Whether there is a designated smoking area in 3 Arena is a common question for many concertgoers and event attendees. As one of Ireland’s premier indoor arenas located in Dublin, 3 Arena hosts a variety of concerts, sports matches, and other events throughout the year. With a maximum capacity of 13,000 people, it’s understandable that patrons may be curious about the venue’s smoking policy and provisions.
Quick Answer
Yes, there is a designated outdoor smoking area located at 3 Arena. This provides a space for patrons who wish to smoke during events at the venue.
Overview of 3 Arena’s Smoking Policy
Like many public event venues, 3 Arena has policies in place to regulate smoking on the premises. Smoking is prohibited inside the venue and is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. This policy exists to provide a comfortable environment for all patrons attending events at 3 Arena.
According to the venue’s website, smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping is strictly prohibited within 3 Arena. This includes all spectator areas, concourses, hospitality areas, restrooms, and backstage/working areas. Security staff and stewards at 3 Arena will enforce this policy by asking patrons who smoke inside to extinguish their cigarettes or e-cigarettes immediately.
Those who wish to smoke during an event at 3 Arena are required to use the designated outdoor smoking area. This provides a space where smoking is permitted, keeping the indoor arena facilities smoke-free. The outdoor smoking area is accessible from specific locations within the venue. Signage is posted to direct patrons to the designated smoking area.
Location of the 3 Arena Smoking Area
The outdoor smoking area at 3 Arena is located directly outside the main entrance doors on North Wall Quay. It is clearly marked with signage designating it as a smoking area. There are no overhead coverings in this space, so it is fully outdoors. The smoking area is approximately 15 meters wide and can accommodate a substantial number of people.
To access the smoking area from inside 3 Arena, patrons can use the main entrance/exit doors on the ground floor. These doors provide direct access to the outdoor space. Security staff are positioned at these doors to check credentials of those accessing the smoking area and re-entering the venue.
The smoking area is also accessible using Exit Door E on the ground floor, near the box office. Again, security personnel monitor access through this door. So patrons wishing to smoke can conveniently step outside to the designated area, then go back inside using the approved doorways.
When the Smoking Area is Open
The outdoor smoking area is open anytime 3 Arena is hosting an event and admitting patrons. Since the venue hosts daytime and evening concerts, sporting matches, and other functions, the operating hours for the smoking area vary.
In general, the smoking area opens 90 minutes prior to an event start time at 3 Arena. For example, if a concert is scheduled to start at 8:00pm, the smoking area will open at 6:30pm when the doors open for attendee entry. The smoking area remains open until 30 minutes after an event ends.
These hours allow patrons to use the smoking area during admission, intermissions, encores, and following the event conclusion. Security personnel are posted at the smoking area entrances before, during, and after events to control access.
Rules for the Smoking Area
To maintain an organized outdoor smoking area, 3 Arena has established rules that users must abide by. These rules include:
- No drinks are allowed in the smoking area
- Patrons may not remove drinks or glasses from inside the venue
- Re-entry will only be permitted through designated doors
- Smokers must dispose of cigarette butts appropriately in ashtrays
- No queue jumping is allowed upon re-entry
- A maximum of 250 people are permitted in the smoking area at one time
- Security personnel may limit access if the area reaches capacity
Adhering to these rules provides an organized experience for everyone using the outdoor smoking area. Those who violate the rules may be asked to extinguish their cigarettes and return inside.
How Long Can Patrons Stay in the Smoking Area?
There is no defined time limit for how long patrons can stay in the 3 Arena smoking area during an event. However, the venue discourages smokers from spending excessively long periods of time in the outdoor area.
Since the smoking area is directly outside the lobby doors, it is intended to provide quick smoke breaks in between event activities. Spending prolonged periods in the smoking area can result in lines and overcrowding.
If patrons wish to have a lengthy cigarette break, it is recommended they finish promptly to allow space for other smokers. Unless reaching capacity, the smoking area is generally in high demand during event intermissions and following the conclusion.
Purchasing Cigarettes at 3 Arena
Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products, and other tobacco items are not sold on the premises at 3 Arena. Patrons must bring any smoking materials that they wish to use into the venue and outdoor smoking area.
There are also no shops or vendors selling tobacco products within the direct vicinity of 3 Arena. So purchasing cigarettes while at an event is not possible. Patrons are advised to supply their own smoking products at home or elsewhere prior to arriving.
This lack of on-site cigarette sales is typical of most public event venues. Outside food, beverages, and tobacco are also prohibited from being brought into 3 Arena per the venue’s entrance policy.
Alternatives to Smoking at 3 Arena
Understanding that some patrons may be addicted to nicotine, 3 Arena aims to provide some alternatives to smoking for those who wish to quit:
- Free nicotine gum can be requested at guest services in the lobby
- Informative pamphlets are available on vaping products and other nicotine alternatives to cigarettes
- Support staff are trained to discuss smoking cessation options
While the venue permits smoking in the designated outdoor area, they encourage patrons to use alternatives to traditional cigarette smoking when possible.
How 3 Arena’s Policy Compares to Other Venues
The indoor smoking ban and designated outdoor smoking area used by 3 Arena is very common among comparable venues. Some examples include:
- The O2 Arena in London – No indoor smoking, outdoor smoking area provided
- Manchester Arena – Strictly no smoking inside, outdoor area available
- SSE Arena Belfast – Smoke-free indoor policy, external yard for smoking
These major UK and Ireland arenas allow smoking solely in predefined external spaces. Very few still permit smoking within indoor spectator areas. So 3 Arena’s policy aligns with the standard practices of other modern entertainment venues.
Conclusion
In summary, 3 Arena provides an outdoor designated smoking area for patrons who wish to smoke during events. The smoking zone is located directly outside the main lobby doors, providing convenient access from inside the venue. Smoking at 3 Arena is otherwise prohibited, including all internal areas and spectator seats. This policy is on par with most major event arenas globally and aims to keep the indoor environment clean and smoke-free.