2008.02.22
To be or not to be smoke-free
Smoke-free dining may become the rule for at least one more restaurant in the Roanoke Valley. Though the Virginia General Assembly has not passed a number of bills to ban or limit smoking at eateries, one Roanoke restaurant may join others to regulate smoking at its own establishment.
Metro, a restaurant in downtown Roanoke, recently sent out a survey to patrons on its email list, asking what they think about smoking in the upscale eatery “to determine if we should implement a no-smoking policy,” it states.
I couldn’t reach Metro’s chef and owner, Andy Schlosser, for comment about what he’s learned from the survey so far.
I realize there are wide opinions on this issue, but not matter what you think, let me know if you’ve noticed other Roanoke area restaurants checking in with patrons about how they feel about smoking while dining. Also, what local eateries recently have banned smoking?
The Roanoker Resturant on Colonial Ave banned smoking last year and its wonderful. I applaud any establishment that wishes to become smoke-free. This is not the personal issue that some would like to make out, but a health issue. My wife and I seek out those that offer smoke-free dining and entertaining as their policy.
Comment by Tom Lacey — February 23, 2008 @ 8:43 am
After smoking in restaurants is banned, we can ban red meat...and carbonated sodas....and salt....and shellfish....and anything else that whining liberal do-gooders may think of next.
Comment by Robert Carswell Jr — February 25, 2008 @ 11:10 am
Mr. Carswell is missing the point. Ciggarette smoke is harmful to other people when consumed in a restaurant. Red meat, carbonated sodas, salt and shellfish are not harmful to others when one consumes them.
Comment by Amanda — February 25, 2008 @ 1:32 pm
If a restaurant cannot properly vent the smoke then I say smoke-free please. I have just as much right to breath clean air as they have to somke but some places have no ventilation . There is one place that comes to mind that I no longer eat at because the smoke is just to thick to enjoy my food. Their food and service is normally good but it just ruined by thick smoke. Why can't most places close off the smoking section and put in something to draw out the smoke. I wouldn't think it would take much. A heavy plastic curtain at least. If employee health is a concern then have only people that already smoke or are willing to take the risk work that section. They could at least try and make both sides happy. This is the land of the free after all.
Comment by Mike — February 26, 2008 @ 3:37 am
I have have an autoimmune illness that does not allow me to create tears or airway moisture to clean my lungs. Millions of Americans have this syndrome. Secondhand smoke is not a long term risk for many people with most chronic illnesses. It is an immediate, painful, life-threatening exposure. What about my civil rights? I guess its going to take costly Americans with Disabilities Act lawsuits for these ignorant business owners to get it. It's no different than a business without a wheelchair ramp for millions of Americans, but then again, they don't get that either. With an aging population, it's just economic stupidity and liability suicide. Many people with chronic illnesses dine out in a disproportionate frequency due to the difficulty in preparing a complicated meal. These pro-smoking policies just don't make economic sense in the long run. Ask all the successful, major chains that have banned smoking.
Comment by Teresa,Vinton, VA — February 26, 2008 @ 11:03 am
The point that needs to be made is that the decision should be made by the OWNER of the restaurant or bar. If you don't like the smell of smoke then ,perhaps, you need to eat at a non-smoking establishment. It's that simple.
Comment by Robert Carswell Jr — February 26, 2008 @ 11:32 am
And what about the people who have to work in that environment? Don't they have the right to work in a safe environment?
Comment by Amanda — February 26, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
How about signing a waiver. Should we not have coal mines or construction sites or logging sites? Those professions are hazardous. Please...enough with the nanny state. A couple of years working in a smoke-filled bar never hurt anyone. It may actually build character. Tobacco money has been used to fund state schools, roads, welfare programs, etc. in VA for the last 100 years or so. I know that tobacco is just the beginning. Liberals will find more industries to attack when tobacco becomes a black market item. We cannot continue down this road to socialism. Liberals harm Americans everytime they vote. But it's their right. I can't tell them otherwise. Banning cigarette smoking in restaurants gives the small business person one more reason to get close. They are already taxed and regulated. Why force them to give up 40% of their customers?
Comment by Robert C — February 26, 2008 @ 3:22 pm
As an occassional cigar smoker I find it humorous when cigarette smokers get disgusted when you try to light a stogie in a bar. When you ask them what the problem is, they always say cigars stink. Well guess what, ciggarettes stink pretty bad too. I choose to keep my cigars at home. Cigarette smokers should consider doing the same.
Comment by Greg — March 4, 2008 @ 12:32 pm