Comments on: COMMENTARY: Smoking Ban Veto Would Send Winning Message to Rural Iowa

By: Bob

Bob — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:15:05 +0000

smoking ban Here in Illinois, quite a few smaller local bars, in order to survive, are just ignoring it. The fines are considered just another added cost of doing business, like a new tax. In three plus months, very few, if any, new non smoking customers have appeared in the small, local bars to replace the customer staying home. Liquor stores are doing great. The large “company” bars have money backing them from other sources and can wait until the smaller places close, then raise their prices with no competition. Iowa is getting alot of casino customers crossing the river from Illinois. It's a shame that Iowa bars have to lose this new business.

By: D. Boone

D. Boone — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 02:05:22 +0000

Support For Smoking Ban Great commentary … However, I think the smoking ban is to be applauded, but it is unfortunate that casinos were exempted. It's also unfortunate that small rural businesses will suffer. The up-side is that (hopefully) smoking-related illnesses in Iowa will decrease over time and that far OUTWEIGHS the business needs of a few barkeeps. Better a death-blow to a small town institution than a living, breathing human-being.

By: Joe Camel

Joe Camel — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:02:27 +0000

They Are Smoking Something! Mike Gronstal is from Western Iowa, and he says that the local barkeep will be happy to watch your beer for you while you go out in the street to grab a smoke. Good idea Mike. Next time, why don't you go play in the street and leave us alone.

By: jrm024

jrm024 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:12:42 +0000

Re: When a tavern is the size of a barn, there is plenty of fresh air for the outsiders & city folks.

By: noneed4thneed

noneed4thneed — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:30:29 +0000

Magic Potion Do people in rural areas have a magic potion that prevents the negative effects of second hand smoke?

By: noneed4thneed

noneed4thneed — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Magic Potion Do people in rural areas have a magic potion that prevents the negative effects of second hand smoke?

By: jrm024

jrm024 — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Re: When a tavern is the size of a barn, there is plenty of fresh air for the outsiders & city folks.

By: Joe Camel

Joe Camel — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

By: D. Boone

D. Boone — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

Support For Smoking Ban Great commentary … However, I think the smoking ban is to be applauded, but it is unfortunate that casinos were exempted. It’s also unfortunate that small rural businesses will suffer. The up-side is that (hopefully) smoking-related illnesses in Iowa will decrease over time and that far OUTWEIGHS the business needs of a few barkeeps. Better a death-blow to a small town institution than a living, breathing human-being.

By: Bob

Bob — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 18:00:00 +0000

smoking ban Here in Illinois, quite a few smaller local bars, in order to survive, are just ignoring it. The fines are considered just another added cost of doing business, like a new tax. In three plus months, very few, if any, new non smoking customers have appeared in the small, local bars to replace the customer staying home. Liquor stores are doing great. The large “company” bars have money backing them from other sources and can wait until the smaller places close, then raise their prices with no competition. Iowa is getting alot of casino customers crossing the river from Illinois. It’s a shame that Iowa bars have to lose this new business.