[tornandfrayed]

I agree that bar owners should have the right to do what they want with their bars. I think it will be interesting to see how this actually effects the industry locally.

I also think that people who don't want to breathe smoke should go somewhere else. When I go to a bar to see a band, I don't smoke or drink, I always end up having to leave cause I stink and I want fresh air. But that does not mean that I would tell someone they can't do it.

Then you always have the truth about smoking and what it does to you. I doubt that anyone would argue that smoking is healthy for you in this day and age., but still people continue to do it. It was really hard for me to quit after 20 years but I did. I am hoping that it was not too little too late.

Just another sign of the times...
_________________
Torn & Frayed
One World, One Voice, One God!
Music is LIFE!

[lonewolf]

[moxham123]

[JackANSI]

Why should non-smokers have to be second-hand smokers when they go to a bar?

I want my freedom from disease back!!



Throw another log on the fire...

[bfoust]

I'm on the anti-smoking-in-bars bandwagon. However, I feel it should be up to the bar owners.

I just won't frequent the bars that allow it... 4 dees much? I hate smelling like smoke.

P.S. Bars in MD are awesome.
_________________
No comment.

[KyleMayket]

there are restraunts in johnstown that are smoke free... i flat out refuse to eat there (which is a bummer, cuz one is a sushi bar) but if i can't smoke, i don't go. End of story.
_________________
If I ever see an amputee getting hanged... I'm just gonna start yelling out letters...

[HurricaneBob]

Im a smoker but i welcome the ban, i smoke when i play too much.

[Lisa]

Well, I welcome them too....I just wish that it was across the board.

[JackANSI]

[lonewolf]

[JackANSI]

I'm trying to argue it similar to seat belts, safety standards for public areas, etc..

If people continue to hurt themselves and create a danger to others, the commonwealth should be able to step in. The smoking issue is a tough one even on that because most local codes included a bit about how much air movement is required for certain establishments and proper air handling can make a difference, in my opinion (but few bars have any interest in clearing smoke). but I believe those establishments build or setup prior to such coding are grandfathered out.

Is the smoking ban going in the books as a employee health issue or is it going to apply to liquor licensees?

[lonewolf]

[MeYatch]

[MeYatch]

so I have very little insight into bar sales. Approximately how much is 20%? (other than the obvious, "its 20%")

I would say The Hitching Post is probably out. Where does that leave say, 30 Something?

Are the only bars that are selling less than 20% food really crummy holes in the wall?
_________________
Stand back, I like to rock out.

[bassist_25]

As I said to MeYatch last night the other night, I wouldn't be surprised if we see some interesting tax manuevers by some clubs now.
_________________
"He's the electric horseman, you better back off!" - old sKool making a reference to the culturally relevant 1979 film.

[VENTGtr]

It'd be interesting to see how the numbers for "private" clubs have moved
lately. I've spoken to a number of people who are joining them just because
they have lower beer prices.
_________________
DaveP.

"You must be this beautiful to ride the Quagmire."

[lonewolf]

[JackANSI]

Thats an interesting point... I've been floored by the prices of beer at some of the places we play, like what I'm used to seeing in State College... I'm not surprised anymore to be charged for drafts and everything else when playing somewhere.

[Lisa]

Well, the law has provisions in that says that it had to be a 'cigar' bar before the bill is signed. That requires a special sales license for tobacco products and would need to have historical sales information. The law is really hard to follow as it is written.

Every bar that is applying for an exception has to have a lot of paperwork and proof given that it qualifies as an exception.

And, as for clubs and them being able to allow smoking when opened to the public for nights such as band nights...no smoking can be allowed on those nights. Not even with signage indicating that they have smoking. When you open to the 'public' its a non-smoking venue.

According to the law as written, every place will be required to have smoking and no smoking signs....wish I would have invested in the sign companies.

Saw on WTAJ News this morning a piece where one bar thought he was an exception because he doesn't hold a sunday license....I'm sure someone reported to him already that isn't true. Having a Sunday liquor license has nothing to do with this law. In fact, anyone can get a Sunday Sales license now....you don't need a certain level of food sales. We have a separate bar downstairs and were hoping that maybe we could open it since we do not sale food downstairs...but we don't think that it would work because its under the same liquor license. We'll have to check that one out.

I'm not sure how they are going to handle the exceptions...not sure where you would have to apply for such a thing. They don't say if it will be via the Department of Health and go along with the food license area. I assume it will be. Everyone has to submit either quarterly or monthly their sales tax and the revenue reporting.

I still say one way that the state could have made money off of all of this is to allow businesses to purchase an annual smoking license from the State. Could be handled via the Alcohol and Tobacco and Firearms area of the government.

Oh well, whatever will be will be.

[MeYatch]

[Lisa]

[Lisa]

Rendell is expected to sign the bill in about an hour...so 90 days from now it will go into effect.

Talk about crooked government though...Phila can keep their current tougher laws into place. However, no other county or local government can pass a stricker law (regarding mainly private clubs). They are trying to change the law to allow it though...we'll see. So, its all about Phila and those people that the Government chooses to protect.

[JackANSI]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/366908_smoking13.html

"In fact, bars and taverns statewide have seen a greater increase in business than before the smoking ban's passage in 2005, according to a state Department of Revenue study released Tuesday. Watering holes saw 20 percent more revenue in 2007, compared with the 0.3 percent gain it saw in 2006, the first full year with the ban."


The biggest factor in whether I stay at a place and spend my money is whether or not I can breathe. Seems others find their spending stamina increased by lack of smoke

[Ron]

Rendell just signed the bill.

Smoke 'em if ya got 'em. It takes effect in 90 days.
_________________
... and then the wheel fell off.

[Lisa]

I look forward to the smoke free environment...I just don't want to loose the business to the clubs...we have a lot of them within 5 miles...we'll see. A bunch of regulars were in last night and said that they look forward to the cleaner air so its not all that bad.