New York's Barkeeps Are Steamed at Smoking Ban- Patrons Staying Away, But Mayor Won't Bend

Washington Post ^ | 6/03/03 | Christine Haughney

[kattracks]

NEW YORK -- Three facts of life defined the Lower East Side's Whiskey Ward -- peanut bowls, Wild Turkey shot specials and smokes.

Now New York City's smoking ban has taken away the smokes, and saloon owner Sandee Wright says that has messed with her bar's groove. Her customers, an amalgam of tattoo artists and dot-com suits, are staying away -- business is down 40 percent. She has laid off her bouncer. And with her customers popping outside for a puff, she is irritating her neighbors -- who recently poured buckets of water on some overly garrulous patrons.

[kattracks]

ping

[Caipirabob]

she is irritating her neighbors -- who recently poured buckets of water on some overly garrulous patrons.

I think this would cross the line over into assault. The persecution of smokers has gotten out of hand. This is disgusting.

[Just another Joe]

Some barroom stalwarts say it's time for New York to figure out how to make do with puritanical times, because the smoke-filled days of yore aren't coming back. E. Charles Hunt, city chapter head of the New York State Restaurant Association, says his members are fighting the weight of history now.

"It's inevitable that that this is going to happen probably maybe even nationwide in three or four years," said Hunt. "To fight it at this point is like jousting with windmills."

What a putz. Who let this guy into a position of power?
Is he a friend of Bloominidiot's?

[Godebert]

"I think this would cross the line over into assault. The persecution of smokers has gotten out of hand. This is disgusting."

I agree. Though I think the drenching was the result of their loudness rather than their smoking.

[tdadams]

with her customers popping outside for a puff, she is irritating her neighbors

This is going to become one of the biggest unforeseen consequences of the smoking bans. I was in California on a business trip recently. The Irish pub I went to went so far as to have seats and tables set up outside in an alleyway for people who wanted to smoke. All around you could see people in the windows above grumbling about the noise.

[libertylover]

She has laid off her bouncer

Bloominidiot better watch his bloomin' backside.

[Caipirabob]

I agree. Though I think the drenching was the result of their loudness rather than their smoking.

Oh, I couldn't get into the Post without registering so I couldn't see that part. Thanks.

Still, if they were that noisy, it's lucky they weren't in Miami. It would have been bullets and not water...

Somehow I prefer the water....

[borisbob69]

Let 'em grumble...they probably support the ban anyway. I'm sure those who voted for the bans here in AZ aren't wild about smokers congregated outside of workplaces and bars...but my thoughts are F 'em if they don't like it!

[Great Dane]

Had to happen.

[TLBSHOW]

keep electing fake republicans and this is what you get!