Want to smoke at a bar? Good luck!
By Cody Gray on May. 15, 2008
So, let me start this blog by saying that I am a stupid, nasty, disgusting and unhealthy smoker! Picking up a cigarette was certainly one of the dumbest decisions I have ever made, but I did and I’m finding it harder and harder to smoke anywhere these days! A bunch of my favorite eating/drinking establishments are going totally smoke free. If I’m going to that place just to grab some food, dealing without a cigarette for a while isn’t too bad. But as any smoker knows, if you go out for a drink, you NEED TO SMOKE! Pathetic as it is, it’s just the truth. So, I’m wondering how or if you are affected by these no smoking policies being implemented all over town.
I mean, now that the weather is warming up, having to go outside for a smoke isn’t a big deal. But winter will be back again and every smoker who visits one of these smoke free establishments will be pushed out into the cold. I don’t blame any restaurant or bar for going smoke free. It’s their business and they should be able to implement any policy they want. I guess I’m just wondering if business will get better or worse for the places where the no smoking rules are in effect. There are a couple places I just don’t spend my money at anymore because I can’t smoke. I’m not teaching the establishment a lesson by not going there, it’s just not enjoyable for me at those places anymore. On the other hand, I’m sure there are tons of people who don’t smoke who will frequent those businesses more often because it is a better atmosphere for them.
So first of all, if you’re a non-smoker, how much does smoking at a restaurant or bar effect you? And if you are a smoker, are you still going to these places that don’t allow smoking inside or are you visiting more smoker friendly establishments? My opinion at least for bars and restaurants that serve alcohol, is that with drinking comes smoking. If the business gets rid of the people who are buying drinks and like to smoke, are they gaining enough non-smoking customers to keep making the same amount of money? Sure, you have new, non-smoking visitors to your restaurant or bar, but I’m guessing that alcohol sales will drop. Those places make a lot of money on alcohol, so I’m just interested to see if any of these restaurants end up reversing their policies in the future so they can keep the doors open. More and more people continue to kick the habit of smoking, so things may eventually even out where these places can do without the smokers. Time will tell!
So tell me, no smoking policies in restaurants, bars and the like. Is that something that will effect where you spend your money? Smokers, will you stay away from these places or just make the trip outside when you need a cigarette? Non-smokers, will you start frequenting these places more often that have gotten rid of the smoking? Either way, this issue always has one group of people upset. So, let me know what you think. Leave a comment here on the blog, and you can also email me at ! I look forward to hearing what you have to say!
And don’t forget to check out my show on The Planet 101.5/97.9 every weekday afternoon from 2-7PM. We have just started a new feature called the Miller Lite Live at 5. At 5PM every weekday, we kick off the hour with a live cut from one of your favorite artists and throw in a few others during the 5 o’clock hour as well. We’ll do live cover songs, live originals…if it’s live and it rocks, we’ll play it. If you have a favorite rock live cut, let me know what it is so I can try to find it and play it on the Miller Lite Live at 5! Again, either leave your suggestion here on the blog, or send me an email at ! I’ll see you on the radio, and of course right here on The Burg soon! Be good!
Cody
COMMENTS
I am with you 100% on with drinking comes smoking! I am not a Lynchburg citizen yet, but will be soon. The city I live in now IS smoke free everywhere (all bars and restaurants). I go to the surroudning towns sometimes, just so I can go out for a night and smoke. Winters here where I live are torture, 20 degrees below zero and you want me to go outside? No way! Now that it is getting warmer out, I don’t mind either. But there are many places I don’t go anymore. I have been out to a few places in Lynchburg while visiting that had smoking, and I was so excited about it (sad I know) because it was different than home! So now it sounds like it won’t be such a big change for me afterall. But I guarantee once I am there I will do the same thing, and go to the places that have smoking more often.
Hi Cody--I used to live in Lynchburg but now live in a city with smoke-free bars. I have to say it’s much better now for non-smokers like me who don’t want to deal with having smoky smelling clothes and hair when you get home.
As a former smoker I feel you plight. I try had not to be one of the no-smoking nazis who used to say things to me, but to be honest I can’t stand being around the smoke. I feel my chest contract making it hard to breathe. The smoke permeates everything including your clothes and hair maing everything stink.
The bar I go to most often is non-smoking until 9:30 pm (while they serve food), then it allows smoking. Once the smoke gets thick I leave (10-10:30). I would stay longer if it was smoke free.
My friends and I are friends with the owner of the bar. We have had several conversations about this issue. The owner is a smoker, therefore isn’t bothered by the smoke. The owners main concern is business and how being smoke free would effect the profit margin.
I also go to a bar in Roanoke that is totally smoke free. It isn’t as busy as it was when it allowed smoking, but the owner tells me business is up as a higher level of client are coming, staying longer, and spending more.