into effect in Dutch cafes, on July 1.

But smoking marijuana in Dutch cafes is still permitted under the new law, as long the drug is not mixed with tobacco.

Owners of cafes and bars are bracing for a feared plunge in business, and even coffee shops expect to be hurt by the measure as most Dutch marijuana smokers prefer to blend it with tobacco.

Nasty smells left by sweaty summer beer drinkers have left some Dutch bar owners pining for the aroma of cigarette and cigar smoke two weeks after a smoking ban came into force.

Rain Showtechniek, a Dutch company that specializes in lighting, special stage effects and sound systems, has developed a machine that reproduces the traditional smell of bars and cafes.

Erwin van den Bergh, a spokesman for the Rain Showtechniek Company, said: "There is a need for a scent to mask the sweat and other unpleasant smells like stale beer."

Researchers reported that Dutch people find that smells such as Mocha coffee, Havana cigars or cigarettes can be about good moods and different ideas of living well.

Erwin added that unlike the real thing, the artificial tobacco smells do not have any health risks and does not linger in the hair or clothing of bar customers.

"Geurmachines", the new invention, come in different sizes and prices, ranging from giant smell-makers, costing £3500 for exhibition halls to smaller and cheaper scent devices for cafés, priced at £440. Over 50 different scents are offered for the new machines ranging from tobacco aromas to the smell of leather, freshly baked bread or new cars.