Is the wind in the Windy City a little clearer these days? Two and a half years after the City Council passed a "public places" smoking ban, residents are pleased overall--even if the ban has had some unintended consequences.
Bars and restaurants had until January 1, 2008 to comply with the council ruling which restricts smoking to private residences. A Red Eye story suggested cigarette smoke was covering much more unsavory odors in bars all over the city, where eau de Camel beats eau de beer.
The Winners: Shops that can prove more than 80 percent of their revenue comes from smoking products, now the new mecca for the habit-formed and for which demand has spiked downtown. When Starbucks discovers this, they will want to implement a similar coffee ban to save their ailing stores.
The Losers: Actors, and fans of realistic theater. Since live performances were not exempt from the ban, the actors in the jukebox musical "Jersey Boys" were forced to stub 'em out in a hurry. (Yes, apparently Frankie Valli didn't get smoker's voice right away. Who knew?)
Now alderman Brendan Reilly is working to restore the smoking--even though one of his fellow city council members advised theaters to strike all references to smoking from scripts in order to comply with the ban.
Related Stories:
· Alderman Wants to Keep "Jersey Boys" Smoking [Chicago Sun-Times]
· Party Foul [RedEye]
· Chicago Travel coverage [Jaunted]
[Photo: dresmall]
0 Comments - Add Yours
by egw
Leave a Comment
Not yet a member? Click here to become a member.
Already a member? Login below: