Tavern owners say governor should stay out of their business
(Published Thursday, January 25, 2007 11:34:33 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
By Marcia Nelesen Gazette staff
Jim Halbach opened Rev. Jim's Spuds and Suds a year ago as a non-smoking downtown bar.
Halbach wanted to provide an option for people who complain about smoky bars.
But it didn't work.
Within three weeks, he put out the ashtrays.
"If there was such a need for non-smoking bars, we would have them,'' Halbach said.
Gov. Jim Doyle has proposed that all public places in Wisconsin be smoke free, and Halbach doesn't appreciate politicians who tell him how to run his business.
Jim Halbach
"When the money is mine, I should have the right to decide what I'm going to do in my bar-smoking or non-smoking,'' Halbach said this morning.
That was the reaction of all but one business owner interviewed in light of Doyle's proposal announced Wednesday.
Chris Brose, owner of El-Ra-Bowl, 1942 Center Ave., has mixed feelings about the proposal. Bowling alleys are now exempt under Janesville's no-smoking ordinance.
Brose said he understands the health issues related to smoking. And all that smoke makes cleaning his building a pain.
But it is his building, he stressed.
"If you don't want to be exposed to smoke, there's nobody making you come here,'' he said.
"It just seems like our freedoms are being taken away bit by bit.''
Beloit's Jared Janzen smokes a cigar while at TAASBAG in Janesville on Wednesday. When asked about Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed statewide smoking ban, Janzen said, 'A ban doesn't bother me, but it would definitely change things for other people. In the big picture, there would be definite health benefits for kids. You can bring kids into places. You see people come in a bar with little kids where people are smoking, and it bothers me. That should be the parents' responsibility. But adults should be adults and deal with that and go outside and smoke. It would definitely be good for the health of little kids.'
Dan Lassiter/Gazette Staff
Kipp Hoskins, owner of East Point Sportz Pub, 3501 E. Milwaukee St., looked around his bar on Wednesday afternoon.
At least half of his patrons were smoking, he said.
Kipp and his wife, Sharen, also don't believe politics should dicate whether patrons walk through his doors.
Sharen said there are smoke-free bars already in Janesville.
"My point is, I don't understand why those places aren't busier, if that's what everybody wants.
"I know they try to focus on the health part of it, but the people who frequent bars on a regular basis aren't overly concerned with their health.''
Bans only cause a shift in business, Kipp Hoskins said.
The couple set up a separate smoking area in their restaurant next door after Janesville's no-smoking ban.
Business has increased there.
Bruce Monson, owner of Wedges, 2006 N. County E, said the real issue is air quality.
Many places have good ventilation systems while others don't, he said. Workers are exposed to diesel fuel smoke. Students are exposed to mold. Campfire smoke is harmful, he said.
Monson said he believes in individual rights, and a quarter of the adult population smokes. A ban discriminates against someone who has a habit that others may not like.
Monson predicted a "monstrous" explosion of outdoor areas and unique ceiling systems if the proposal passes.
Mark Otis, owner of the Milwaukee Grill, 2601 Morse St., went smoke-free when Janesville's no-smoking ordinance passed.
His business changed. Otis can't remember the last time he was open until midnight. He used to regularly have customers until at least 1 a.m.
But his dinner business increased.
Back then, Otis said he saw the writing on the wall.
He said everyone will soon realize the health costs associated with smoking.
Talking smoking "I quit three years ago. I think (a ban) is a foolish idea. Bars are for smoking, drinking … letting loose. You come out for the atmosphere. I hate smoke. Since I quit I've been even more sensitive to the smell than a non-smoker."-Ginger Stalker, Janesville
"I'm a non-smoker. I'd love to have it pass. Listen to my voice."-Beth Graf, bartender, TAASBAG, 2339 Milton Ave.
"I think it's very wrong that (Doyle) has the right to tell other people what to do. I am a former smoker, but it doesn't bother me in the least. If they keep this up, they might make me start again."-Doug Krueger, non-smoker, Janesville
"The reason I think it's wrong is I can't believe you can tell the bar owners what to do."-Shirley Krueger, smoker, Janesville
"I only smoke when I go to a bar, but I don't believe there should be a ban. People should have the choice."-Shannon Brown, smoker and smokeless tobacco user, Janesville
"In Madison there's no smoking in the taverns. I think that's a good idea. But to make (a statewide ban) in effect … I think it's going to be a tough fight. But it can happen on the basis of public health. It'll be a piecemeal process-restaurants first, then taverns."-D.J. Harriot, non-smoker, Janesville
"It's a legal substance, and you're making it illegal to do it. It's becoming like communism. If you're going to ban smoking like in California, (the state enacted a smoking ban in workplaces in 1994 and in bars in 1998) make buying cigarettes illegal so there is no tax. Why should the government make money off of an addiction? If (Doyle) does this, I'll never vote for him again."-Korliss Courtney, smoker, Janesville
"When they decide to stop subsidizing tobacco growers for bad crops, maybe then they should think about banning smoking. Maybe they should take care of that before they start this. Take care of the mountain before worrying about the stones."-Kent Shortreed, smoker, Janesville
"A ban doesn't bother me, but it would definitely change things for other people. In the big picture, there would be definite health benefits for kids. You can bring kids into places. You see people come in a bar with little kids where people are smoking, and it bothers me. That should be the parents' responsibility. But adults should be adults and deal with that and go outside and smoke. It would definitely be good for the health of little kids."-Jared Janzen, cigar smoker, Beloit
"(A state-wide ban) would make things equal for bar and restaurant owners but not for patrons. Janesville's ban hurt Diamond Dave's (2500 Milton Ave.). It hurt a lot of places. The only time I smoke is when I like to have a liquid beverage of my choice. We go places where we can smoke."-Julie Nelson, Janesville
Plan outline
Gov. Jim Doyle on Wednesday announced a three-pronged plan to attack smoking in Wisconsin.
-- Raising the tax on a pack of cigarettes by $1.25. Wisconsin's current cigarette tax ranks 30th among the states, according to the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. A $1.25 increase would make it the fourth highest.
-- Bolstering funding for anti-smoking programs. Part of Doyle's plan is a refinancing of Wisconsin's tobacco settlement bonds, which he said would free up $600 million to put in a new fund along with proceeds from the tax increase. He said the fund would generate $30 million in interest per year to pay for expanded anti-smoking efforts and the rising cost of smoking-related illnesses.
-- A ban on smoking in public places. The smoking ban Doyle proposes would make Wisconsin one of just nine states that ban smoking in restaurants, bars and workplaces. Arizona joins that list in May.
City smoking ban timeline June 2002: Janesville councilmen Paul Murphy and Harry O'Leary ask city staff to write a proposed ordinance to ban smoking in restaurants.
August 27, 2002: Council chambers are packed as the council votes 5-2 to approve a no-smoking ordinance. The ban is set to take effect Feb. 14, 2003.
Smoking is banned in restaurants that earn half of their revenue in food sales. Restaurants are allowed to create enclosed smoking rooms with separate ventilation systems.
Dec. 10, 2002: The council exempts bowling alleys from the ordinance.
