Smoke-Free
In bars all across the state of Illinois, smokers are enjoying their last few puffs. The impending statewide smoking ban is less than 4 weeks away, and Chicagoans will either have to butt out or get out.
On January 1, 2008, all bars, restaurants, and sports stadiums must become entirely smoke-free.
If you’re planning on smoking in Chicago, better start investing in caps and gloves now because you’ll have to do it outside. And January is the coldest month of the year.
Every year of course, many people resolve to quit smoking on New Year’s Eve, but the statewide ban may provide even more of a driving force. Not to mention that the combined cigarette tax for Chicago, Cook County, and Illinois—$3.66 a pack—is the highest in the nation, making the average pack of cigarettes cost nearly $8 a pack.
The ban doesn’t just affect cigarette smokers though. Lounges that have a license to serve food or liquor will not be allowed to offer hookah either. Many establishments have packed up their hookahs and opted to only sell food and beverage, while others have stopped selling alcohol and embraced a BYOB policy.
What do you think? Do you think the smoking ban is a good idea? Why or why not?
Photo credit: (c/o SXC) Thiago Rodrigues da Silva
4 Comments
[...] smoke-free. The city has already banned smoking at beaches, parks, and playgrounds. Matt B. over at The Chicago Traveler and Chris at Chicago Hot Blog have already blogged about the new smoking ban, which has already [...]
Hi Matt,
Looks like you already got the trackback, but I included your post in my post about the new smoking ban. Personally, I’m all for a smoking ban. When Boston banned smoking in bars a few years ago, people squawked, but now it’s the norm and they seem to have forgotten that smoking was ever allowed in the first place.
Susan
I have mixed feelings about it really. I can understand the health benefits, but I think there has to be a better solution than an outright ban. Bars/businesses should have the opportunity to hold a “smoke-friendly” night, perhaps.
[...] is here, and Illinois’ new statewide smoking ban is now in full effect, joining more than 20 states that now have smoking laws. Indoor smoking is [...]