Westin Touches Match To Smoke-free Trend | usatoday.com
A move this month by Westin Hotels & Resorts to go smoke-free may open the door to similar policies by competitors. "I think it will be the start of a trend," says Joe McInerney, president of trade group American Hotel & Lodging Association. He says other chains are considering the move to smoke-free hotels. In some instances, he says, the growing tide of state and local anti-smoking regulations may force the move. Westin became the first big chain to adopt such a policy, banning smoking throughout its 77 U.S., Canadian and Caribbean lodgings: guest rooms, lobbies, meeting rooms, restaurants, bars — everywhere.
