Will Virginia's Smoking Ban Bring More Patrons to Restaurants? (Manassas: bars, eat)

[Moe III]

Originally Posted by guyincognito

Let's hope this law helps convince a few more to break the habit, or failing that, to do their habit in private where it will not be a burden on anyone else.

That all smokers are trying to do. Do it in private that is. Private businesses know as restaurants where public is welcome but their presents is not required.

[Moe III]

Originally Posted by themommy

::raises hand::

I'm that person who avoids smoke-filled restaurants/venues in spite of any other GREAT things they may have to offer. I'm seriously allergic to cigarette smoke -- it causes a physical reaction in my eyes that's quite painful, way beyond the usual watering and redness -- so I avoid cigarette smoke whenever I can. No point in paying for a delicious meal or amazing show if it means I'm going to be in pain for the next couple of days.

I know I'm not the only one. We smoke avoiders are out there; you've just never spoken with any of us.

Of course your out there. I don't blame you one bit for avoiding. Your the consumer, your entitled to go where your needs are meet. As a smoker I avoid as well. As with you, this should be a free choice for me as well.
I'm sorry you suffer from cigarettes in such a profound way. Myself, I suffer from a sever over reach of state goverment.

smokefreelyva.com

[Moe III]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

And I would rather smell cigarettes than listen to crying kids.

When I was a kid and acted like that, my butt got drug outside until I could behave myself.

smokefreelyva.com

[fittmom1]

I am SO happy that this finally went into effect. Yes, smokers have the right to smoke, but when I go to a restaurant, I have the right not to inhale their smoke and have my clothes ruined with that god awful smell. It gets into everything! We've had to leave our coats outside all night just to air them out..Yuck.

I am more likely now than ever to go to a place that used to have smoking. I am even more likely to stay...

[normie]

I have to admit I've been eating out a lot more since the ban took effect. I had fallen out of the habit of going to restaurants over the past five years, but since January we've gone out to eat a lot.

[Moe III]

Originally Posted by normie

I have to admit I've been eating out a lot more since the ban took effect. I had fallen out of the habit of going to restaurants over the past five years, but since January we've gone out to eat a lot.

Find smoking restaurants here: Home

Prior to the smoking ban, only about 20% of restaurants offered smoking. So it was a bit more of an effort to find a smoking restaurant then it was to find a non smoking restaurant, but I never let that stop me. This is why it’s hard for me to understand how a non smoker would be discouraged from eating out. With 8 out of 10 being non smoking, how hard is that. Forgive me, but non smokers who want 10 out of 10 to be non smoking seem a little greedy to me. Kinda of like saying it’s all mine, mine, mine and nothing for you. I’m sorry, there is just no way more people are eating out now that an additional 19% have gone non smoking. 23% of restaurant goers are smokers. The removal of a smoking option will not increase dining out because the non smoking option was always there anyway.

[Moe III]

Originally Posted by fittmom1

Yes, smokers have the right to smoke, but when I go to a restaurant, I have the right not to inhale their smoke and have my clothes ruined with that god awful smell.

Your right, you should not have to be around smoke if you don’t want to be. The nagging question is why you were. There were few that offered smoking prior to the ban. Why were you seeking out those few?
It is (or should be) the right of the restaurant owner to decided. It is their business not yours or mine.



Home

[normie]

So, now that it's been a year, what do you think of the smoking ban? We've been eating out more since the ban took effect, and it seems to me like the restaurants are now much more crowded. Is it coincidence, or do people really prefer eating out now that they now it's a smoke free environment?

[Alicia Bradley]

As for myself, I've definitely felt like eating out more in this state since the smoking ban took effect.

I still remember smelling cigarettes in my hair (pre-shower) the morning after eating at the Hard Times in Springfield a couple years ago. Ick. (I'm sure it P.O.d a lot of said establishment's regular customers mightily, though.. I think I and my boyfriend were the only ones *not* smoking in the entire restaurant.. or 'bar that serves food' [the Springfield location specifically], rather.)

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Alicia Bradley

As for myself, I've definitely felt like eating out more in this state since the smoking ban took effect.

I totally agree!