[mewzilla]

We visited Vermont a few months ago. All the state's restaurants were smoke-free. The waitstaff said it hadn't hurt business a bit, that even more folks were coming since they didn't have to smell smoke while they ate. The waitstaff also mentioned that they appreciated not having to worry about the health of their lungs.

[Just another Joe]

How many of ALL the states restaurants did you visit?
Who did you talk to, the staff, or the owner/operator of the establishment? The staff normally have very little idea of the overall sales of their workplace.
I appreciate your input but more facts and less anecdotal evidence would be appreciated.

[SheLion]

Restaurants are supposed to be for the public. It appears to me that they are more "private" now, that they do not and cannot accommodate the entire "public." Pity.

[Demosthenes]

The whole smoking thing is a joke. Even here in SF Bay, where it's illegal in ALL public buildings, I know of many bars who just dont give a s--t. They let their patrons smoke anyway, and if somebody complains, they inform them that they can either choose not to visit again, or go find a cop.

I saw this in the Haight one night, and the bartender/owner said it to a snotty lib girl and through the whole exchange, he had a Marlboro dangling from his mouth...LOL...

[Gabz]

I find your anecdote to be very interesting, as all of my husband's family and many of our friends are still in New England and told us the opposite is true regarding what the wait staff in various restaurants in Vermont and Maine are saying.

But anecdotes are just that, personal experiences. Your experience is no less valid than the person with the opposite experience.

[wheezer]

The waitstaff also mentioned that they appreciated not having to worry about the health of their lungs.

Wow, I've never heard a waitperson mention that. Most I know (and I know quite a few) are pretty indifferent. They tend to be concerned with the big tippers.

I have one friend with a small restuarant here in NYC, he actually removed two tables instead of having to ban smoking.

[Max McGarrity]

We visited Vermont a few months ago. All the state's restaurants were smoke-free. The waitstaff said it hadn't hurt business a bit, that even more folks were coming since they didn't have to smell smoke while they ate. The waitstaff also mentioned that they appreciated not having to worry about the health of their lungs.

Well, mew, I won't say you're lying, but it seems just a little suspicious to me that I hear the exact same statement in the exact same words from at least one anti a month, and the words are the exact ones used by the paid professional honchos in the War on Smokers.

[Great Dane]

The waitstaff said it hadn't hurt business a bit, that even more folks were coming since they didn't have to smell smoke

In that case all they have to do, is stay smoke free, and let everyone make their own choice.