Smoking Shelters: Frequently Asked Questions

• Do your shelters come with panels? Can we just buy an open air shelter?

• Why should we put up a smoking shelter?

• How big of a shelter do I need?

• What is the difference between a free-standing shelter and a 3-sided shelter?

• What should I order with my shelter?

• What materials are used in the shelters?

• Where can I install it?

• Do the shelters meet the requirements of the ADA laws?

• How long will my shelter last?

• Who'll install my shelter?

• When will my shelter ship? And, how much does it cost to ship a shelter?

• Am I encouraging smoking with a shelter?

• How soon will our smokers start to use the shelter?

Do your shelters come with panels? Can we just buy an open air shelter?

Our shelters use super-strong polycarbonate clear panels. We have found that smokers do not use “open air” shelters. It is just too windy and, often, too cold. This means that compliance is cut and you revert to the same old troubles. Yet, with air circulating from beneath the panels and open door, there is plenty of circulation.

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Why should we put up a smoking shelter?

Yes, you have a problem with smokers. You can’t have them in your building, but you can’t do business without them. Some of your best employees might smoke. But, what ends up happening? Smokers congregate just outside the building. Visitors aren’t impressed. And the smokers feel uncomfortable as well, especially when it rains. The solution is to bring the indoors outside for the smokers. That is where our smoking shelters fit in.

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How big of a shelter do I need?

Click on this chart to see. The number of smokers that can be handled by a given size of shelter depends on your group, break times and, frankly, organization culture.

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What is the difference between a free-standing shelter and a 3-sided shelter?

We have two basic designs. The free-standing shelter can be installed anywhere. It just needs a flat surface - typically a concrete pad, pavement or deck. The 3-sided shelter is built to back up to a wall. The 3-sided shelter is less expensive.

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What should I order with my shelter?

There are several common options. Most customers order a smoking bin with their shelter. The bins are a snap to clean up the butts and trash. Also, order a Smokers’ Break Bench. Our sloping bench allows employees to get off their feet, without settling in for along break. It is 22” off the ground and 46” wide to comfortably accommodate two smokers at a time.

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What materials are used in the shelters?

The frames are made from powder-coated aluminum with stainless steel feet. Both resist rust and corrosion. The side panels use 0.25” clear acrylic side panels. The roof is 0.118” UV-protected polycarbonate. This clear plastic is many times stronger than glass and is exceptionally shatter and fire resistant.

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Where can I install it?

Anchor your shelter to any flat surface. Typically, a shelter rests on a concrete pad, asphalt or even decking.

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Do the shelters meet the requirements of the ADA laws?

The shelters meet these requirements. They are installed on a flat surface and do not have doors.

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How long will my shelter last?

Your NBB smoking shelter should last for years. NBB originated this concept in Europe in the early 90’s. These first shelters are still going strong - even in the highlands of Scotland! Now manufactured at a state-of-the-art factory in upstate NY, we have continuously improved upon the original designs.

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Who'll install my shelter?

It does not take a special contract to build a shelter. Unpack the modules. With two semi-skilled workmen, your shelter should be up in about two hours.

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When will my shelter ship? And, how much does it cost to ship a shelter?

We have these shelters in stock, ready for immediate shipment. The costs depend on your location and the actual shelter you would like. For a cost estimate, click here.

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Am I encouraging smoking with a shelter?

There will always be a controversy around smoking. But, understand that anywhere from 25% to 40% of your employees smoke. At least those are the numbers reported in recent surveys of companies throughout America. And if you’re not already mandated to control smoking, you will be soon. Smoking codes and laws are increasingly easy for legislators to pass. And the codes and laws are getting much tougher, on both sides.

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How soon will our smokers start to use the shelter?

We often say, "Smokers step outside into the great indoors." That's what happens when our smoking shelters pop up. Smokers see them and instantly know where you want them to smoke. They have no problem complying – they are happy to have a place to light up. And absolutely delighted to be sheltered from rain or direct sun. What's more, with a nice little place of their own, they'll stay out of the way of non smokers. Your building stays smoke free. Crushed butts disappear from the pavement and outside doorways. Everything is cleaner and permanently under control.

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