Restaurants plan few changes under N.H. smoking ban

Publication Date: 2007-08-18

• Author:AP
• Publication:Boston Globe

Keene's bar and restaurant owners say they don't plan to make many changes when New Hampshire's smoking ban take effect next month.

Kevin Couronis, who owns Kali's Sports Pub, says he'll post letter-sized notices of the ban that takes effect Sept. 17. He says the notices cost about a dime apiece. He says he'll also remove ashtrays, but expects the financial impact to be minimal.

Thomas Nephew, owner of McCue's Billiards and Sports Lounge, says he may add several benches and ashtrays for smoking outside of the building.

Kate Frey of the state Division of Public Health says enforcing the ban will fall on the bars and restaurants. She says if someone refuses to abide by the law, local law enforcement will handle the violation...

State health officials haven't determined how they'll pay for the investigations since lawmakers didn't appropriate money to enforce the law.