to think it's unprofessional to have your break outside the front doors of the shop you work in?

[ChaosTrulyReigns]

It really isn't appealing to walk through a small group of staff having a smoke and a moan right outside the front door of the store that they work at.

I understand it's their break, and I understand how necessary it is to have a break from work, but I have never met a large shop that doesn't have a loading bay at the rear.

Could it be a safety issue that encourages staff away from private areas outside of the store?

(btw, this is not a dig at smokers - I have no issues whatsoever with people's choices - I felt the sweary moaning about the work/managers was just as unprofessional).

So AIBU to think staff should be encouraged to behave professionally even when they are on a break?

YANBU. However, most workplaces now have a non-smoking remit that includes all non-public areas like loading bays. Agree it is very unprofessional though and I'm suprised the management is allowing it. Unless they're also doing it

I agree, it's not nice seeing staff hanging in the door ways smoking

I'm sure they are encouraged to behave professionally at all times, but are probably disincentivised by the minimum wage they're being paid.

When I worked in a shop we were not allowed to open the back doors apart from at delivery time as it sets the alarms off.

Yanbu.

I worked in retail for years and no way would my bosses have put up with that.

(not that I'd have done it. Lookd awful)

They're not professionals, they're people who work in a shop.

Standing around in public bitching about your job and smoking is something every human is entitled to do and you sound like a complete pain in the arse.

Does it really matter to you that people who sell you stuff in a shop are "professional" (whatever the fuck that is)?

I just want them to be friendly and solicitous when they're serving me. When they're on their break I'm happy for them to do whatever the fuck they choose.

YANBU, but, my nearest Tesco have nowhere to smoke, other than right ourside the door.
A friend of mine works there, he'd always have a ciggie outside but now he's been promoted, he gets to wear a cheap shiny suit and no longer smoke outside!

I laugh at him every time I go in.

He tips me off as to when they'll have reduced flowers, though thinks I'm posh for buying Earl Grey tea and Aubergines.

He doesn't get to smoke on his break now, which is off I think.

When I worked at MNs favourite fast food restaurant, the staff couldnt smoke out the back as it would set the fire alarms off. However they werent allowed to smoke outside the front door either, its in the contract that they have to be a certain distance from the store :)

YANBU and it doesnt give a good impression, but as someone else has said, there are probably laws on them being able to smoke on the premises, even in the yard at the rear.

It is worse when you are going to a restaurant and see the chef outside the door puffing away!

YANBU