New York banned smoking and businesses closed. Springfield banned smoking and businesses closed. As Chicago and the rest of Illinois await the ban they also await more business closings. This is not to suggest that when a ban goes into effect a swath of empty storefronts are left in its wake, but it is the reality of the beast that some fine establishments derive so much of their income from this segment of the population that the business cannot be sustained as their pursuit is no longer a legal activity on the premises.

As a cigar lover I have found that a certain sense of humor must be maintained when pondering the legislative scrub brushes which seek to change places like the Retro Bar in Rosemont from a cigar friendly oasis into a sterile restaurant and lounge with a thematic twist. This 1940’s send-up complete with piano bar presents more than the historical aesthetics. All of this is until the ban goes into affect and takes the noble cigar out of the equation. While removing cigars from the Retro Bar may not be as egregious as taking the massive smoke out of Winston Churchill’s mouth, it is an indication of the era of pop-politics. One can only expect a loss of business as so many patrons are forced out in the cold.

In the wake of CBGB’s closing, we look to Chicago’s own quintessential music venues. The Abbey Pub has shown itself to be among the top music venues in the city, showcasing a hodgepodge of local and national acts in an intimate locale. I recall catching the Breeders here some years back and watching as Kim Deal lit up a cigarette between songs. Smoking and Rock seem somehow intertwined, much to the chagrin of those who wish to drop the pursuit from the social landscape. Take the smoking out of music venues and you won’t take away all demand for live music, but you do destroy this indelible link and in doing so make such music locations sell the rebellious soul of Rock n’ Roll.

Walk into Kincade’s Bar and Grill and you’ll find yourself in what could be any local bar. A place for people to congregate and unwind from long hours spent at the office. A group of buddies shooting pool and swigging modestly priced beers while keeping an eye on the sports scores. The neighborhood bar is that haven in walking distance with a staff that remembers you when you walk through the door. It’s the sort of bar made famous in the show “Cheers”. It doesn’t matter whether there is a barstool which practically has your name on it or you stop by every now and then, the place is just as welcoming. Think of what such a stringent smoking ban will do to your local watering hole.

We cannot help but wonder which of our usual hangouts will be affected as bans are put in place. Legislatures speak of minimal disturbances, but in the end, one closure seems too many. Springfield talks about protecting employee rights, but where is the concern over property rights?

In the end we must view legislation as a freight train. Once you get it moving forward it is not easy go back. The smoking debate cannot be detached from the national struggle between public health concerns and personal freedoms.

With this in mind, the less intervention governmental bodies take the less we need to worry about its momentum bringing about other changes which, at their heart, are restrictions of personal liberties. We have seen that this has begun with smoking moved onto Trans fats and we now await the next health fad for the passage of expanded prohibition.

Comments

Health Vs Inconvenience Written by Guest on 2007-04-30 16:19:01 Lets see now. Second hand tobacco smoke is considered as hazardous as asbestos in the air. Staff are exposed to it for 40 hours or more a week. The 20 percent who smoke now may have to go outside for 10 or 15 minutes every couple of hours so that others don't become seriously ill. There's not much room for debate as to what ought to be happening. Obviously the health of 80 percent ought to easily trump the minor inconvenience of the 20 percent who still smoke.

You think this is because non-smokers ar Written by Guest on 2007-04-30 20:04:16 I've been doing alot of research on this subject, and to my understanding, secondhand smoke is harmful no mater how much smoke your exposed to and for how long. You speak out of ignorance to how harmful smoke is to you and others around you.

100% Solution Written by Guest on 2007-05-01 07:10:55 If a business owner posts their policy on the exterior of the building, no one has to encounter ANY second hand smoke unless they so choose!    There will be many SMOKE-FREE businesses without legislation...vote with your wallets!    The smell of curry literally makes me sick...should we ban cooking with curry? Or should I just not enter those restaurants that use it?

CHILDREN CRYING IS DETRIMENTAL TO MY MEN Written by Guest on 2007-05-01 22:08:44 I do not have kids, do not want kids, do not want to be around kids. I feel my life shortening as a kid cries! When I'm asked which section I want in a restaurant, it's not smoking or non-smoking, IT'S THE NO KIDS SECTION!!!!!     SMOKING IN A BUSINESS SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE BUSINESS OWNER AND NO ONE ELSE!!!!!!!!!!

MENTAL HEALTH Written by Guest on 2007-05-01 22:10:01 title was cut off in previous comment.

Davenporter going to Illinois more Written by Guest on 2007-05-02 00:33:54 This just gave me a reason to cross the pond so we call in the Quad Cities from Iowa to Illinois. Bars come and go all the time how can anyone tell if it is because of the smoking laws or a bartender lining there pockets to much unbeknownst to management. Its a good thing I think Rock Island "The District" will see a resurgance in 08 if the Iowa bars don't follow suit. This is a great day for non-smokers and those trying to quit

bring on the full nanny-state! Written by Guest on 2007-05-02 15:38:43 Let's now ban EVERYTHING that's alleged to be bad for us, even if only junk science backs up the claims of activists in favor of banning other unhealthy products. And not just banning trans-fats(besides smoking), let's ban all 'alleged' unhealthy products legally sold in America, including alcohol. Not to mention, let's go ALL THE WAY, and pass more feel-good laws(until we become the laughingstock of the nation).    But hey, isn't it so swell that such a decent idea would be immediately shot down by our government(s), since they are too addicted to the revenue stream that comes from the sale of tobacco in the first place......

....nanny state Written by Guest on 2007-05-02 15:41:57 ....not to also mention our government has NO guts to ban the sale of tobacco(which is what should be done, instead of a smoking ban that continues to allow our government to profit off of tobacco sales), if it is TRUELY such an unhealthy product. Don't we all just love our joke of a state government now? (when they can't even agree on a plan to lower electric rates, and other issues FAR more important than stupid secondhand smoke)

Written by Guest on 2007-12-10 13:33:06 lalalal

LOL at kids screaming Written by Guest on 2008-01-21 08:24:45 So funny to be comparing crying kids to smoking. Who's the cry baby? Why don't you quit your cry babying about not being able to smoke in public places and deal with it. For once the government made the right decision, some laws are for the best!

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