Arriving next week - Need help finding "smoking" patios at Restaurants (Tucson: real estate, home)

[mdtoaz]

It's weird, I guess I've been used to non-smoking places for so long now, I don't expect to find anywhere that you can smoke - even on a patio. We went to the Casino Del Sol, and you can smoke inside (which actually felt weird to me now).

I've just accepted the fact that most places are non-smoking. I'm a bit of a "foodie" myself, and I love trying new restaurants, but I never expect to be able to smoke. Those few places that allow it... BONUS!!

I just think it's interesting that our takes are so different Sierra. I guess I've been conditioned to not be outraged because it's been going on for so long back East. It started with taking out smoking sections in restaurants except for outside seating, then you could only smoke inside bars. Now you can't smoke anywhere. The best was one of our local watering holes that we used to go to back in MD... you could only smoke inside because that's where the bar was, the outside seating was for dining. Very odd. This, of course was before the complete ban on smoking.

[mdtoaz]

Originally Posted by MarymovingtoRioRico

I finally found out the info I was looking for. An article I read said something about May and I assume that was May 2008? I'm still confused because there was a law about no smoking in restaurants the last time I came. Or was that an Arizona law and this one that deals with the 20 feet an actual new law for Tucson?

Hey Mary, it was May 2007 - it was in full effect when we moved out here last summer.

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by MarymovingtoRioRico

I finally found out the info I was looking for. An article I read said something about May and I assume that was May 2008? I'm still confused because there was a law about no smoking in restaurants the last time I came. Or was that an Arizona law and this one that deals with the 20 feet an actual new law for Tucson?

I believe some of the confusion, Mary, may be due to the number of anti-smoking laws that have appeared recently.

The original law applied strictly to the City Limits of Tucson. Later, a similar or possibly identical law was added for the entire County of Pima. Since then, I believe there has been still another law for the entire State of Arizona.

As an FYI . . . misting systems will only make matters worse this time of year so, even if available, they are rarely used.

Also, as you mentioned, one of the later laws requires Patio and/or Outside Smoking areas to be a minimum distance from any doors or windows. That may be the reason for the additional reduction in smoking areas.

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Thanks mdtoaz - that is what I was looking for. I thought that was the case. When I wrote to Westward Look in February the Front Desk Manager told me smoking was allowed on the patios (plural) when I asked about the Gold Room. I wanted to find out if the law had actually changed between the time we spoke and now. I guess he "mispoke" as they say in politics.

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Thanks "Bummer"

Your post showed up after I wrote mine. I guess we were typing at the same time.

Do you know when the patio thing came about? I'm trying to find out if it was an innocent thing when the manager told me smoking was allowed. Another words - perhaps the law was passed after Feb 2008.

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by MarymovingtoRioRico

Thanks "Bummer"

Your post showed up after I wrote mine. I guess we were typing at the same time.

Do you know when the patio thing came about? I'm trying to find out if it was an innocent thing when the manager told me smoking was allowed. Another words - perhaps the law was passed after Feb 2008.

mdtoaz is right - the 20-foot rule (ridiculous in itself) took effect in May of 2007, at the same time smoking in the bars was banned. My point is that many places have large patios with plenty of tables more than 20 feet from the door and yet are holier than thou...

[Bummer]

Originally Posted by MarymovingtoRioRico

Thanks "Bummer"

Your post showed up after I wrote mine. I guess we were typing at the same time.

Do you know when the patio thing came about? I'm trying to find out if it was an innocent thing when the manager told me smoking was allowed. Another words - perhaps the law was passed after Feb 2008.

Sorry, Mary . . . I have no idea as to dates and/or which laws are involved.

I do know when the Tucson Law became effective and possibly the others, there were many restaurants and bars that tried the "loophole" approach and ignored the patio restrictions and all failed miserably. Possibly you are referring to one of those periods.

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Thank you all. I'm not giving up - I'm doing research ;-)

Sierra - Any chance you can describe the patios at On the Border, Jonathan's Cork and The Cup Cafe? And what other restaurants permit smoking on patios there? Also what is the references I see to not being able to smoke AND drink? Does that apply to the places we're discussing?

[sierraAZ]

Originally Posted by MarymovingtoRioRico

Thank you all. I'm not giving up - I'm doing research ;-)

Sierra - Any chance you can describe the patios at On the Border,

pretty nice; music; no solid roof; right on a busy street

that's the East location on Broadway; don't know about the other one

Jonathan's Cork

quiet; nice, but not too impressive; perhaps music... (don't remember); solid roof (runs alongside the building like wrap-around porch)

and The Cup Cafe?

no idea

And what other restaurants permit smoking on patios there?

I already told you the places I know.

Also what is the references I see to not being able to smoke AND drink? Does that apply to the places we're discussing?

No, this is a stupid "exception." You can normally smoke and drink on Chuy’s patios. The food is very simple, though – bar food.

Hey, I'd appreciate such info when I go some place, too. :-)

[MarymovingtoRioRico]

Thanks a million and you are so quick! Sounds like Terra Cotta is the right place for Mexican for me. You should check it out. Nice atmosphere. Hope the food is good. Armitage was described to me by the very helpful woman there as an upscale patio - good. I don't mind paying for atmosphere. Food has mixed reviews but mostly good.
Jonathan Cork's might be good for a casual evening. And I'm hoping I can get Hacienda to let me order off the main menu. I'm pretty good at getting places to break the rules.

If you ever come to DC or Northern VA (where you will have to go to smoke and eat because DC and Maryland are out) I'll give you lots of help!! Actually you can still
smoke outside in DC thank god.

As a moderator of a photography forum, Sierra - I also contribute tons and tons of advice to others and appreciate your help on this forum and know what it takes to be there and help people out. I made sure I thanked you by rating your answer positively.