Franchise Information, advice and news.

Sometimes all of us need a breath of fresh air, especially those living in heavily polluted cities such as New York and London.

But aside from running into the nearest park and inhaling as much oxygen from the nearest tree as possible, wearing a highly-stylish face mask when walking around the city or strapping an oxygen tank to your back, there is a new, trendy alternative – oxygen bars.

The idea behind the bars started in nightclubs in the late 1990s, fuelled by the claustrophobic and smoky atmospheres in the venues, and involves the inhalation of 50 to 99 per cent pure oxygen from filtered or bottled air, for a few minutes.

Supporters of the experience claim it is not only safe, but can enhance the well-being and health of the receiver, inhaling oxygen which is not tainted with the fumes and gases polluting normal air.

And the air can even be flavoured to suit the taste of the customer, with oils used to change the taste from peppermint to cranberry and everything in between.

However, there are many critics of the product, which some say could leave long-term problems and may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions. The inhalation of too much oxygen by people suffering from emphysema, for example, can mean they stop breathing.

And while most oxygen bar proprietors are careful not to make any health or medical claims from their products, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, anyone supplying oxygen to another person means it is a prescription drug – and owners in the US ­will need to check with their individual state board to establish whether they will apply discretionary regulations to allow the practice.

And anybody looking to open an oxygen bar may have the perfect market to enter into. The current trend for healthy living means any self-respecting health spa or salon now has an oxygen bar attached, and mobile oxygen bars are also proving popular.

Most franchises are typically easy to set up, with a start-up fee normally the best way of obtaining the training, equipment and corporate image associated with a franchise.

And with typical charges starting at around one dollar per minute, there is a wide scope for a large profit.

But franchisees need to be aware of the market they are entering and make sure they prepare in advance of any business decisions, researching not only their chosen location, customer base and market, but also their financial situation and potential for profit.

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