Dallas restaurants went smoke-free beginning March 1. The Dallas City Council decreed on January 23 that all restaurants, bingo parlors, bowling alleys and beauty salons must now outlaw smoking within the entire establishment.
Though smoking will still be allowed in bars that derive 75 percent or more of their income from alcohol sales, nonsmoking areas must be provided under the new city ordinance.
The city of Dallas remains in turmoil three weeks after the ban. Is the law benefiting or harming the people of Dallas?
Most nonsmokers support the ban because it allows a more pleasurable dining experience.
Jeanie Huselton, a North Dallas resident, said she supports the banning of smoking in public places.
“My recent restaurant experiences have been more pleasant,” Huselton said. “As a nonsmoker I don’t really prefer to be around any smoke.”
Some citizens are worried about the cost to local Dallas restaurants. But Ray Curley, a manager at the local restaurant/ bar Trinity Hall, isn’t concerned.
“People come in with one lit in their mouth, but we kindly ask them to leave or step outside,” Curly said. “Some have a personal problem, but they can keep that to themselves.”
He says that the local pub has not seen any financial problems from the smoking ban. Trinity Hall has tables outside and gladly welcomes smoking outside on the patio.
Many SMU students also welcome the smoking ban. In a poll taken of approximately 50 students, about 75 percent were in favor of the smoking ban.
Senior Rachel Leiato supports the smoking ban because of her hometown.
“I’m from California and state-wide you can’t smoke indoors, so when I got here I thought I was going to die – now I’ll go to bars more and not come home smelling like an ashtray,” Leiato said.
So, the smoking ban may actually help restaurants and bars.
Amber Campisi, an SMU student and employee at her family’s restaurant Campisi’s, says that the smoking ban affects her professional and personal life.
“The other night I was out with some friends who are smokers and we were sitting at the bar,” Campisi said. “They lit up a couple cigarettes and then it dawned on them that they couldn’t smoke at the bar anymore, it was really frustrating.”
Not only is the ban affecting Campisi’s personal life, but it affects her work. Campisi has seen few changes at her family’s restaurant.
“If I see a customer light up a cigarette, I am not going to tell them to put it out. I would only tell them to put it out if another customer complains.
“This law is not up to the restaurant to enforce,” Campisi said.
Campisi’s will obey the law but is not planning to change the restaurant anytime soon; they are not going to add any outside tables or a porch.
