Illinois Smoking Ban

[33girl]

Originally Posted by KSig RC

First, for market effects to really push non-smoking bars into the fore, you're relying on the owner to somehow realize the potential for increased profits to an extent that would allow him/her to take the risk of cutting off smokers.

I think it all depends on the kind of establishment you're running.

Upscale bar with vegan menu, attracts health conscious people: nonsmoking probably a good idea and will increase revenue.

Shot-and-beer bar frequented by 60 year old former steelworkers: nonsmoking v. v. bad idea and will decrease revenue.

It's not rocket science to know who your clientele is and what will piss them off. To me, smoking bans in privately owned establishments are the equivalent of saying every restaurant should have the same menu and every jukebox should have the same songs on it.

[PeppyGPhiB]

Washington state has had an inside smoking ban (and 20 feet from a building entrance) for a couple years now, and most of the feedback has been really positive. At first restaurants and bars were afraid they'd lose money, but if I recall correctly, I think findings now two years later have indicated that they actually MADE money. Their patrons didn't leave...after all, when every bar has a smoking ban, there's nowhere else for them to go, except outside if they really need a smoke. And thanks to the now smoke-free environment, people who couldn't handle the smoke before are spending more time out.

The main business "haters" of our legislation has been more upscale restaurants and bars that had cigar lounges. They had to close those, too, and find some other purpose for those rooms.

[RACooper]

Originally Posted by PeppyGPhiB

The main business "haters" of our legislation has been more upscale restaurants and bars that had cigar lounges. They had to close those, too, and find some other purpose for those rooms.

The "high end" clubs and restaurants can just declare themselves private clubs can't they? Pretty much every region with a smoking ban has a legislative provision for the establishment of private clubs with private memberships in which smoking is permissible - most of the Men's Clubs or higher end places catering to the cigar crowd went that way up here when the ban hit years ago...

PS> For the OP - no the quoted bit by me was directed at the guy in the article and not you, which is why your name wasn't at the top of the quote

[Drolefille]

Originally Posted by RACooper

The "high end" clubs and restaurants can just declare themselves private clubs can't they? Pretty much every region with a smoking ban has a legislative provision for the establishment of private clubs with private memberships in which smoking is permissible - most of the Men's Clubs or higher end places catering to the cigar crowd went that way up here when the ban hit years ago...

PS> For the OP - no the quoted bit by me was directed at the guy in the article and not you, which is why your name wasn't at the top of the quote

Not sure if Illinois left a provision for private clubs or not. Arguably the employees still have to work there...

ETA: according to a google news search: Private Clubs are NOT exempt.

[AKA_Monet]

Here is your healthy lung:




and here is your lung on smoking tobacco:




Here is your cancerous lips and mouth caused by smoking tobacco:






Now as a taxpayer, should I have to foot this kind of health treatment when I can attempt to prevent it by longterm cheaper cessation program?

Dr. AKA_Monet
Chief of GC Hospital

[AKA_Monet]

More photos for the smokers! YAAY smokers!!!



We are almost ready to start Case Conference for those studying for the USMLE!

[SydneyK]

Originally Posted by 33girl

To me, smoking bans in privately owned establishments are the equivalent of saying every restaurant should have the same menu and every jukebox should have the same songs on it.

Everyone looks at the ban differently, but to me, smoking bans in privately owned establishments are the equivalent of saying every restaurant should meet the same health department codes. It's an issue of health, not one of culinary preferences or ambiance.

Obviously, I'm a supporter of smoking bans. I wish every state had them. Actually, I guess I wish the government would just make smoking illegal altogether. But we all know that won't happen.