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Bars debate state smoking ban

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Also by Keegan Kyle:

Nothing to complain about? (December 12, 2007)
Recruiting isn't easy on campus (December 7, 2007)
Doyle set to sign off on ethics (February 2, 2007)
Volunteerism on the road (October 19, 2007)
Down and dirty on campus sanitation (October 11, 2007)

by Keegan Kyle

Monday, January 29, 2007

Madison-area bars, like the state Legislature, can't seem to agree on Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed statewide smoking ban.

"I think it would have a big negative impact on our business," said Ross Johnson, co-owner of Club Tavern and Grill in Middleton. "It will lower revenue in all bars and taverns."

Other owners, primarily those of establishments in downtown Madison already under a citywide smoking ban, disagree.

"As far as a Capitol bar, I would say we aren't that affected by it," said Mark Wallin, assistant bar manager for Brocach Irish Pub, located on West Main Street. "People being excited about being in Madison and there being no smoking far outweigh the people who complain about it."

But there's one thing legislators, lobbyists and tavern owners have agreed on: Wisconsin needs consistency or, as many call it, "a level playing field."

"We support a level playing field if it supports bars and taverns," said Pete Madland, executive director of the Wisconsin Tavern League, the powerful state lobby group. "The concern is the fact that where the smoking ban has gone, it has hurt business."

Downtown Madison tavern owners said the ban has not hurt business because their direct competition is all non-smoking.

"When people come to the downtown area, you know you're not smoking inside of a bar," said Lee Pier, general manager of the Nitty Gritty Restaurant and Bar on the corner of Frances and West Johnson streets. "Nobody can go across the street and smoke in Wando's or something like that. We're all on the same playing field, so to speak."

However, the situation changes for bars located on the outskirts of the city, which have to compete with nearby bars and restaurants that do not have to abide by the ban.

"Those that are on the border of Madison have a definite disadvantage to the smoking clientele," Pier said. "That's not going to happen as much with a statewide ban."

Johnson said he and other Middleton bars have seen a "slight boost" in business since the Madison smoking ban took effect in July 2005. The east side of Madison has seen a larger boost, added Johnson, because bar density is much greater on the municipal line between Madison and Cottage Grove.

Johnson agreed that a statewide smoking ban would solve municipal advantages but was concerned it could also hurt business.

"If we sink all the ships, everyone will be swimming for their lives. I think we're going down the wrong path," Johnson added. "It's a legal product that people want to use on private property."

Madland said the Wisconsin Tavern League supports a statewide smoking ban in public places, but only if an exemption is given to bars and taverns. The ban would have to pass the Legislature and the governor before taking effect.

Pier said he also supports a statewide ban but was worried about the governmental control of business.

"It gets to be a little problematic when the government gets really involved in a lot of regulation of business," Pier said. "However, they are the government and they have the general population to protect and … with this one, you got to go with the majority."

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Anonymous (February 8, 2007 @ 4:09pm):

i think that they are starting to take away the rights of smokers b.c if you havent hard they are tryig to make so we cant smoke in cars i mean what is that that is like not being abel to get food in my home its not right

Anonymous (March 8, 2007 @ 12:15pm):

Isn't it great that a handful of people are stepping up to make decisions for all of us! We are obviously too stupid to decide on our own whether or not to enter a building. Business owners are too stupid to decide what policies make sense.

Just a thought, but perhaps those concerned about second hand smoke could choose to not patronize taverns/businesses that allow smoking? With so many tavern goers apparently concerned about smoke, why don't we see more taverns going smoke-free on their own?

Next on the agenda?

Of course we can't outlaw drinking. (Last time we tried that it didn't take.) Maybe eliminate personal cars? Sure, it'll be tough for a while, but we'll get used to it eventually.

(It's not about smoking. It's about free choice. If the legilature forces anything, how about mandating warning signs on 'public' buildings that allow smoking? Go in or not. Work there or not. It should be the choice of individuals.)

Anonymous (March 15, 2007 @ 7:37am):

Regarding the survey the anti-smokers took that showed 2/3 of the people were for a ban.

Their surveys are not reliable and I know this because this past summer when the Waukesha Ald. wanted one in Waukesha they did a phone survey and happened to call my 80 year old mother.

As my mom was telling them that she thought the bans were wrong and that she thought business should decide for themselves and they should find something better to do.... the woman HUNG UP on her!

Obviously the lady didn't like her answer and this proves the results are cherry picked. I wrote the Waukesha Freeman about this and it was printed in their Sound Off column 9/14/06.

Tara Weaver (April 27, 2007 @ 12:22am):

I guess the smokers themselves will be paying the additional taxes to pay the law enforcement to stop them from smoking! Pretty stupid huh? Smoker's who are also drinkers need to stand up for our rights! The government would not allow discrimination if we were black or if we were homosexual, but we "chose" to become addicted to cigarettes.(you know the leagal form of heroine!} twice as addictive actually. We pay more taxes, more for both medical insurance and yes, even car insurance and now I guess I am being told I have been banned? I say boycott any non- smoking establishment! Let them ban non-smokers and children!! Since when did a child belong in a bar? If they can ban smokers why can non-smokers not be banned? Why do property owners not have the right to choose, who they choose to have as clients instead of the government and the do gooders? Why are free thinking adults being told what to do? The government who governs the least governs the best!! What ever happened to that thought? Why are we as working tax paying AMERICANS allowing others to make our choices? It is really sad!

Anonymous (February 4, 2008 @ 9:35am):

What is the next constitutional right to be taken away? The problem here is people no longer group together and fight against all these injustices the government/big brother is placing on individuals and allowing a few to make up new laws & regulations for all. Thank you.

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