Eateries, bars brace for smoke-free law

The New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act goes into effect Saturday.

By: Linda Seida
   It’s been more than a year since the Lambertville Station voluntarily went smoke-free, an co-owner Dan Whitaker says it’s one of the best decisions he and his partners have ever made.
   At first, some customers balked at the idea of not being able to smoke in the Station’s pub. But many others, including employees, appreciated the healthy atmosphere. One man even quit smoking rather than give up his favorite watering hole, Mr. Whitaker said.
   "We lost a few, but we have gained a lot," he said.
   Throughout the state this weekend, other restaurateurs and barkeeps will be thrust into the same smoke-free environment as Mr. Whitaker’s establishment. The New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act goes into effect Saturday.
   Locally, some owners and bartenders are watching closely to see how the ban will affect them.
   At Mitchell’s Café on Church Street, a few people who frequent the bar area have complained, saying they won’t be back if they can’t smoke, according to bartender Richard Slack.
   "They’re not happy about it," he said.
   "I’m actually excited to see what happens," said Paul Eschallier, chef and owner of Bell’s Tavern on North Union Street.
   As a nod to smokers, he’ll place some ashtrays outside the tavern’s doors.
   "In all honesty, nobody’s got an unfair advantage," Mr. Eschallier said. "Every bar is forced to do the same thing."
   Enforcement of the ban will be in the hands of the local health officer. Fines will range from $250 to $1,000.
   The "local health officer," in Lambertville’s case, is the mayor and City Council. They plan to refer all problems to the Police Department, said council President Cynthia Ege.
   She added there are no plans to troll bars or restaurants for smokers, but if someone files a complaint, the police will be sent to check it out.
   There are several exemptions to the ban, including cigar bars and the casinos in Atlantic City.
   Some people say the casino exemption gives them an unfair advantage. A group of bars, restaurants and bowling alleys have joined together to ask a federal court to strike down the new law. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court in Trenton. Lawyers were expected to make their arguments today (April 13).
   In Lambertville, the feelings behind the lawsuit are echoed by local businessmen.
   "I don’t necessarily agree with the law," Mr. Whitaker said. "If they were purists, the casinos should have been non-smoking."
   "I think that sucks," Mr. Eschallier said. "If you’re going to do it, you should do it across the board."
   "Why hurt the small little business guy because he has no voice in government?" Mr. Whitaker asked.
   Mr. Whitaker acknowledged a difference between a small, privately owned bar and larger public buildings.
   "To that person that goes into that little bar, and that’s his or her little refuge, and he likes to socialize and sit with friends, that should be his choice," he said.