Washington State’s smoking ban, passed on December 8, 2005 prohibiting smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces including restaurants, bars, taverns, bowling alleys, skating rinks and non-tribal casinos, still evokes strong emotions by smokers and non-smokers. Recently, a local watering hole owner and new patron exchanged words about the bar’s non-compliance to the ban. The bar’s patrons happen to be ex-patriots from countries where smoking may not be as taboo. The disturbed patron was surprised that smoking was prevalent on the deck/patio and upset that the smoke was filtering to inside as well.  She sent an email to the owner and copied the county/state public health department. The owner was warned and told that he will be cited if he continues to break the law.

His view is that he’ll lose business if he enforces the ban because his bar is known to the group that he serves. However, the state Department of Revenue shows that Washington bars and taverns have seen an increase in business since the ban. One has to assume that previously some of the bars and taverns served specific populations and somehow found a way to continue to drive new business through their doors. 

Is the owner justified in his concern?  Perhaps he’s taking it too personally. The ban isn’t against tobacco users (his patrons), it’s against tobacco use and how it adversely affects more than just the individual. Maybe he should be just as concerned with his own health, the health of his employees and the other patrons. 

And did I mention, it’s the law?