Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
Richard Piatt ReportingClearing the air about smoking in Utah's bars and restaurants. It's now the law, but is the fight over? Governor Huntsman signed an update to the Utah Clean Air Act this morning. It will eventually make every bar, restaurant, private club and fraternal organization a 'clean air zone'.
But not everyone is on board. Telling the owner of a business like this they have to ban smoking is a serious thing. But that's what Utah is doing, for the health of it.
A sip of beer and a smoke are like peanut butter and jelly for some people. But for many, many others, swirling smoke is a stinky, toxic mess. For them, the Governor's signature on an update to the Utah clean air act is a breath of fresh air.
It bans smoking in upscale private club-restaurants starting next year. All other bars, private clubs, and taverns will be smoke free in 2009.
Smokers are giving a mixed review of the new law, though Keith Simister says he also sees the non-smoking point of view.
Keith Simister, Smoker: "These are private clubs. WE pay to be here, and for non-smokers there are plenty of bars that are non-smoking."
Bill Martin, Smoker, Likes New Law: "I've asked business men to come here for lunch, but they won't come in because of the smoke."
For a lot of people, the bottom line is how it's going to affect the bottom line at bars. There are strong differences of opinion about that.
The owner of Gastronomy Restaurants strongly believes the ban will help, in the long run.
Tom Guinney, Owner, Gastronomy Restaurants: "I think they'll find their customers will lobby them to ban smoking sooner, which will allow them time to adjust their business plans."
The state senator who fought hard for the bill believes health is the larger issue.
Sen. Michael Waddoups, (R) West Jordan: "The private property issue, you're affecting one person; the health issue, you're affecting a lot of people."
But at least one bar owner isn't giving up the fight, resentful at a law ordering a ban in his own place.
Bob Brown, Owner, Cheers To You Bar: "We're absolutely going to fight it. We're all adults here."
