Final answer:
The appropriate response to a smoking request in a non-smoking restaurant is to inform the party that the restaurant does not offer a smoking section, in compliance with health regulations and community wellbeing.
Step-by-step explanation:
When addressing a party requesting smoking in a restaurant that is non-smoking, the correct response would be: "Sorry, we don't offer a smoking section." This response is polite and directly informs the customer of the establishment's policy in line with health regulations and the concern for public health. Secondhand smoke poses serious health risks, and therefore, many establishments and local government regulations have prohibited smoking in enclosed spaces and public places to protect the wellbeing of all patrons.
For example, in the United States, while smoking itself is not illegal, there are regulations that allow government entities to regulate where smoking is permitted due to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. This is in line with global trends, where countries such as Bhutan and Ireland have led the way in banning smoking in enclosed spaces. Moreover, some cities in China, like Beijing, have also enacted restrictions on smoking in public places to safeguard the community.