Inventory of restaurants around Va. that still allow smoking aims to roll up and smoke the ban. by Alex Gray
It’s called simply “the List.” Composed of a user-generated inventory of restaurants around the state that still allow smoking, along with comments from users, it aims to roll up and smoke the legislation that effectively ended smoking in Virginia restaurants.
The brainchild of Moe Marchetti, the List — found at SmokeFreelyVa.com — is more than a defiant swipe at the state ban. It’s a battle cry of freedom against the tyranny of the “Communistwealth of Virginia,” as Marchetti sees it.
“It’s not appropriate in Virginia for the governor to get involved in private business to this extent,” Marchetti says. “We had something that wasn’t broken and the government decided to fix it.”
Marchetti’s list includes restaurants that have separate indoor-smoking sections, but also includes a conspiratorial list of so-called smoke-at-your-own-risk restaurants — places that allow patrons to smoke illegally and pay the fine if they’re caught. Marchetti doesn’t include restaurants on the List that offer only outdoor smoking sections because there’s no convenience in freezing while you smoke.
Despite the existence of smoke-at-your-own-risk restaurants, police officials in Richmond and in Henrico and Chesterfield counties say they haven’t issued a single citation since the ban went into effect Dec. 1.
The list may help draw draggers to smoke-friendly restaurants, but some local spots once known for their yellowed wallpaper and nicotine-perfumed air are hurting because of the smoking ban. Sean McClain, owner of Bandito’s Burrito Lounge in Richmond, claims $1,000 a day in business lost to the ban.
“People come to a bar to smoke and they can’t, so there are lots of complaints,” McClain says. So far, he says, there have been no calls to the police, but the drop in business has prompted McClain to install a wall creating a separate smoking area. Assuming the city inspection of the new partition goes well, McClain says he’s joining the List too.
Marchetti’s ideas for smokefreelyva.com don’t end with the List. He plans to offer door decals for smoking restaurants and to create point-of-interest downloads for car global-positioning systems to allow smokers turn-by-turn directions to their next smoke break.
Marchetti says it’s all in a day’s work in his effort to combat “an exercise in government folly.”
Friday, February 05, 2010 8:13:30 PM by Uncle Junior
I can't believe that Style Weekly is still spinning this crappy issue that started with their crappy non-coverage of Sean McLame's attack on his non-smoking customers and some crappy attack back by that crappy richmond artist Slash Koolman. It just proves you're all crappy and Style just wants to spin things up to get readership for their crappy publication which is turning more and more into a crappy newsletters.
I see both sides of this. I've only been a smoker for a about 4 years. I used to really dislike smoking...strange how I picked it up huh? However, what all the NON-smokers aren't realizing is you don't care because it doesn't affect you. I have 4 girls who I do not smoke around, I understand the health risks, but when me and my husband actually get a night out we enjoy our meal and our drink and then our smoke INDOORS. It's not right that WE have to go outside in the freezing cold or the extreme heat. It's just another form of segregation. I mean for you non-smokers to sit there and complain about our smoke cause of cancer risks...it's one meal...That's like maybe 2 hours. My grandma smoked for 50 years and didn't get any kind of condition until right before she passed.(It wasn't even cancer) So I don't think your going to be damaged from one night. Also, if they are going to treat smokers this way and allow so much more for the non smokers then they need to have a place to eat JUST FOR SMOKERS. Nonsmokers shouldn't be allowed, because it's bad for our health to listen to them whine and complain. And with all that aside, it comes down to your rights as an individual and as a business owner. They have no right to come in and tell a business to do something like this and not offer any aid. Remember what happened when they tried to ban alcohol??? That didn't work. And for those of you who said it's the law you have to abide by it. That's bull. You really want to get specific like that look up your state laws...there are some still in affect that make no sense. I believe one that I've read was children are not to go trick-or-treating on Halloween....you gonna abide by that law? Are your kids? Just because its a law does not make it right. The people who make these laws are humans too and they are out for their own personal gain. by the way for the link to some strange laws here's the site http://www.dumblaws.com/laws/united-states/virginia
grow up: You stated: "For every smoker who leaves, a non-smoker will most likely be there to take the place, IF the place is worth it"
Are you saying that every non-smoker is now willing to spend more money in all of the restaurants and bars now vacated by outlawed smokers? The data on restaurant closings does not seem to indicate this too be the case.
Glen Allen: Now you are on to my second point of contention. NO, King Kaine did not offer ANY sort of support of financial aid to ANY business that could not adhere to this new law. Basically, any business that did not have the space, or the funding to make the changes called for in the law, are left to fend for themselves. Somehow the desires of the non-smoking crowd to be able to go ANYWHERE they choose and have things the way they want them, was interpreted by King Kaine as law. It was a poor decision, especially considering the economy.
----------------------------- Yankee
Monday, January 11, 2010 9:58:05 AM by Glen Allen
Yankee, I agree, let the market decide. It really doesn't matter to me, they pretty much all serve up the same food and drink anyway. It does not however seem to be fair to the small business that cannot afford to offer both, especially considering that the law was not in effect when many of them opened. Did Kaine offer any financial support to the small businesses when he pushed this law forward? You know, like reimbursement for construction modifications so the establishment could comply with the law and still serve it's established customer base.
Lloyd: That is pretty much what we are talking about here. LET THE MARKET decide. Not Government. If a restaurant wants to allow smoking, they should be allowed to do so. They should not be forced to go non-smoking because they do not have the funding or the space to create sompletely separate smoking and non-smoking sections. Based on the numbers, it APPEARS that of all of the restaurants that have closed in Richmond since the ban took effect, are non-smoking restaurtants. Coincidence? Perhaps. But, I believe Moe is making some very good points to the contrary.
----------------------------- Yankee
Sunday, January 10, 2010 7:52:58 PM by Lloyd Schieldge
I don't see what the big deal is, as a smoker I no longer spend money in places that do not allow smoking. I don't tell my friends not to go there, but if they want to spend time with ME, they will have to go to places that allow smoking. "To each their own", no problem.
You have once again missed the point. It is simply an example of civil disobedience. You are trying to pigeon hole the use of civil disobedience. First by implying that its use is only justified in matters of civil rights. Now you decided to allow taxation without representation. What wrong with using it in defense of the rights of the private property owner?
Sunday, January 10, 2010 5:54:03 PM by grow up
If business is being lost and restaurants are closing because of the smoking ban (which I highly doubt), then perhaps look at the so called "loyal patrons" who have threatened to stop going out or who claim to be incapable of smoking, drinking, and socializing, unless it's all at the same time, indoors. For every smoker who leaves, a non-smoker will most likely be there to take the place, IF the place is worth it.
Fine. The Boston Tea Party was a direct response to taxation from afar by the British Crown. How again does that equate to the Virginia legislature's decision? Got a problem with it, talk to your delegate and state senator.
Give your opinion if you like. But stop trying to give mine. I know full well that I was in no way shape or form drawing a comparison to the Civil Rights Movement. I was simply making the case that there is a place for civil disobedience. The Boston Tea Party was an example of Civil Disobedience. Why don’t we use that instead so you can get back to the subject? Maybe you can make a real argument rather then just saying something is laughable or disgusting without supporting why. If not, stop wasting everyone’s time.
If you don't like the law, work through legal means to change it. In referencing civil disobedience, you absolutely were trying to draw an analogy to the Civil Rights Movement.
Pathetic.
You have every right to slowly kill yourself by a million puffs, just so long as it doesn't cost me a dime (which it does) and doesn't risk my health to be subjected to second and third hand smoke (which it does).
Hey FANGUY In didn't compare it to the Civil Rights Movement. I simple sighted examples of questionable law. Your the one that elected to home in one just one of the three examples. It wasn't an “attempt to distinguish “ , I did distinguish, It was a home run. You don't argue here, you just ridicule my argument. Are you really out of ideas this quickly?
No, I’m afraid that Fan Guy isn’t even close. Flaunting the tax laws or refusing to comply with ADA standards and fire codes are background situations that cheat or endanger. No one dines in a smoking restaurant without their knowledge and consent.
Where does it end? Statically you are safer in a green car then a red one. Is it OK for the government to outlaw red cars.
Citizens in this country have always stood up to inappropriate and unjust law. IT’S CALLED CIVIL DISOBEDANSE. Should Afro-American children never cross police line to enter White only collages? Should we condone Book Banning, Prohibition?
Look at this list of closing restaurants . (http://www2.timesdispatch.com/rtd/business/local/article/REST06_20100105-221409/315598/#comments There is not a smoking restaurant among them. “Face the Consequences. “you say. I’d rather pay a fine then lose my business.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 2:13:02 PM by Fourth Estate Fan
FanGuy is right on this one. The law is the law. Period. Obey it or face the consequences.
VocalEK, how about some restaurants open flaunt the tax laws, or refuse to comply with ADA standards, fire codes, etc. I can always just go somewhere else, right, so we should look the other way.
I'll miss blowing generic cigarette smoke all over people I don't know.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010 10:13:04 AM by VocalEK
Sheesh, FanGuy. Why so hostile? If you don't like the way a business is being conducted, nobody is forcing you to go in there at gun point. The vast majority of businesses are being conducted "your way." Go to one of them instead.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010 11:53:17 AM by come-on-people
For all of you unable to "go out" and "socialize" now that the ban is in place, may I suggest counseling for your social issues? From what I can see, plenty of smokers and non-smokers are capable of going about life, including going to bars and restaurants, as always.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010 11:46:32 AM by visitor
It's a shame that some people are unable to get up from their chair and walk about 10 feet to step outside to smoke. It's simple, people. You are still allowed to smoke, just not indoors. If an establishment is really good, it can survive the ban. If not, then you really had nothing to offer in the first place.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009 8:26:36 AM by Jeff E.
I'll personally be seeing a lot more of Galaxy Diner now that it is smoke free. I loved my last visit there. We sat up front by the bar, enjoyed some fried green tomatoes and a couple Dogfish Heads, all without having to whiff the smoke from surrounding patrons.
Monday, December 28, 2009 5:34:45 PM by Micky boy
Restaurants are smoking Crown7's now...This is letting them let their customers smoke wherever they want and not worry about the smell or ash. Apparently 35 restaurants and bars in VA are carrying this product.
http://www.Crown7.com
Monday, December 28, 2009 2:33:32 PM by City Dweller
Idiots.
Monday, December 28, 2009 1:01:25 PM by FormerRegular
I've been eating at home a lot more, and I only drink if I can smoke so the weekly trips downtown are over too.
Sunday, December 27, 2009 8:30:11 PM by Glen Allen
Good point Ronnie!
Sunday, December 27, 2009 3:17:41 PM by Ronnie
Don't forget, the integrity of "The LIST" depends upon those who contribute. Please be sure to contribute if you happen upon a restaurant not on the list so that we can support them as well.
Sunday, December 27, 2009 1:24:26 PM by History Buff
Good for VA! No smoke No go I'll keep my own dough! Free choice and signs survive! Free Enterprise survives!
Friday, December 25, 2009 1:14:43 PM by Bill
Great work! I hope your List is such a smashing success that it greatly increases the revenue for those smoking and combo smoking/non smoking restaurants. As a non-smoker, I have been greatly offended to have this unfair ban prohibit me from socializing with ALL of my friends together (smoking/nonsmoking). I know first hand that many of my nonsmoking friends feel the same...but have been unwilling to speak out during the 'politicized' process. I hope they will now by patronizing the smoking and smoking/nonsmoking restaurants!!
Great job Moe! I am sure you are going to make the well paid anti's hot around the collar about time!!! Keep up the great work!
Thursday, December 24, 2009 9:21:15 PM by Lloyd Schieldge
Some people come to a bar to smoke and drink, I think it is great that some bars and restaurants can afford to offer accommodations for both. It is unfortunate that some are not able to afford to offer both, so much for small business. I personally choose to patronize those establishments that do offer both, because I can then socialize with ALL my friends, and not just those that are opposed to cigarette smoke.
Thursday, December 24, 2009 1:07:36 AM by anonymous
People come to a bar to smoke
I thought people came to a bar to drink.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 10:20:24 PM by Anonymous
FanGuy, The ABC board does not have the authority to pull a license for smoking in the establishments that have separate areas for smoking. Besides, the ABC Board is to busy patronizing Club Velvet. I would not go so far as to risk paying a fine to smoke, but a list of places offering legal smoking areas for those who smoke is helpful to me and other smokers. I would much prefer to spend my money at an establishment that does not discriminate against smokers.
