Smoking ban one year old today

Seems like just yesterday that all sorts of people were complaining about the pending state wide ban on indoor smoking. An article in the News Tribune today mentions that sales are down mostly at non-tribal casinos. Overall, however, the business has been good for other alcohol serving establishments. Aside from money, the best part is that the state's tobacco quit line received 80 percent more calls this January than last.

Link to the News Tribune

I can say that we certainly go out more to places in Tacoma we previously avoided. Our choices of smoke-free clean bars went from one to probably nearly a dozen we've visited at one time or another this year. Everything seems more lively and clean without the veil or smell of cigarettes in the air. Some of the pubs in the area really seem to have a great sense of "come as you may" rather than "come as you may but it'll shave off a couple days of your life". It's been nice to get out without having to be exposed to all that second-hand smoke. Besides, if I buy a $7 drink, I want to taste what I just bought not someone's Virginia slim.

Have you gone out or enjoyed going out more with the smoking ban in place? How has it effected you? Chime in by commenting below.

Comments (2) | To Top

12/8/2006 @ 7:57am

The smoking ban in Scotland is nearly a year old as well, and it has been such a delight not to worry about what to wear because I don't want a favourite jacket reeking for weeks afterward. And I can actually invite my friend who has asthma out for a drink! We have definitely planned more outings (restaurants and pubs) since the smoking ban went into effect. England and Wales are next in 2007 so book your UK holidays now ;)

by Toni, KF's sis in Scotland

12/8/2006 @ 3:53pm

Ok, I am booking -- how about Christmas? I love the ban here too. I won't say we go out more (because we are elderly and decrepid!) but it makes it so much nicer when we do. I signed the petition that day the tall ships were in Tacoma, so I feel very proud to be that part of the process too.

by Kathy Freitas