State of IL closes down today.

[cueandcushion]

At least thats what all my regulars predict. The State of IL enacted a non-smoking law that goes into effect today. Everyone believes that all pool halls, bars, restaurants, casinos, bowling alleys will go out of business. Are there any IL room owners on this forum? Just curious what you have been planning for the big change. I think there will be a time of adjustment. I think the businesses that planned ahead and cleaned and prepared will be just fine. The businesses that just sat there and wanted to see what happens will have a bit of trouble financially. JMO. What is your opinion of whether the state of IL will close down?

 

[manwon]

At least thats what all my regulars predict. The State of IL enacted a non-smoking law that goes into effect today. Everyone believes that all pool halls, bars, restaurants, casinos, bowling alleys will go out of business. Are there any IL room owners on this forum? Just curious what you have been planning for the big change. I think there will be a time of adjustment. I think the businesses that planned ahead and cleaned and prepared will be just fine. The businesses that just sat there and wanted to see what happens will have a bit of trouble financially. JMO. What is your opinion of whether the state of IL will close down?

Hello Craig, it has been awhile!! I think your assessment is correct. Washington State went non-smoking in 2005 state wide, people only have one choice stay home and smoke, or go out. Most people will still continue to go out, even if they are pissed off at first.

Up here the law was strictly enforced from the beginning. Those who made the choice not to follow it, were fined into closing. For bars, or Establishments that sold Alcohol, it was three strikes and their liquor license was pulled. Now up here we have kinda a unique situation, because the laws could not be enforced on Indian Reservation land. The effect of this was mainly felt by the Casino's because each reservation has a large one on their land. To date the only changes to their operations was to expand their Casino's to include Non-Smoking areas, which was their choice and forced upon them.

The main thing that any establishment had to change was to provide a covered area outside for smokers, some places built awnings off their buildings, others attached small covered tents or builds and these attachment were generally enclosed with fence so that Alcohol could be taken outside Legally while the patron's smoked.

I do not know of any others changes that were made, and I think the cost is minimal. Anyway it should be easier there than it was here!!!!!!

Take care, and let us know the out come!!!!!!!

 

[Club Billiards]

Ohio Smoking Ban

Hey, we had the same thing happen here last year. It has made it tough. A lot of good long-running Ohio pool rooms closed this year. Probably taking its biggest toll right now while it's too damn cold to go outside to smoke! In the summer it's no big deal to still come out and smoke outside, but right now during the busy season, it's hurting. A lot of places around here have ignored the ban because there's just not enough people out there to enforce it.

Good luck with it!

 

[JimS]

There's one ph here in town and I suspect that the smoke police will be out in force. I can't imagine that this will hurt business much. As has been said it's stay home and smoke or go out and then go outside to smoke. Life is sure full of tough choices.

 

[rhncue]

There's one ph here in town and I suspect that the smoke police will be out in force. I can't imagine that this will hurt business much. As has been said it's stay home and smoke or go out and then go outside to smoke. Life is sure full of tough choices.

Non-smoking went into effect this past summer in Ohio and was the death Nell for a couple of rooms here in Cincinnati and others are talking of being in trouble. Same with the bars. Our trouble is is that we are right across the river from Kentucky and many players have moved their playing to the rooms in Kentucky.

Dick

 

[thebigdog]

Non-smoking went into effect this past summer in Ohio and was the death Nell for a couple of rooms here in Cincinnati and others are talking of being in trouble. Same with the bars. Our trouble is is that we are right across the river from Kentucky and many players have moved their playing to the rooms in Kentucky.

Dick

I never seen the smoking ban hurt any business in California, who in fact was the first state to have the smoking ban. The only types of businesses that I think could be affected are the ones who are in towns that border states that do not have a smoking ban. In those cases I think an exception should be made for certain towns or counties in the state where there may be an alternative. I don't think it should be a permanent exception, maybe just a few years for people to get used to the smoking bans. Most people who live in states that have smoking bans think that it is great. It is really nice to leave the pool room after a few hours and not smell like an ashtray.

 

[manwon]

Non-smoking went into effect this past summer in Ohio and was the death Nell for a couple of rooms here in Cincinnati and others are talking of being in trouble. Same with the bars. Our trouble is is that we are right across the river from Kentucky and many players have moved their playing to the rooms in Kentucky.

Dick

Dick this will not be a problem in the very near future!! Our trouble is is that we are right across the river from Kentucky and many players have moved their playing to the rooms in Kentucky.

This is just the beginning, very soon the entire country will follow suit!!!!

 

[thebigdog]

Dick this will not be a problem in the very near future!! Our trouble is is that we are right across the river from Kentucky and many players have moved their playing to the rooms in Kentucky.

This is just the beginning, very soon the entire country will follow suit!!!!

Most of the country already has.

 

[cueandcushion]

Its all about money.

Most of the country already has.

I know that last year Jan 1st 2007, officially over 50% of the country had gone non-smoking. The few remaining states that allow smoking will be socked by skyrocketing health care premiums and workmans Comp claims that will make a smoking business very obsolete. State of IL was paying 9 million a MONTH (2006 I think they said) in second hand smoke workman's compensation claims, so their decision was based on economic reality of bankrupting the state if they didn't do something quickly. They expect the claims to hit $50 million a month very quickly.

About KY. It is slowly making the transition to non-smoking.
Ashland, Elizabethtown, Georgetown, Louisville, Jefferson County, Hardin County, Henderson, Madison County, Morehead, Pikeville have COMPLETE bans on workplace smoking and numerous counties and cities have partial bans already in effect in bars, restaurants etc. *according to www.no-smoke.org*
Besides...the BEST pool tourny in all the world (Derby City Classic) is now in a non-smoking location. How many guys are NOT going because of that?
The additional price of gas will keep 95% of smokers right where they are. Most people dont want to drive 30 minutes each way and spend gas money on top of that to save the trouble of walking 30 seconds to go outside to smoke. Just doesnt make sense for most people.

Hi Manwon! Hope you had a productive and profitable holiday season in WA!

 

[nfty9er]

You are ahead of yourself

I know that last year Jan 1st 2007, officially over 50% of the country had gone non-smoking. The few remaining states that allow smoking will be socked by skyrocketing health care premiums and workmans Comp claims that will make a smoking business very obsolete. State of IL was paying 9 million a MONTH (2006 I think they said) in second hand smoke workman's compensation claims, so their decision was based on economic reality of bankrupting the state if they didn't do something quickly. They expect the claims to hit $50 million a month very quickly.

About KY. It is slowly making the transition to non-smoking.
Ashland, Elizabethtown, Georgetown, Louisville, Jefferson County, Hardin County, Henderson, Madison County, Morehead, Pikeville have COMPLETE bans on workplace smoking and numerous counties and cities have partial bans already in effect in bars, restaurants etc. *according to www.no-smoke.org*
Besides...the BEST pool tourny in all the world (Derby City Classic) is now in a non-smoking location. How many guys are NOT going because of that?
The additional price of gas will keep 95% of smokers right where they are. Most people dont want to drive 30 minutes each way and spend gas money on top of that to save the trouble of walking 30 seconds to go outside to smoke. Just doesnt make sense for most people.

Hi Manwon! Hope you had a productive and profitable holiday season in WA!

According to the Executive web site they are not non-smoking until Feb. 1, 2008. I don't know where you got that info but it would be a shame some people did not come because of that kind of untrue rumor.
I also do not agree with people not going somewhere and not stepping outside. It goes all the time in my room and some people have to walk down stairs and out the front,, about 75ft more and light up and they do it. It just something smokers adjust to because they realize it is the right thing to do period. I am sure you have been to Vegas for the BCA show and the 8000 players that come. They have no problem stepping outside the table area to smoke in the hallways. It is pretty well accepted nation wide now and I do not believe anybody who really wants to attend the Dcc will ever worry about a non-smoking facility or not. Have you really heard anyone say that? Seems pretty silly to use that as an excuse. If anyone does I would think it is for something other than that.
I am saying this as a former smoker of 40 years.

 

[Club Billiards]

According to the Executive web site they are not non-smoking until Feb. 1, 2008. I don't know where you got that info but it would be a shame some people did not come because of that kind of untrue rumor.

I seem to remember last year the event was non-smoking. I go every year, and I remember talking about it, but details get so fuzzy in a year's time. If I remember right though, people were still allowed to smoke in the bar in the hotel, and plenty of people were sneaking, but the staff were telling everyone they saw to put them out.

I don't know that an issue like that will keep many people away from the Derby though. As far as some people come to attend the event, I don't think it's going to be a big deal to step outside.

 

[nfty9er]

Exactly

I seem to remember last year the event was non-smoking. I go every year, and I remember talking about it, but details get so fuzzy in a year's time. If I remember right though, people were still allowed to smoke in the bar in the hotel, and plenty of people were sneaking, but the staff were telling everyone they saw to put them out.

I don't know that an issue like that will keep many people away from the Derby though. As far as some people come to attend the event, I don't think it's going to be a big deal to step outside.

Just like Vegas, you have to step out of the playing area. Next year however it will probably be you have to step outside. Brrrrrrrr.
Glad I live in Calif. at least although we get cold very easily.

 

[Craig Fales]

Just like Vegas, you have to step out of the playing area. Next year however it will probably be you have to step outside. Brrrrrrrr.
Glad I live in Calif. at least although we get cold very easily.

You can't smoke anywhere inside at DCC...you do have to go outside to smoke...

 

[hippiepool]

That's just what smokers need is inactivity .....taking oxygen away from your own body isn't near the fun if you have to actually walk somewhere ....

 

[nfty9er]

Not quite right Craig

You can't smoke anywhere inside at DCC...you do have to go outside to smoke...

You do not have to go outside to smoke until Feb. 1. As of this time they have designated smoking areas inside. Like I said, no smoking in the playing area.

 

[manwon]

You do not have to go outside to smoke until Feb. 1. As of this time they have designated smoking areas inside. Like I said, no smoking in the playing area.

Between now and February the Lung you save may be your own!!!!!!

The fact is I know there are some people who may count down to the SECOND it takes effect and then Jump out of a door some where with their Habit in hand. However, this thread was about the fact that this is going to happen, Like it, Love it, or totally hate it your choice but compliance will be enforced. (kinda sounds Like the Borg )

The question proposed by the person who started this thread was how will this effect the Billiards / Pool community. Nothing else is important to the business owners like myself who post here. We are not concerned about when!!! The only concern is what to do, and how to make a smooth transition to support our customers, outside of that nothing is important!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[santeetech]

cigar/smoking shop?

has anyone tried getting all the licensing for a "smoke shop" in a pool hall. Here in SoCal, you can smoke in cigar stores.

just thinkin with my fingers...

 

[nfty9er]

Compliance is not enforced everywhere

Between now and February the Lung you save may be your own!!!!!!

The fact is I know there are some people who may count down to the SECOND it takes effect and then Jump out of a door some where with their Habit in hand. However, this thread was about the fact that this is going to happen, Like it, Love it, or totally hate it your choice but compliance will be enforced. (kinda sounds Like the Borg )

The question proposed by the person who started this thread was how will this effect the Billiards / Pool community. Nothing else is important to the business owners like myself who post here. We are not concerned about when!!! The only concern is what to do, and how to make a smooth transition to support our customers, outside of that nothing is important!!!!!!!!!!!!

I answered the question in my post to cueandcushion by stating my room adjusted with no problem. I also corrected him as anyone should about incorrect information he put out in a public forum I also corrected Craig who also put out incorrect information. I have owned a room much longer than you and have suffered through the initial non smoking problem. In my case I did not comply for over a year. In my area there are several bars that still do not comply. However some areas are more strict than others and in my case the local police decided to force the issue so I complied and things are fine after the initial shock. By the way I quit smoking 7 years ago after being a 3 pack a day Marlboro man for 40 years. I love it but do not begrudge other people smoking nor do I preach to people who do , including my wife. I understand the difference and am glad I can now cater to the 75% of non-smokers, however I still disagree with government being able to tell me what to do with my business.
Respectfully
Dick Cady Fast Eddys Billiards, celbrated 28 years on Jan. 1

 

[manwon]

I answered the question in my post to cueandcushion by stating my room adjusted with no problem. I also corrected him as anyone should about incorrect information he put out in a public forum I also corrected Craig who also put out incorrect information. I have owned a room much longer than you and have suffered through the initial non smoking problem. In my case I did not comply for over a year. In my area there are several bars that still do not comply. However some areas are more strict than others and in my case the local police decided to force the issue so I complied and things are fine after the initial shock. By the way I quit smoking 7 years ago after being a 3 pack a day Marlboro man for 40 years. I love it but do not begrudge other people smoking nor do I preach to people who do , including my wife. I understand the difference and am glad I can now cater to the 75% of non-smokers, however I still disagree with government being able to tell me what to do with my business.
Respectfully
Dick Cady Fast Eddys Billiards, celbrated 28 years on Jan. 1

Fair enough, however, the Government did not force the issue in Washington State, the Citizens did, it fact smoking was voted out by a large percentage. However, I am glad that things worked out for you, and I agree that things will adjust. However, like I said enforcement is the Key, because if the people of any state vote and a law is passed due to it, the Police had better do the job they are paid for. Because if they do not, adjustment will be impossible, I mean it is the only way to keep a even playing field for all business owners.

Cue and Cushion is the oldest room in St. Louis still operating, they opened in 1967 or 1968 and compared to you guys I am certainly the New guy, because I opened this room in 2004

 

[patrickcues]

Smoking Ban Il

Fair enough, however, the Government did not force the issue in Washington State, the Citizens did, it fact smoking was voted out by a large percentage. However, I am glad that things worked out for you, and I agree that things will adjust. However, like I said enforcement is the Key, because if the people of any state vote and a law is passed due to it, the Police had better do the job they are paid for. Because if they do not, adjustment will be impossible, I mean it is the only way to keep a even playing field for all business owners.

Cue and Cushion is the oldest room in St. Louis still operating, they opened in 1967 or 1968 and compared to you guys I am certainly the New guy, because I opened this room in 2004

I totally understand the smoking ban restaurants. But in the bars and casino's and pool rooms. GIVE ME A BREAK! We have already seen a difference in business. I am at is right on the IL MO border so it is effecting us. Mo doesn't have the smoking ban. Now IL is talking about letting the casino's have smoking area's! If you make a law it should go for all businesses not just select few.