Bar owners think positive as smoking ban goes into effect

It used to be that when a customer came in and bought a retail bottle of beer to take home his family could smell the Tall Pine Lounge on him when he walked in the door.

That is no longer the case after the smoking ban in public spaces went into full effect last week. The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act of 2005 requires all enclosed public places and workplaces to be smoke free as of Oct. 1. Bars and casinos that have been exceptions to the law must also become smoke free.

Businesses are also required to post no-smoking signs that are clearly visible at all public entrances.

Tom Beaubien, owner of Tall Pine, said he is trying to look at the ban as a business opportunity; his bar just opened up to a whole new clientele that used to not come in because of the smoke.

"I have a lot of personal friends who don't come in (because of the smoke)," Beaubien said.

To help cultivate this, he's gearing up for NFL Sundays and has reopened the kitchen three days a week.

Beaubien said he's seen similar laws in other states be effective and not cause businesses problems.

He said he's still not happy with the government telling him what to do, but the law is the law.

"It's the law," Beaubien said. "If you have complaints, write your congressman."

Beaubien is also making some changes to help his smoking customers, like a bench and ashtrays out front. He's also become a distributor of electric smokeless cigarettes for those who don't want to go outside in the cold.

He's marketing these to area bartenders as well, as many can't leave the bar to go out for a smoke break.

Spinnaker Casino Bar & Grill in Lakeside has also tried to make it more convenient for smokers to sit outside with a smoking patio, owner Rudy Heinly said.

"I think it will slow business down for a little while until people adjust," Heinly said. "Then it will pick back up again.

Brittany McGillivray, manager at the Sitting Duck in Woods Bay, said her customers have been cooperative thus far.

The Sitting Duck is allowing smoking on its deck, as food as not served out there in the fall and winter. The Duck has also purchased some outdoor heaters to keep smokers warm but has not constructed any other shelters at this point.

McGillivray said that might change next summer.

McGillivray said she is more concerned about the transition for the Duck's employees, most of whom also smoke.

It's hard to say what the effect will be on the Sitting Duck's business, she said.

The Duck brings in a lot of gamblers who do smoke.

"I hope it doesn't deter them, but we'll see," McGillivray said.

The law does not apply to all enclosed spaces. Some are still exempt.

The law does not apply to private vehicles, hotel rooms designated as smoking rooms, and private residences, unless they are used as a day care, foster care home or health care facility.

It also does not apply to sites used in connection to the practice of cultural activities by American Indians.