Gregory Robinson
A bakery is asking customers not to wear perfume inside, and the reason behind the request has more support than you may think.
Century Bakery in Bridgeton, New Jersey, is warning against over-spritzing perfume or cologne, urging those who have a habit of dosing themselves in a load of eau du parfum to opt for its drive-thru to pick up their baked treats instead.
But it turns out that the unusual request was actually met with a lot of support after it was posted to the company's Facebook page two weeks ago.
The unexpected post began: “We kindly ask that if you wear strong perfumes or colognes, please utilise our drive-thru service.
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“Several cashiers in our bakery suffer from asthma and this time of year can be particularly challenging for them due to the high pollen count."
The social media post continues: “The addition of strong fragrances can make it even more difficult for them to breathe, as their airways are already irritated. Please note that these fragrances tend to linger in the building even after you leave, which can lead to coughing and discomfort for our team members.”
It appears some rude customers made offensive remarks regarding employees coughing as a result, because the post finished with the message: “…we appreciate your understanding in keeping comments regarding coughing to yourselves if you choose to enter the building wearing heavy scents.”
Fragrances and strong scents can irritate the nose and airways of people with asthma, according to research published by the National Institute of Health (NIH), however the reason behind this adverse response is ‘likely to be varied and may involve both physiological and psychological processes’.
Approximately 28 million Americans have asthma and 7.2 million in the UK, or around eight in every 100 people.
According to asthma.com, 41 percent of people with asthma report health problems from air fresheners or deodorisers, which as we all know, are quite pungent.
As a result, people with asthma are strongly urged to avoid secondhand smoke and to consider using products that are fragrance-free or with delicate scents as well as sustaining well-ventilated environments.
On top of that, common allergens like pollen can also trigger asthma symptoms.
In a statement, the bakery clarified its stance on perfume is more of a polite request, rather than an official rule.
“It’s just an encouragement to be aware of those around you,” the bakery confirmed to Today. “No customers will be turned away if they come inside wearing scents.”
Many people in the comments supported the bakery’s instruction, including people who do not live with asthma.
One customer wrote: “My mother has terrible asthma, and the smells get to her too! They can also send her into a coughing fit, then people around her look at her like she is sick. So, thank you for doing this!”
Another user shared: “Thank you for looking out for your staff. This can also affect future customers coming in as well. While I do not have asthma, I to have an allergy to perfumes and colognes. I feel like people have no idea how much they are using or have on them.”
A third Facebook account shared: “I love that you’re doing this, especially the fact that I know I can walk into your store and feel safe.”
However there was some pushback against the request. "How can you tell people what they can smell like? This is outrageous," one outraged Facebook user said.