No smoking signs are everywhere — in restaurants, cafes, pubs, offices, malls, and almost every other public space. Some are requests, some are orders while some others are signs expressing gratitude towards people for not smoking. Whatever be the words or style used, they all convey the same message — “you are not supposed to smoke here”. Anyone not paying heed to these signs may be looked down upon for being insensitive or ignorant.
Non-smoking signs
Here we will take a look at some common and creative no smoking signs. A few of these manage to attract enough attention to fulfill their purpose, while some fade into oblivion.
1. This is the most common no smoking sign that is seen almost everywhere. It is a very simple sign that sends a message strong enough to stop people from smoking. This sign, being very simple and straightforward, is easy to replicate and use. This may be the biggest reason why you can spot this sign pretty much everywhere.
2. These are variations of the first design. The three above designs are almost identical. They are equally simple and easy to replicate. They are, therefore, used as commonly as the first sign.
3. This image is an interesting variation of the first two types. It replaces the pictogram of a cigarette with a pictogram of a camel, signifying the popular ‘Camel’ brand of cigarettes. Although its a bit more creative than some other signs, it may be ambiguous and unclear in places where this brand of cigarettes is not very well-known.
4. This is another variation of the first few signs. This one uses words along with a pictogram to convey the message. This is also very commonly used in many public spaces. As this image uses two different media to convey a single message, it makes the message clearer with almost no scope for ambiguity.
5. This is a variation of the earlier images that does away with the pictogram completely. It does not use words that are difficult to understand or beat around the bush. The message is crystal clear.
6. This image tries to combine the message with a hint of creativity. It has a message that is a bit strong. It does not give any leeway to those who go against rules just for the sake of doing so, but makes it clear that smoking will not be tolerated.
7. This image tries to convey two related messages at one go. The way the words are written, it is easier to notice the words “smoke free” in the first glance. Only if you look twice would you possibly realize that the whole text is “smoke freely outside”. This would be effective in places where people pay a lot of attention to such signs.
8. This is another image that tries to give two messages. It does so using a pictogram and a few words. It informs people that the area where it is displayed is a no-smoking zone. Along with this, it also tries to warn people about the health risks of smoking.
9. This image makes clever use of words to convey the message that smoking will not be appreciated. This sign tells smokers that they are creating an inconvenience for everyone around them by smoking. It is very simple yet strong in conveying the message.
10. These two signs are interesting in that they combine words with a bit of creativity. They are simple yet stand out due to the interesting use of the letter “O”. The best part about these images is that they are very simple and straightforward despite being creative. They could be used well in places like restaurants and pubs.
These are some of the popular, simple, interesting and creative signs that are used to keep people from smoking in public spaces.