What do you think of a smoking only restaurant/bar?

Question

I am an ex-smoker (having quit some 13 years ago)...hoorah for me...however, this does not mean I force my non-smokingness (funny word huh?) upon other people.

My dream is one day to open a restauarant/bar/pub of my own. Since smoking is no longer allowed in public places, I would like to start a SMOKING only place. I feel that since we have to honor the rights of non-smokers, I should be allowed to honor the rights of smokers also. Lets give smokers a place where they can sit and relax with a cigarette without being hassled, talked down to or fear of retribution. Lets let them keep their dignity and their rights. I would only hire people that did not care if patrons smoke or not and I would install a good ventilation system.

Of course this does NOT mean that non-smokers could not enter the premises, but they do so at their own health risk.

What do you think, smokers unite?

Answer 1

its illegal in australia and a lot of other countries. the "land of the free" is being softened up and u'll get it sooner or later. Maybe they'll finish taking ur guns first. What was that prohibition u guys tried?????land of the.....errrr....free???

Answer 2

That's very popular in Egypt, only they call it a Hooka Lounge (spelling) I live in california and I'm NOT sure but I thought I saw a building that said coming soon, Hooka Lounge. But my husband was driving a little on the fast side, guess I should check to see if that's what it said. I think it's a good idea! (I'm not a smoker though) As much as people are against smoking these days it may be hard. In my opinion, I don't see the harm as long as those who enter are 18 with ID. Besides, if they want to cut their lives short because they want to smoke and get lung cancer, have heart problems and/or die because of it then let them. I don't care if they kill themseves with smoke, just as long as I don't have to be in that place. It may sound harsh but that should be their choice to open a place up like that...... And for crying out loud, they even ban smoking outside of buildings in some areas. So why not give them a place where they can. Just my thoughts.

Answer 3

This is a good question. I personally gave up smoking 26 years ago and would never go back, but I think that smokers everywhere would patronize your restaurant just because of the freedom to be able to smoke as in the days before the anti smoking laws. Go for it I say.

Answer 4

I think this is the BEST idea I've heard in a long time! Being a smoker, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. The only problem with your idea is that "no smoking in restaurants and other public places" is a State Law in a lot of states! Which I think would prohibit you from opening a smoking-only restaurant in one of those states. But there are a few states left where they still allow smoking in restaurants and you could open your restaurant in one of those states, but it would be unnecessary since they allow smoking anyway. Oh well, it was a great thought!!! Thank you, though, for thinking of us smokers!

Answer 5

I'm an ex-restraunteer having owned 7 bars and restaurants over the yrs. Go for it! Smokers are the best drinkers, tippers and overall bigger spenders. Put together a biz plan and get backers. Doc's and lawyers love to invest in restaurants and bars. Never use your own $$. Have smoking sections for users of ciggies, pipes and cigars. Cater to the smokers with old time service of lighting cigs, doing proper cigar service and keeping ashtrays clean. Tobbaco co.s love to do promotions and may even help if an all smoking place isn't allowed with legal fees and maybe their law staff if you can set a precedent. If I were younger I'd be trying my *** off to open a smokers only place with every legal battle I'd be faced with

Answer 6

Pretty much was that way already,,some bars and resturaunts went non smoking while others decided to stay smoking, and nobody forced a smoker or non smoker to patronize EITHER of these businesses. Almost all public buildings such as shopping malls , courthouses, etc etc were already non smoking, All these bans do is FORCE the small business owner to ban smoking isntead of leaving it up to the proprietor to choose. Yeah it sucks but he who whines the loudest wins/.
Lets put an issue on the ballot forcing the activist to adopt the familes of those who lose jobs and business due to smoking bans/!

Answer 7

I don't know... I think a more safer model woul be a cigar shop that also served some entrees... however, that's just because I'm afraid of new things (no proven business model=bad investment, words of Warren Buffet)...

I wouldn't quit on the idea though... you may wanna take an informal survey in the area you want to start... see if the smoking section is frequently occupied or that there's alot of smoke shops around, etc.

Answer 8

As you said enter at your own risk. I hate going to restaurants where people have to smoke after eating.I am asthmatic so, is really risky for me to get inside the premises where people can smoke whenever they want. Besides passive smokers are more liable to get sick than the smoker itself. And to add with that your clothes and hair smells like cigars yuckkk...I'll say YES to that, smokers should unite.

Answer 9

I think there should be nice places where people who smoke can go to enjoy themselves,and if people who don't smoke don,t want to be there fine,non-smoking places keep smokers from wanting to come in.....sooo!I'm a ex-smoker,quit five yrs ago!(I'm a witness).

Answer 10

As we are talking about 300,000 out of 300,000,000 dying each year from heart disease and cancer just in this country. And the fact that most of those are O-L-D people. This thing about smoking is a non-issue that got out of control. Smoking is not as bad as smoke from factories, homes, etc. So, we need to send the nay-sayers to hell as their Bible dictates and require thoughtful comptemplation in smoking establishments.

Answer 11

I personally would not visit it but I think is should be allowed. Then I can make the choice to not bring me and my children in harms way. Other already choose to smoke so they should be able to choose a place where it is permitted.