Business as usual in bars, casinos
Jump to full article: Montana Standard, 2009-10-13
Author: John Grant Emeigh of The Montana Standard
Intro: Butte bar and casino patrons don't appear to be avoiding their favorite watering holes despite the statewide smoking ban.
Jim Dodd Sr. has been a smoker for 30 years and an admitted creature of habit. But the law banning smoking in all bars and casinos, which went into effect Oct. 1, hasn't stopped him from making his regular stops at the Met Tavern, 1375 Harrison Ave.
"You come down here to see your friends and have a good time," he said Monday afternoon as he watched the Colorado Rockies on one of the bar televisions.
When the urge hits him to smoke, he steps outside like everyone else.
"I'm too old to change," the 55-year-old said.
Initial fears that the smoking ban would hurt the tavern and casino businesses so far appear unfounded, according to some.
Jump to full article » |