'Where are my nonsmokers that the city promised me?'
July 20, 2005
MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Some Madison tavern owners say their revenues are going up in smoke because of the city's new smoking ban in bars and restaurants.
The city ordinance took effect July 1, with Madison joining about 20 other Wisconsin cities with some kind of ban on smoking.
The move created a firestorm of controversy, with smokers accusing the City Council of trying to run their lives. A faction of aldermen already wants to repeal the ban, and Republican legislators are trying to pass a bill to water down local ordinances statewide.
''It's terrible, absolutely terrible,'' said Cal Beecher, owner of the Tip Top Tavern. ''I've been here 32 years. It's going to close me down.''
Terry Olson, co-owner of Ole 'N Rick's North Side Inn in Madison, said business is down 60 percent and he started cutting back shifts for three or four bartenders Monday.
''If we can't make it with that, we'll have to lay somebody off,'' he said.
Owners said blue-collar bars on the city's east side are being especially hard hit by the new rules. First-time violators face up to $125 in fines if they don't quit or leave. A second offense carries a maximum $500 fine.
Ryan Eisenhut of Cottage Grove said he used to hit Madison bars at least three times a week on his way home from work. On Wednesday, he was at Tully's II in Monona.
No fun anymore
''The downtown bars are fun, but not anymore. The fact that they don't have smoking now, I won't go there,'' he said. ''Wait until it's 10 below and they try to get people out there in the parking lot [to smoke].''
Patty Telvick, general manager of the Buckeye Inn, said her regulars have disappeared and nonsmokers have not taken their place.
''Where are my nonsmokers that the city promised me?'' Telvick said.
Dave Wiganowsky, owner of Wiggie's, said nonsmokers do not spend enough to make up for the loss of customers.
''We had two nonsmokers,'' Wiganowsky said. ''They bought two cans of pop and said, 'Isn't this wonderful?' and walked out. That won't pay the light bill.''
Meanwhile, bars just outside Madison are reporting an increase in customers.
In Fitchburg, Monkeyshines has ''picked up quite a few customers,'' said day manager Jason Cushman.
