Ohio has passed a law that will radically reduce the amount of smoking:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/061108/apfn_eln_oh_issues_roundup.html?.v=1

I wonder how it will effect the Clubs many of us perform in the weekends?

One club in particular is filled with smoke by my last set...so, I'm pretty happy about it as my voice will probably last longer.

On the other hand, if the crowds shrink, then I'm screwed, perhaps...

Thoughts?

Bill in Dayton
www.billcorfield.com

[This message has been edited by Bill in Dayton (edited 11-08-2006).]

Most bars, elks, vfw, etc & blood & guts saloons & many restaurants here since the NJ bann in April are dead....its taking its toll little by little...for the better regarding health...but not $$$......
a few even have closed too. I feel bad for the mom & pop establishments man what a mess......& I dont smoke.
http://www.synthzone.com/ubbs/Forum37/HTML/014266.html


[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-08-2006).]

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 11-08-2006).]

They enacted a smoking ban here in Florida a few years ago. After a little initial drop-off in business, things went back to exactly where it used to be. After all, people want to relax and dance and drink, and just because they can't smoke indoors, doesn't mean they want to stop dancing and drinking!!

Eventually, the clubs put in a little outside area the smokers can go to, and everyone is happy. The only problem might occur in border towns, where smokers don't have very far to drive to get to another state. Many, many corporations have enacted smoke free environments, and somehow they don't go out of business.

Just relax, and enjoy the clean air....

Update...

I called the area office of the American Cancer Society and asked them directly about private clubs.

The PR person explained that there is still some wording that has to be clarified with regard to Private clubs as they are not "open to the public."

She stated that the ACS will be participating in the special rules for these type clubs and that while she doesn't expect smoking to be banned in those places, she felt very confident that additional measures be required by law for such places to protect employees, guests, musicians, etc...

Hmmm...

Good, I like to see them ban drinking too

They can snack, have a glass of milk and listen to the music..

The smoking ban in Florida has seen crowds drop drastically. These places are having a tough go at it now. One thing that has happened is that they are hiring younger people with little or no experience waiting on tables etc. The effect is the customers are getting substandard treatment causing even more of a drop in business.

If I drive a few minutes I'm in Alabama where smoking is legal. The same type of establishments even with a smaller population area have much larger crowds.

I think that while smoking may not be a great thing at least for some people that these new non smoking laws are actually against the constitution. It is taking away the rights of the people whatever your personal views on smoking are.

I believe it would be much better for all if it was as it used to be. An establishment should have the right to have a smoking, non-smoking or sections for both smokers and non-smokers and then let the public decide where they want to go.

My 2 pfennigs.



[This message has been edited by Scott Langholff (edited 11-08-2006).]

Here in Kentucky, the tobacco capital of the world, the smoking ban took effect several years ago (Lexington, my home town). Every place that didn't have a patio at least set a table and a few chairs outside, or built decks, etc. It's kind of sad...seeing a group of smokers coughing away outside in sub sero weather. Availability of outside jobs dramatically increased.

The ban is obviously better for the population in general: both smokers and non-smokers. Some places ignored the ban and simply pay fines every time they're caught.

The general decline in tobacco use really has hit the tobacco farmers hard. Many are still searching for an alternative crop, with mixed results.

Several clubs closed after the ban went into effect.I took "smokin In the Bar Room" off my playlist!


Russ

The better spots I play at the shore are all packed..If they are there for entertainment..they are happy..they can go outside to smoke...just make sure they are 25 feet from the door..

It's my turn to enjoy fresher air...

Actually, I talk to many that come out now because of the ban..

The RI smoking ban has been a mixed blessing for me ...
I really enjoy being able to play in a piano lounge and not have some jack-a$$ blowing smoke at me while I'm trying to sing, or not going home with a headache because of the smoke ... not to mention flying on a plane (rows 1 - 15 non-smoking, rows 16 - 30 smoking - what a joke), ...
but I am a 'social' cigar smoker - on the golf course, working around the house (OUTSIDE ONLY !!! ), and I did enjoy an occasional cigar in a bar either watching a game on tv or having an after dinner drink listening to some jazz ... no more of that now unless I can find a 'cigar club' ...
t.

For those who specialize in retirment centers, assisted living & nursing homes, it is a non-issue. But, keep an eye on how the Japanese are starting to entertain their seniors: computerized games. I fully expect it will happen in the U.S. and fear it may result in fewer live bodies brought in to entertain the residents.

As for nightclubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, most of the animal clubs and the commercial places I used to play, entertainment has been scaled back or ceased altogether.

The upscale country club, yacht club circuit here still have good attendance, but don't hire entertainment as frequently as those mentioned above. Same is true for the larger mobile home subdivisions.

Private parties for birthdays & anniversaries represent a significant percentage of my business in the winter months. Not so much in the summer. (Now, there is a major UNDERstatement.)

I am glad I am not just starting out in this business now. And, I am thankful for the clients who continue to feature live entertainment on a regular or semi-occasional basis.

Eddie