Why Pool is devastated by the new Smoking Laws.

[Island Drive]

What's interesting about this, since in CO it's been that way and no longer effects ANY business in a derogatory way AT ALL is this. All your refrigeration equipment will not longer continue to build up nicotine. The quality of your wait staff could easily change, as many single mothers or working college students that are non smokers will now consider working here, and families might consider it for birthday parties or ??? It's also a proven fact, that people that are concerned for their health as compared to those that could care less, are a different animal, + smokers die allot younger, and when your regulars are retired, pool is one favorite pastime.

 

[macguy]

I personally dont miss the days of coming home at 6am after an all night session stinking of smoke. Its also ruff on the eyes after a long session.

It is a non issue anymore. Less then 18% of the public even smoke anymore and that number is dropping. I would not be making decisions in my business to cater to 17.8% of the public. Non smoking is a strong selling point now it has flipped from a neg to a positive.

Not to mention you are not necessarily losing every one of the smokers. Not all of them are out of control addicts. They work in offices and banks and all kinds of jobs where smoking is not permitted and they have adapted. They have to do the same in their recreational activities as well and they are.

Not even the most hardcore smoker does not respect the rights non smoker in most cases. they would not even want to see their own children take up the nasty habit. Smokers are not stupid they are just addicts and recognize it. Society has changed and this is one of the changes. We no longer live in the days of the TV show "Mad Men".

 

[ninelee99]

I live in a small town in Richmond Co. NC & drive 50 miles to play in a smoke free pool room. I quit smoking 40 yrs. ago,my ex wife didn't & died in Feb. from COPD. Second hand smoke supposedly kills 50,000 people yearly in the US, The only sure way not to be one of the 50,000 is to stay out of smoke filled rooms.

 

[poolmouse]

I live in a small town in Richmond Co. NC & drive 50 miles to play in a smoke free pool room. I quit smoking 40 yrs. ago,my ex wife didn't & died in Feb. from COPD. Second hand smoke supposedly kills 50,000 people yearly in the US, The only sure way not to be one of the 50,000 is to stay out of smoke filled rooms.

Cancer is a very serious health issue. Its distressing to see pool room owners insult pool players' intelligence by playing it down.

Its time for responsible pool room owners to care about their customers' health.

Its time for pool players who care to stop patronizing pool rooms that allow it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

 

[maha]

and look at all the so called old famous players dying off. they were all smokers. dying in their 60's mostly of cancer.
but they exercised their right to smoke wherever they went.

 

[336Robin]

a change in demographic

So much for the myth that Non-Smoking will kill a pool room's business.

JoeyA

Could be a change in the demographic that is marketed to is in order. Perhaps non Smoking, working people with money.....I think that might work. Why keep all the fun to ourselves right?

 

[Island Drive]

Tobacco killed BOTH my parents before their time.:frown:

 

[Agent 99]

Pool Halls are doing well in my town...

I can tell you this, all I ever hear is about how pool halls are closing all over the country.

People have written about this here at great lengths.

Well, in my town we have 4 major, and very nice pool halls, that have been in business for quite some time and continue to do well today.

There are no such things as smoking laws in my town.

That's all I got.

 

[Donny Lutz]

Thanks.

Cancer is a very serious health issue. Its distressing to see pool room owners insult pool players' intelligence by playing it down.

Its time for responsible pool room owners to care about their customers' health.

Its time for pool players who care to stop patronizing pool rooms that allow it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Thanks. Smokers are in denial about all the problems associated with tobacco. And it's not just lung cancer, but many other cancers, as well as heart disease and COPD.

I personally have known scores of players who quit playing completely because they had no smoke-free places to play. And I've spoken to scores of smokers who say they can't even stand it when the smoke gets too thick...they'd be quite happy with a bar or pool hall that offered a place to step outside for a smoke.

Tobacco smokers are a dying breed...

 

[336Robin]

The face of Pool

Thanks. Smokers are in denial about all the problems associated with tobacco. And it's not just lung cancer, but many other cancers, as well as heart disease and COPD.

I personally have known scores of players who quit playing completely because they had no smoke-free places to play. And I've spoken to scores of smokers who say they can't even stand it when the smoke gets too thick...they'd be quite happy with a bar or pool hall that offered a place to step outside for a smoke.

Tobacco smokers are a dying breed...

Time, the law and peoples habits are changing the demographic that room owners should advertise to. With all of the things out there competing for the attention of the working person, pool has changed from a "build it and they will come business" to one that should market to a demographic.

 

[KRJ]

Cancer is a very serious health issue. Its distressing to see pool room owners insult pool players' intelligence by playing it down.

Its time for responsible pool room owners to care about their customers' health.

Its time for pool players who care to stop patronizing pool rooms that allow it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

tap tap tap. And if they allow smoking in your poolroom, it's time to buy a home table and play there... practice up, and only play in the state or national tourneys, because most of them are non smoking.

still seems weird to me that folks would prefer NOT to play a sport they love because they can't smoke. Heck, you can't smoke while playing 99% of sports out there, why does pool need to be the exception?

 

[justadub]

I've been pretty vocal about this issue, throughout this thread, and others. Here's whats happened recently...

As I've said in the past, the primary place where I play is an Eagles Club. As it is a private fraternal organization, it is not subject to the smoking regulations here in the state of Maine. Yet this club banned smoking about 5 years ago, based on a vote of it's membership. (It was relatively close, at the time.)

The club lost some long time members, and gained some as well. I believe the numbers are down slightly from before the ban, but I think its relatively close, and there are other factors that affect membership beyond the smoking issue.

In the past few months, there is a new liquor inspector in our part of the state, and he has been on the prowl at all area night clubs, enforcing the regulations on how far people have to be away from doors when they are outside smoking (at least 20 feet). Many places (including our club) have had outdoor, fenced in smoking areas that were fenced in so that patrons could take their drinks outside and smoke. This guy is enforcing that you can't do that any more. As our club is private, it isn't subject to the same regulations, but since food is also permitted out there, apparently the specifics of where smoking is permitted on the premises had to be voted upon by the club, else we would also have to enforce the rules like public places.

I am a vocal anti-smoker. Yet I campaigned loudly and prolifically for our membership to retain the smoking policy in our patio area. Why? Because outside, it is completely manageable on the part of both the smoker and the non-smoker. Inside a building, the non-smoker has no real choice in the matter.

I enjoy going outside with my friends, when they are having a smoke. We can enjoy our conversation, they can smoke, I can avoid it, and we all get along.

The vote passed in favor of retaining the existing policy. Overwhelmingly.

Why do I point all this out? Because it is possible for smokers and non-smokers to be able to coexist. We have a great smoking area, and the inside of the building is smoke free. I don't have to go home smelling like an ashtray.

 

[KRJ]

I've been pretty vocal about this issue, throughout this thread, and others. Here's whats happened recently...

As I've said in the past, the primary place where I play is an Eagles Club. As it is a private fraternal organization, it is not subject to the smoking regulations here in the state of Maine. Yet this club banned smoking about 5 years ago, based on a vote of it's membership. (It was relatively close, at the time.)

The club lost some long time members, and gained some as well. I believe the numbers are down slightly from before the ban, but I think its relatively close, and there are other factors that affect membership beyond the smoking issue.

In the past few months, there is a new liquor inspector in our part of the state, and he has been on the prowl at all area night clubs, enforcing the regulations on how far people have to be away from doors when they are outside smoking (at least 20 feet). Many places (including our club) have had outdoor, fenced in smoking areas that were fenced in so that patrons could take their drinks outside and smoke. This guy is enforcing that you can't do that any more. As our club is private, it isn't subject to the same regulations, but since food is also permitted out there, apparently the specifics of where smoking is permitted on the premises had to be voted upon by the club, else we would also have to enforce the rules like public places.

I am a vocal anti-smoker. Yet I campaigned loudly and prolifically for our membership to retain the smoking policy in our patio area. Why? Because outside, it is completely manageable on the part of both the smoker and the non-smoker. Inside a building, the non-smoker has no real choice in the matter.

I enjoy going outside with my friends, when they are having a smoke. We can enjoy our conversation, they can smoke, I can avoid it, and we all get along.

The vote passed in favor of retaining the existing policy. Overwhelmingly.

Why do I point all this out? Because it is possible for smokers and non-smokers to be able to coexist. We have a great smoking area, and the inside of the building is smoke free. I don't have to go home smelling like an ashtray.

You can still smoke at bars and restaruarnts that have outdoor patios... or "beer gardens" as they sometimes call them.... so, it's the best compromise there is... if you wanna smoke, heck, there is a place set up just for ya.. what's not to like

 

[leto1776]

In PA, you can hve smoking in bars if they make something like less than 25% of their income on food. You can then apply for an exemption allowing smoking in your bar. Every bar in my local area has one.

Well, it turned out one bar up the road didn't actually have it, and got busted. Immediate non-smoking bar. Killed their business for weeks. No one went in, even on the weekends. They applied for and got their exemption, but business never fully recovered. Granted, the owner is a doofus, and there are other factors leading up to the loss of business, but those several weeks of no smoking, never saw a place so empty.

I see more and more people gaping around me, and I think it's a good thing. I sih some of my league teammates would take it up. Two smokers on my 8-ball team, and that smoke always reeks. My 9-ball team, I think I'm the only non smoker. My clothes are gag worthy after Tuesday night.

 

[KRJ]

Immediate non-smoking bar. Killed their business for weeks. No one went in, even on the weekends. They applied for and got their exemption, but business never fully recovered. Granted, the owner is a doofus, and there are other factors leading up to the loss of business, but those several weeks of no smoking, never saw a place so empty.

.

funny, it still makes me laugh that because they can't smoke in a bar they'd rather stay home... I've yet to pick up any girls at my "house" ?? Or play in leagues in my house? Or socialize unless I'm throwing a party. There are so many things to do when "out", that if smoking is all they want anyways, they should just stay home.... less bars, but we probably don't need as many anyways if smokers like hanging out at home like hermits

Plus, the are still allowed to smoke outside... not like they are not smoking when they go out ????

 

[chefjeff]

I've been pretty vocal about this issue, throughout this thread, and others. Here's whats happened recently...

As I've said in the past, the primary place where I play is an Eagles Club. As it is a private fraternal organization, it is not subject to the smoking regulations here in the state of Maine. Yet this club banned smoking about 5 years ago, based on a vote of it's membership. (It was relatively close, at the time.)

The club lost some long time members, and gained some as well. I believe the numbers are down slightly from before the ban, but I think its relatively close, and there are other factors that affect membership beyond the smoking issue.

In the past few months, there is a new liquor inspector in our part of the state, and he has been on the prowl at all area night clubs, enforcing the regulations on how far people have to be away from doors when they are outside smoking (at least 20 feet). Many places (including our club) have had outdoor, fenced in smoking areas that were fenced in so that patrons could take their drinks outside and smoke. This guy is enforcing that you can't do that any more. As our club is private, it isn't subject to the same regulations, but since food is also permitted out there, apparently the specifics of where smoking is permitted on the premises had to be voted upon by the club, else we would also have to enforce the rules like public places.

I am a vocal anti-smoker. Yet I campaigned loudly and prolifically for our membership to retain the smoking policy in our patio area. Why? Because outside, it is completely manageable on the part of both the smoker and the non-smoker. Inside a building, the non-smoker has no real choice in the matter.

I enjoy going outside with my friends, when they are having a smoke. We can enjoy our conversation, they can smoke, I can avoid it, and we all get along.

The vote passed in favor of retaining the existing policy. Overwhelmingly.

Why do I point all this out? Because it is possible for smokers and non-smokers to be able to coexist. We have a great smoking area, and the inside of the building is smoke free. I don't have to go home smelling like an ashtray.

But by bypassing the state's gun-backed mandates, you all are engaging in anarchy!

OMG !!!

Jeff Livingston

 

[BugHunter]

I read the first half of this thread, then a page here and there. Pretty much, if you read page one, you've got the gist of it. Then, 3 room owners chimed in when the OP asked for these success stories and for another 10 pages (6 months) he continued to act as if nobody had responded to that challenge.

The room I shoot at has been non-smoking since it opened. Nicest place you could want to shoot. Several rooms have opened over the years and allowed smoking, every one of them closed up shop within a few years. In several cases, they had superior locations, and more parking, with food and sometimes alcohol to boot. Still could not compete with the non-smoking establishment. For the people who want to sit in a smoky bar and play pool we have clubs. The local Eagles club wreaks of stench the second you open the door. You know, that smell of 50 years of horrible chain smoking filth on every surface. I'm not sure burning it down would solve the odor issues. I was in it for the first time in 15 years recently and the smell in the foyer made me want to gag. And this is what people want in their business.

Then, let's take a closer look at this smoking ban and the "effects". The Op evidently owns a room where he turned a smoking area into a non-smoking one, and then acts as if he has no idea why people are not in there. Hellllloooooooooo, maybe YOUR sensory organs are paralyzed, but mine are not. Your non-smoking (former smoking) area still stinks to high heaven. The smell makes me want to vomit after a while. Honestly, the smoke actually masks that when smokers are present. In other words, the stench of the smoke is actually a little better, even if this musty old ash tray smell doesn't burn your eyes! :lol: Take notes from the guy who says he's been 2 years of trying to clean the place to make it welcoming again. Touch your tables, now your hands stink. Pick up a rake, now your hands stink. Raining outside, omg it stinks. It never ends.

 

[leto1776]

funny, it still makes me laugh that because they can't smoke in a bar they'd rather stay home... I've yet to pick up any girls at my "house" ?? Or play in leagues in my house? Or socialize unless I'm throwing a party. There are so many things to do when "out", that if smoking is all they want anyways, they should just stay home.... less bars, but we probably don't need as many anyways if smokers like hanging out at home like hermits

Plus, the are still allowed to smoke outside... not like they are not smoking when they go out ????

They went to the bar across the street, which still had smoking. Or better, they drove 3 minutes to a street that has 4-6 bars (including social clubs), writhing easy walking distance of each other, that all allow smoking.

 

[336Robin]

I read the first half of this thread, then a page here and there. Pretty much, if you read page one, you've got the gist of it. Then, 3 room owners chimed in when the OP asked for these success stories and for another 10 pages (6 months) he continued to act as if nobody had responded to that challenge.

The room I shoot at has been non-smoking since it opened. Nicest place you could want to shoot. Several rooms have opened over the years and allowed smoking, every one of them closed up shop within a few years. In several cases, they had superior locations, and more parking, with food and sometimes alcohol to boot. Still could not compete with the non-smoking establishment. For the people who want to sit in a smoky bar and play pool we have clubs. The local Eagles club wreaks of stench the second you open the door. You know, that smell of 50 years of horrible chain smoking filth on every surface. I'm not sure burning it down would solve the odor issues. I was in it for the first time in 15 years recently and the smell in the foyer made me want to gag. And this is what people want in their business.

Then, let's take a closer look at this smoking ban and the "effects". The Op evidently owns a room where he turned a smoking area into a non-smoking one, and then acts as if he has no idea why people are not in there. Hellllloooooooooo, maybe YOUR sensory organs are paralyzed, but mine are not. Your non-smoking (former smoking) area still stinks to high heaven. The smell makes me want to vomit after a while. Honestly, the smoke actually masks that when smokers are present. In other words, the stench of the smoke is actually a little better, even if this musty old ash tray smell doesn't burn your eyes! :lol: Take notes from the guy who says he's been 2 years of trying to clean the place to make it welcoming again. Touch your tables, now your hands stink. Pick up a rake, now your hands stink. Raining outside, omg it stinks. It never ends.

I think its going to be a hard transition for a lot of people from what worked for years and what is going to need to be done to work in the present and the future. Ive found that the hardest thing you will ever get past is yourself. I think that room owners are sometimes so close to the action that it keeps them from being able to see what is going on and changing in front of their eyes especially when they have just enough alcohol sales to barely keep things afloat. It would seem that a retreat back into what used to work would be the easiest alternative but that's a world that we aren't going back into, because people have changed and there are way too many things competing for their attention and its going to take a different approach to bring them in.

 

[trinacria]

They televise fishing tournaments with huge prizes.
Pools biggest problem is that many
people like to play , not many like to watch.
Pool needs a reality show to jump start it back into peoples minds.
Viffer vs the World or something like that.
Watching 2 great players has never gotten the job done , maybe having a guy that misses and people can relate to a little better would .
Doing the same things they did for the last 60 years and expecting a different result is just stupid.
He seems eccentric enough that people might enjoy it , also he is semi famous from the Poker Shows.
If people will watch Turtle Man catch rodents for 35 dollars I'm thinking they would enjoy watching a pool gambling show where anything might happen.
Remember I had this idea , if it takes off, I want my end!.

sry, i had the idea long before you, i have a thread in the mix somewhere, but i obviously agree with you 100%.