Smoking -- attitudes in Chicagoland (Carbondale, Barrington: environment, estate, smog)

[Linnie]

Shockingly, incredibly enough, the state of Illinois has finally managed to do something right. Illinois will be smoke free in January!!!!

Definitely something to look forward to!

[HockeyFan]

Originally Posted by aragx6

This is patently false.

Chicago had originally given bars until next summer to go non-smoking, but because Illinois passed the state wide law that goes into effect Jan. 1, Chicago will have to abide by that new law. it is Illinois that created the 15 feet law, which seems to me impossible to uphold in the city. 15 feet might well be the middle of the street

You know, that's a logical conclusion, to be 15 feet out from the entry.... but you can still smoke along the sidewalk, beside a building, as long as it's 15 feet (or so) from the entry. Basically, they don't want people sitting in an entry with a cigarette hanging outside and the smoke drifting in.

I'm not sure if the first few posts were serious or sarcastic....

[xxJoyfulxx]

Chicago may have a smoking ban, but some bars definitely do not uphold it. I was at the Double Door on Milwaukee last night and came home smelling like an ashtray! It was pretty gross and I couldn't believe the amount of people smoking in there. YUCK.

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by xxJoyfulxx

Chicago may have a smoking ban, but some bars definitely do not uphold it. I was at the Double Door on Milwaukee last night and came home smelling like an ashtray! It was pretty gross and I couldn't believe the amount of people smoking in there. YUCK.

yea, it seems to vary. i was at a show at metro a couple weeks ago and the bouncers were singling people out during the show who were smoking. compared to shows ive been to in years past, i couldnt believe how little my clothes smelled when i left. such a relief.

[HockeyFan]

The ban in the city itself isn't in effect yet (some suburbs have bans) -- not full effect anyway, as bars are still exempt. January 1 is the day the state smoking ban comes into effect... it's been getting some more press lately as the date gets closer.

[sukwoo]

Now, that the comprehensive smoking ban is in effect, anyone been to a bar? What's it like?

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Now, that the comprehensive smoking ban is in effect, anyone been to a bar? What's it like?

My friend was at TGIF in St. Charles for New Years, grabbin some brews at the bar. At midnight they were told to put out their smokes. He said it was strange to sit in the bar w/o smoking. He's not going back there anymore he says, only because he doesnt like to drink w/o smoking. I fear many bars are going to lose lots of patrons because of this new law. Time will tell.

[sukwoo]

Personally, I'm looking forward to going to bars and not worrying about the smokiness. Its something I got used to while living in Boston and was quite a change when we moved here.

[tcs1366]

I have always avoided bars/sports bars and many restaurants due to smoke.
I just can not handle smoke.... who knows, maybe an allergy too.
In the past, i have literally walked out of a restaurant because it was too smoky --- DH none-to pleased....

so -- I am very ecstatic about the new law.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Personally, I'm looking forward to going to bars and not worrying about the smokiness. Its something I got used to while living in Boston and was quite a change when we moved here.

Thats cool. Im not crazy about the new law, but I can see how it affects others in a good way, so Im kinda borderline on the issue.