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In just a few weeks, the bars and restaurants across the state will clear the air, as Michigan's smoking ban goes into effect May 1.
"I just think this is a fabulous day for Michigan. We've been waiting a long, long time," said Dr. Thomas Peterson from Tobacco Free Partners.
Right now Buffalo Wild Wings has a smoking section.
"All we can do is educate our guests about what's up and coming," Jeff Carmody, the regional manager for Buffalo Wild Wings.
While their educating the staff, they're not really sure what to expect when the ban goes into effect.
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Some Flint Journal readers are just plain fumed over a May 1 law that will ban smoking in Michigan's bars, restaurants, hotels and other places that serve food.
Some readers also aren''t too keen on the idea of smoking huts, which a Flint Township-based company builds for area businesses such as General Motors, serving as a solution for smokers.
"Well thank all you do-gooders. Just go to the bars and see how many people are smoking, 50 to 80 percent. Now they can't smoke (and) won't go there no more. The business owners lose that many customers, another OUT OF BUSINESS in Michigan. Thanks," wrote Moderntime.
Other readers such as fasbike66 are ready for the change.
Now Michael Vanderpool is advocating e-smoking.
He's started "Smoke These," an Internet company that sells and distributes "electronic cigarettes."
With a May 1 ban on smoking in Michigan bars and restaurants looming, he's hoping sales will catch fire.
Call them "outdoor smoking huts."
Mid-Michigan Canvas & Awning, a company with seven employees headquartered near I-75 south of Corunna Road, has designed and constructed the huts for the Great Lakes Technology Centre in Flint and an area nursing home. It has built several for General Motors Co., including at Flint Engine South.
"We just want everyone to know there's still a way to keep your customers happy," said Richelle Roach, who co-owns Mid-Michigan Canvas with her mother, Tammy Thorpe.
Beginning May 1, state law prohibits smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars and hotels or other places that serve food or beverages. Three Detroit casinos, cigar bars, tobacco specialty shops, home offices and motor vehicles are exempt.
Dear Pat: I'm looking forward to the ban on smoking in public and workplaces that goes into effect this year. Who's going to enforce the new law? A Jackson reader
Dear Reader: After reading an analysis of the bill, it appears that enforcement begins with the employer or the business owner.
They must make a reasonable effort to prohibit individuals from smoking. "No smoking" signs must be posted, and ash trays must be removed.
Michigan International Speedway's seating, mezzanines, concession and restroom buildings, suites and chalets will now be smoke-free, according to a track release.
The announcement follows a state measure banning smoking in public places which will take effect May 1.
Michigan hosts two NASCAR race weekends this season.
"Not only are we adhering to the law, but we are addressing a growing number of concerns from our race fans who do not smoke," MIS President Roger Curtis said in a news release. "Race fans who smoke can still do so in approved areas.
Detroit's Marlboro Man might have difficulty finding somewhere in Comerica Park to sneak a drag when Michigan becomes smoke-free in public areas in May.
Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland, an avid smoker, addressed how he might adapt to the new law during today's "The Jim Rome Show," which was guest-hosted by fellow WDFN-AM (1130) afternoon drive host Matt Shepard and me.
"Is it banned all over? Leyland asked. . . .
Leyland did say he would comply with the law.
"I'm not saying that I won't cheat once in awhile," he said. "I'm not going to lie."
Cigars are usually puffed in celebration. Churchill's owner Nash Zaitouna certainly feels like celebrating.
"Very, very excited. More than we expected," said Zaitouna.
First, Nash bought the familiar Churchill's name. Next, he reinvented the concept as a cigar bar with a liquor license.
And many local business owners are looking forward to the fresher air.
In December, Governor Jennifer Granholm signed into law a smoking ban that will take place starting on May 1.
Melissa Wellhead, manager of the Flight Deck Bar, believes the smoking ban won't hurt business in the long run.
"We've had a lot of snowmobilers in recently from Canada where there is a smoking ban," said Welham. "They all say that after a month or so you just get used to it and you know that when you go out to a bar or restaurant, you won't be able to smoke."
Walking into a smoky restaurant or bar will soon be a thing of the past. And many local business owners are looking forward to the fresher air.
Henry Street resident Tom Moore no longer will be able to smoke around the diamond where his granddaughter plays T-ball.
The City Council approved a smoking ban in city parks Wednesday, making it unlawful for a person to smoke within 30 feet of bleachers or backstops at baseball and softball fields.
On December 18, 2009, Governor Granholm signed a smoking ban bill into law. This new law, called the Dr. Ron Davis Law, will be put into action on May 1, 2010. The Dr. Ron Davis Law will officially ban smoking throughout the state of Michigan. Smoking will be banned in all public places including workplaces, restaurants, and bars. This law even goes as far as to ban smoking on the patios of restaurants.
The language of the Dr. Ron Davis Law, as provided in the bill, specifies that not only does the law prevent smoking in public places, but also at any public meetings and at government agencies. Furthermore, the owner of the bar, restaurant, or workplace must make an effort to prevent customers or workers from smoking on the premises. Not only does the law ban smoking but it places regular US citizens in charge of carrying out this new law, and does not take the typical police force approach. Obviously police will be involved when smoking is occurring in bars or restaurants, but they are not the main enforcers in this case.
The bill defines all the terms used and also describes specific measures that must be taken in order for this law to be properly carried out. For example, there are sections describing what a valid attempt by company owners to prohibit individuals from smoking would be. One of these sections explains that the owner of the public place must post no smoking signs.
Along with the original language of the law, there are two major exceptions.
Holland, MI --
Some confusion surrounds Michigan's new smoke-free law that goes into effect May 1 -- especially among bar and restaurant owners.
"The state has stepped in and said, 'We know more about the hospitality business than you do.' Many of them are very upset," said Andy Deloney, the Michigan Restaurant Association public affairs director. . . .
At Century Lanes in Holland, owner Phil Huffman has been working to accommodate his smoking clientele. About 30 percent of the Century Lanes league bowlers are smokers, Huffman estimates.
"This is very high on my radar," Huffman said. "It's the single most important thing on my radar right now, period."
Huffman has been talking with bowling alley owners in states like California and New York, where similar bans are in place. Those owners report a one- to two-year lull in business following a ban.
The reactions are pouring in: Some restaurant owners are fuming about Michigan's new smoke-free law that takes effect May 1.
"The state has stepped in and said, 'We know more about the hospitality business than you do.' Many of them are very upset," said Andy Deloney, the Michigan Restaurant Association public affairs director.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed the bill in December that prohibits smoking in public places such as bars, restaurants, hotels and other businesses. The only establishments exempt are the gaming floors in Detroit casinos and cigar bars.
Tribal casinos aren't covered, because state laws don't apply to Native American land.
The Michigan State Medical Society (MSMS) is welcoming the change.