Bar Owners Weigh in On Smoking Ban Plan


   Mayor Bloomberg recently proposed tough anti-smoking laws that would ban smoking in almost all workplaces, including bars and restaurants of all sizes, sidewalk cafes, pool halls and bowling alleys. The Mayor says that employees should not have to be exposed to second-hand smoke.

The Trib asked owners and employees of local bars and restaurants what they thought of the proposed smoking ban and how it might affect their business.

Jacques Capsouto, co-owner, Capsouto Frères:
I’d like to leave things the way they are. We don’t want to be like San Francisco. This is New York City. For us, I think it’s far-fetched that second-hand smoke will affect the bartender. Our ceilings are so high and we have good ventilation. I heard that the mayor wants to ban smoking on the beach, too. What I think is that our mayor is going meshuge.

Craig Weiss, owner, Anotheroom:
It’s just insane. I understand the right of people not to be effected by others’ behavior. But what will happen is that customers will smoke outside, and the nieghobrs will be up in arms because they’re talking and the cops will come and fine us. It’s really going to affect our businesses. We’re trying to keep our businesses open and this is another thorn in our side.

Darrin Amellio, owner, Juniper Cafe:
It should just be applied to food establishments, not bars. Having a cocktail and a cigarette go hand in hand. I don’t think the effect is going to be that great on us, not compared to Sept. 11. It’s not going to stop people from going out to eat.

Mei Chau, owner, Franklin Station Cafe:
My personal view is that it’s great that there won’t be smoking in a public place. Business-wise, I don’t see how it will affect me. People still have to eat and since smoking in every restaurant will be banned, there is no added competition.

Emilianne, bartender, Puffy’s Tavern:
I’m from California and I don’t smoke, so I kind of miss the smoke-free environment. In California, even the smokers got used to it, and they said they felt better the next day. I think people need their drink more than they need their smoke..[The smoke] makes me feel a little sick sometimes. I need to move around to the different air pockets, or I turn on the fan.

Fred McKibben, owner, Grace Restaurant:
I’m not convinced it would dramatically affect our business. But I prefer to maintain the status quo and not find out in these very difficult economic times if it would actually cause a downturn in business. It seems like a crazy thing to do right now.

Vinnie Barile, manager, Bubby’s:
I think it’s cruel and unusal punishment. People like to smoke and drink. We’ll become like California and we don’t want that.

Bruce Barasky, owner, Reade Street Pub:
Couldn’t the mayor pick on a subject more pertinent to the priorities that are facing New York City? I would rather see him mandate a good smoke-eating system, and give 24 months to install it.

Yaffa Faro, owner, Yaffa’s:
I’ve had two different rooms, one with smoking and one with no smoking, so it was good for everybody. It’s awful if nobody can smoke. People first will be very upset, but what will they do? They’ll have to smoke outside. What can I tell you, they’ll always add laws, and we’ll have to adapt.