Back in the day, it seemed like everyone smoked, and that smoking, and hanging out in smoky places was acceptable if not the norm. By acceptable, I mean to parents of kids as well as to the general population.
I never smoked, but was unavoidably around it most of my early life. People smoked everywhere, and that is just the way it was.
Even today, there is a pretty strong smoking culture associated with pool. I think this is something that might hurt pool. I think it is especially true for junior pool.
What percentage of parents today would be OK with their kids spending time in smoky pool halls? Doesn't matter if it is while learning the game, playing junior leagues, or just hanging out... I'm thinking lots wouldn't be, and those that are shouldn't be. I wouldn't want my kids to a) be exposed to second hand smoke, b) be exposed to a strong smoking influence, or c) start smoking themselves. I know kids are kids, but why tempt fate.
I feel lucky to have a non-smoking room nearby - it is the only one in town, and might be the only one in the state. It is common to see parents, grandparents, or other "family" bring kids into this room. Much of the time the kids are instructed, or at least encouraged to play, but others are just in to watch their folks play. I almost never see this at other rooms - all of which are generally smoke filled.
Is this the busiest room in town? Nope! But it is the only one I frequent, and the only one where I commonly see families. I think this could be parlayed into some $$$, but it would take some doing.
Getting juniors involved would (could?) help build up pool's popularity. Having junior friendly (I don't mean "lily-white" necessarily, just not "seriously shady" and not smoke filled) establishments would be a first step. Getting Junior leagues, group lessons, tournaments, etc. will take some effort, creativity, marketing, and persistance. But it would probably be worth it for room owners - the kids AND their parents would buy food and drink. Aside from table time, they would need equipment and probably coaching too. I think that junior leagues in particiular - maybe even school teams - could be money makers.
I know it is hard to change things, but the smoky, somewhat shady image of pool that seemed so cool in the "Hustler" doesn't work so well today. My previous favorite room is frequently packed with 18 - 25 year old power smokers. That basically drove me away. I like the kids but can't stand the smoke.
Just some thoughts from the "other side".
p.s. I think pool also suffers from the economy, competition (poker, casinos, ponies, video games (kids), Cable, Reality TV, and all sorts of other time and money eaters), rising real estate and rental costs, taxes, fees, etc., as well as "image".
I never smoked, but was unavoidably around it most of my early life. People smoked everywhere, and that is just the way it was.
Even today, there is a pretty strong smoking culture associated with pool. I think this is something that might hurt pool. I think it is especially true for junior pool.
What percentage of parents today would be OK with their kids spending time in smoky pool halls? Doesn't matter if it is while learning the game, playing junior leagues, or just hanging out... I'm thinking lots wouldn't be, and those that are shouldn't be. I wouldn't want my kids to a) be exposed to second hand smoke, b) be exposed to a strong smoking influence, or c) start smoking themselves. I know kids are kids, but why tempt fate.
I feel lucky to have a non-smoking room nearby - it is the only one in town, and might be the only one in the state. It is common to see parents, grandparents, or other "family" bring kids into this room. Much of the time the kids are instructed, or at least encouraged to play, but others are just in to watch their folks play. I almost never see this at other rooms - all of which are generally smoke filled.
Is this the busiest room in town? Nope! But it is the only one I frequent, and the only one where I commonly see families. I think this could be parlayed into some $$$, but it would take some doing.
Getting juniors involved would (could?) help build up pool's popularity. Having junior friendly (I don't mean "lily-white" necessarily, just not "seriously shady" and not smoke filled) establishments would be a first step. Getting Junior leagues, group lessons, tournaments, etc. will take some effort, creativity, marketing, and persistance. But it would probably be worth it for room owners - the kids AND their parents would buy food and drink. Aside from table time, they would need equipment and probably coaching too. I think that junior leagues in particiular - maybe even school teams - could be money makers.
I know it is hard to change things, but the smoky, somewhat shady image of pool that seemed so cool in the "Hustler" doesn't work so well today. My previous favorite room is frequently packed with 18 - 25 year old power smokers. That basically drove me away. I like the kids but can't stand the smoke.
Just some thoughts from the "other side".
p.s. I think pool also suffers from the economy, competition (poker, casinos, ponies, video games (kids), Cable, Reality TV, and all sorts of other time and money eaters), rising real estate and rental costs, taxes, fees, etc., as well as "image".