Illinois Smoking Ban Destined To Kill.

[Murphy Slaw]

A lot of small clubs. This is not political, but fact. I'm on the Southern border and Paducah Ky. did this as a City law, and the clubs are hurting. The clubs outside of town are growing.

Funny, the private Eagles, Moose, American Legion deals are growing with bikers and party people, because they are exempt in Ky.

I don't know how this is gonna work in Illinois, but I don't see it as good for working musicians.

It's hard enough to pull people away from their families, get a babysitter, and come see your Band. A smoker is only gonna stay about 5 minutes after he gets a beer. Then he/she is leaving.

I realize smoking isn't healthy, but see a lot of small clubs closing down, that used to be small venues. As a gigging musician, I want all the ***** I can get in those seats.

Smoking, or not.

Best to ya.

 

[ned]

Actually it will end up being better. When they implemented the smoking ban in Austin a lot of pub/bar/club owners screamed that this would kill their business. Guess what- the opposite happened.

People that don't smoke generally don't like to be in places filled with cigarette smoke. So when the smoking ban was implemented they slowly starting coming back out to live music venues.

It's going to be better for your gear too.

 

[domct203]

Connecticut has had the ban for a few years now. MHO is that I don't notice much difference now. In the beginning everyone was bitchin' about it here too, now every bar worth it's customers has some sort of outdoor covered patio (winter's a pain though).

Don't sweat it. It's actually less risk of a fire that way also. Besides, cigarette burns are ugly in your gear :shock:

Dom

 

[screamingdaisy]

Smoking bans around here actually increased bar business. There was a bit of a lag between when the smokers started bitching and when the non-smokers started coming back out, but overall it was good for business.

The logic is simple.... smokers would rather smoke outside of a bar full of women than smoke at home by themselves.

Oddly enough, most of the smokers I've talked to have grown to like the ban. Less smoke = less hangover, and they don't blow through a pack in a few hours when they have to stand outside to smoke them.

 

[Johnson]

smokers would rather smoke outside of a bar full of women than smoke at home by themselves.

You hit the nail on the head with that statement. They just passed the smoking ban in maryland which will go into effect in feb of 08. As a non smoker, I can't wait. I hate the way smoke affects my vocal chords. I hate the way I smell after a gig from hours of sitting in a smoky bar. And I hate the idea of having my gear coated with cigarette smoke! And all the research has show that it actually increases business like others have already stated! I can't wait! :lol:

 

[clutch71]

Here's my problem...

1) It's not healthy to sit in a bar and drink, get in your car and drive. Period. Alcohol in moderation is OK. Most people who go to bars do not drink in moderation by a legal definition. Even non-smokers. Few use designated drivers.

2) It's another way that goverments (city, local, or state) infringe upon your rights. Non-smokers say that they have a right to be in a smoke free environment and I agree, but laws inhibit private owners to provide an environment suitable for all customers.

Here's how the progession will go...Most cities I've been in this year have smoking bans. Most of them have you smoke outside or on an approved patio. Next they will ban that. Then they will ban smoking on public streets and in private vehicles. Then they will ban it in your own home. It will be slow but it will happen.

Oh, and while your thinking about it...You know that good greasy burger you got at your favorite fast food joint. Enjoy it now because that's next. Transfat's are on lawmakers radar.

I know smoking is bad for you, but so is driving.

 

[Eric]

I just came back from vacationing in the moutains of NC, I went to a diner and about fell over when the waitress asked me "smoking or non?" Its been so long since I heard that, it really stumped me for a sec so I finally said non please and i am a smoker :shock:

 

[Johnson]

Having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a pissing section in a pool! :lol:

 

[RJ2213]

Having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a pissing section in a pool! :lol:

i use the kiddie pool for my urination needs.

 

[Johnson]

Good call!

 

[ToneAddictJon]

They've had the smoking ban here for a few years now, and I love it. I don't see any decline at bars, but like others have said there are more people willing to go sit down in a bar and not be smoked out. A lot of my friends are smokers, and (for the most part) they could care less if they have to walk outside to smoke. My gear has been happier too. I have not been fond of doing bar gigs in Portland (OR) because I come home smelling like smoke, my singers voice is thrashed because of the smoke, my gear ends up smelling, and everyone is spending as much money on cigarettes as drinks, which means less of a cut for ME!!!!! I use to smoke, and still preferred non-smoking establishements. I think lots of people living here confuse basic human rights with the "rights" to do whatever you want whenever you want.

 

[t0aj15]

Here in MI the smoking ban has already passed the state house and is currently in the senate. I hope it passes soon because I'm sick and tired of coming home from the pub smelling like an ashtray because of somebody else's bad habit. :evil:

 

[Rocky]

More people dont smoke than do smoke and lots of people dont go to bars and clubs because the idea of smelling like an ashtray is sickening. During the first stage of a smoking ban the smokers get pi**ed off and dont go out. After a while they grow up, adjust and stop sulking in their basements.

No smoking in bars nearly always turns out to be a big plus for club owners and patrons.

 

[Johnson]

+1^

 

[StratTone]

More people dont smoke than do smoke and lots of people dont go to bars and clubs because the idea of smelling like an ashtray is sickening. During the first stage of a smoking ban the smokers get pi**ed off and dont go out. After a while they grow up, adjust and stop sulking in their basements.

No smoking in bars nearly always turns out to be a big plus for club owners and patrons.

Yeah but a smoking ban is just wrong. I think the owners should be able to provide what they want. Everybody seems to want it there way. That is just how americans are. I don't see why you can't have a town that has smoking bars as well as nonsmoking bars. If you don't smoke and hate the smell don't go to the smoking bar if you smoke and don't want to go outside to smoke at the non smoking bar then go to the smoking bar. Why is this so hard to understand.......... If you have to kids that argue over which game they want to play on Playstation........get another one and they can both play..... I think smokers and non smokers that care enough to try and take something away from someone else to better there experience are selfish.

 

[Rocky]

Drawing a similie b/w smoking, which kills people that dont even smoke, and 2 children fighting over an X-Box isnt a valid arguement. I also dont agree that buying each of them a TV and an X-Box of their own is the answer. What you do is tell them that they will wait their turn or face discipline. If one child is not letting the other on then it is up to the parents to intervene....maybe by locking the x-box away and seeing how the kids like having to ***gasp*** go outside or do someting creative. I think that people need to learn that they can t have everything they want from an early age...not buying that second X-Box is a good lesson in getting kids trained from an early age.


Bottom line is that smoking makes people sick and is expensive for society. Society has the right to demand that the offending activity (in this case smoking) be removed...that is democracy folks. Smokers are on the losing side of this and ever shall be.

Personally I will gladly put my heel on the 'smokers rights' and grind them into the ground. Walk through a cancer clinic or hospice and you will see why these bans are not only perfectly fair but are actually humane and in every way, good. I dont want to sound overly crass here and I really do like the freedoms that are granted in most of the western world. But freedom isnt free and there are things that cannot be allowed. I am of the belief that if a person chooses to do something harmful themself it should not be in public....it should be at home.

I am pretty sickened by having to walk through a cloud of smoke on my way into a bar...to me that needs to be looked at and smoking areas should be at least 5-10 meters away from any door.

 

[ToneAddictJon]

Yeah but a smoking ban is just wrong. I think the owners should be able to provide what they want. Everybody seems to want it there way. That is just how americans are. I don't see why you can't have a town that has smoking bars as well as nonsmoking bars. If you don't smoke and hate the smell don't go to the smoking bar if you smoke and don't want to go outside to smoke at the non smoking bar then go to the smoking bar. Why is this so hard to understand.......... If you have to kids that argue over which game they want to play on Playstation........get another one and they can both play..... I think smokers and non smokers that care enough to try and take something away from someone else to better there experience are selfish.

The thing that stands out most to me here is buying the kid an extra playstation, so spoil rather than teach life lessons??? That right there, to me, is illogical and the rest of you're statement is not taken seriously. Secondly, I don't think segregating the smokers from non-smokers is a great idea, that avoids the issues through dividing people, and causes new problems all together. One more point and then I'm done, if someone absolutely can't go a few hours without smoking, there are bigger problems there than I have to walk a few feet outside to smoke!!

 

[stompboxfreak72]

The smoking ban in Ohio went into effect in June. My cover band was booked for 17 shows in 6 months before the ban.

Since the ban we are now down to only 2 more shows this calendar year. Cleveland is not a hot bed for music and clubbing but the smoking band surely did not help us at all.

Personally, I hate cigarrettes and any person under the age of 40 who smokes is either an absolute idiot or simply too selfish too realize that when they die prematurely they will be sorely missed by everyone they knew.

I am hoping things pick up again as it seems like the ban was actually beneficial in other areas. It has not been good here as the cover band scene is now nonexistant ( which is not a bad thing either!).

 

[fireonhigh]

no smokin? you all will love it when you have to blow in a machine to start your car ,that ***** comin to, i should get into a taxi busienes,more ****** lawss yeahhhhhhhhh, maybe you all think it will be a good idea to be chipped to,,you know for your safety and to track us like animals :shock: lol **** AMERIKA :twisted: