Restaurants, bars gear up for smoking ban

Publication Date: 2007-04-25

• Author:MICHAEL HAYS
• Publication:Todays News Herald (Lake Havasu City, AZ)

Beginning Tuesday, drinks and cigarettes no longer can go hand-in-hand in public places, thanks to a voter-approved ballot measure that passed this past fall...

The Smoke-Free Arizona Act, otherwise known as Prop 201, passed with nearly 55 percent voter support in November. It prohibits smoking in enclosed public places and places of employment, including bars. Limited exceptions include private residences, retail tobacco stores and outdoor patios.

Jim Herold, owner of BJ's, is a beneficiary of excellent timing. Business has tripled in the past year, due in part to an outdoor patio/cabana remodel.

“It's the ambiance out here. You've got to build something so smokers feel comfortable,� he said.