Restaurants previously occupied by a smoky haze have been breathing new life since the smoking ban came into effect, but the clearer air has been both a blessing and burden in disguise to some shopkeepers.
Many Carbondale restaurants have been reporting increased sales since the smoking ban went into effect on Jan. 1, some as much as 7 percent. But besides clean air, the law has also created some confusing situations, such as tables being bussed and cleared while patrons enjoy a cigarette outside, as well as an increased chance of customers skipping out on their checks.
Though there have been almost 600 violations reported throughout the state as of Jan. 14, most local restaurants said the majority of customers have followed the new law.
The Longbranch Coffeehouse was formerly known as one of the premier spots in Carbondale to enjoy coffee and cigarettes. Many thought its business may suffer as a result of the ban, but it has actually increased, said Longbranch owner Elaine Ramseyer.
"When people came in they were like, 'Oh my god. This place smells great,' and people said, 'Wow, you can smell food,'" she said.
Ramseyer said she predicted a small increase in business, but has been pleasantly surprised with an increase of roughly 7 percent.
"A lot of people have also been saying, 'Oh, you'll be seeing a lot more of us now,'" she said. "I've gotten nothing but positive comments."
Elizabeth Crane, a waitress at Denny's and a smoker herself, said she has heard praises from older patrons about the cleaner air, but dislikes not being able to smoke indoors during her breaks.
Crane said there have also been several mix-ups made by her and other staff members when customers leave to smoke outside.
"If you're by yourself and you get up to go smoke a cigarette, we don't know that you left to go smoke a cigarette," Crane said. "So, your table gets cleaned off, and if you have food, we have to re-make all of it. So, I think the cost of food and drinks for the restaurant has gone up, as far as waste."
Crane said this has happened to her tables at least four times, and even twice in the same day to one customer. People have even lost their tables after leaving to smoke and having their table reassigned to another customer during a busy shift, Crane said.
Though no one has tried it yet, Crane said she must also keep an eye on customers who may use the ban to avoid paying for their food.
Aside from the confusion, some employees may be put at a greater risk by being forced to smoke outside.
Kathleen Kelly, a sophomore at John A. Logan Community College from Duquoin studying special and elementary education, works at Show Me's and said many of the women who work there and smoke do not feel safe when going outside for a cigarette, especially late at night.
"We have to go smoke outside by ourselves, and it's not really the best neighborhood," Kelly said.
David Lopez can be reached at 536-3311 ext. 266 or at dave.lopez@siude.com.
