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."