It’s been five years since the Smoke-Free Workplace Act went into effect in the state of Ohio.
Although the act prevents bars in Athens from letting patrons smoke indoors, some Uptown businesses have found a way to provide their smoking patrons with a fix.
Rather than losing customers since the act’s passage in 2006, bars such as Pigskin Sports Bar & Grille have seen an increase in their clientele. One Pigskin bartender said the bar’s outdoor patio, which is exempted from regulation under section three of the Smoke-free Act, has led to an uptick in business.
“People can smoke on the patio and drink if they want to,” said Jeremy Heady, a bartender at the Pigskin. “I think we have seen an increase in the number of nightly customers we get due to the patio.”
The Pigskin, 38 N. Court St., is just one of several bars in Athens that has an outdoor patio. Other bars include Broney’s Alumni Grill, 7 W. Carpenter St., Jackie O’s Pub and Brewery, 24 W. Union St. and the Smiling Skull Saloon, 108 W. Union St.
“I don’t mind having to go outside to smoke when I’m at the bars. That way, I don’t go home smelling of smoke,” said Aaron Rau, a student visiting his sister.
An Ohio Department of Health report released Sept. 1 concluded that the smoking ban did not have a profound effect on bars or restaurants.
In 2005, before the law was enacted, bars in Ohio were making about $40 million in taxable sales. Those numbers spiked to about $58 million last February.
“I do not have a good reason (for the spike). … My best guess is that the total number of bars could have changed,” said Elizabeth Klein, an assistant professor at The Ohio State University’s College of Public Health who prepared the Department of Health’s report.
While smoking still exists heavily in the Uptown late-night bar scene, the patio clause seems to please even the non-smoking crowd.
“I’m an ex-smoker, I know how bad it is for you,” said Greg Broadhurst, an Athens resident. “I am glad I no longer have to go anywhere where people force their own unconsciousness upon me. The patios are great for them, even if the smoke sometimes comes in the door.”
Broadhurst added that he thinks there should be a minimum distance stipulation in the Smoke-Free Workplace Act.
As of now there is not a defined distance, but some individual municipalities, such as Columbus, have used 20 to 25 feet as an acceptable buffer zone, according to the ODH.
sm366909@ohiou.edu
