Exchange bar smoke free

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A popular George Town bar and lounge has decided not to wait for a national smoking ban to come into effect, declaring itself smoke free.

Cayman Islands Cancer Society Director Christine Sanders (left) accepts the donation from Exchange Bar and Lounge manager Denise Sprentz after the George Town venue decided to go smoke–free. Photo: Submitted

The Exchange Bar and Lounge, formerly known as The Grapevine, decided to go smoke–free after visiting the website of the Cayman Islands Cancer Society and deciding it wanted to join the smoke–free movement.

“The more we learn about the dangers of second–hand smoke and the benefits of smoke–free environments, the easier it becomes to make that transition to a non–smoking venue,” said Renee Brough, a representative of the venue. “After many requests from our existing customers to become smoke–free and the obvious health benefits for our employees alike, the advantages kept increasing.”

The North Church Street venue further bolstered its smoke–free credentials by making a $1,000 donation to the CICS. Owner Alex Bodden said his family, like so many others, has been touched by cancer and he made the donations to show his support for smoke–free venues.

The Exchange has since donated the proceeds of a recent Super Bowl party it hosted to the CICS.

“The feedback from our existing and new customers has been fantastic,” Ms Brough said.

Located in the Atrium of Harbour Place in George Town (beside the craft market), The Exchange Bar & Lounge is an upscale lounge that boats spectacular views of the George Town waterfront. The former wine bar now offers a notable tapas menu, a respectable selection of wine, and an impressive rum and scotch collection all in a non–smoking environment.