Tobacco.org

Smoking ban sets Alcove Tavern apart from other bars  

TUSCALOOSA * When Chad Smith opened a new tavern, he made it different from his competition by banning smoking inside.

"I think the town is moving in that direction," said Smith, owner of the Alcove International Tavern, which opened about two months ago at 730 22nd Ave. "I think in three to four years, all taverns will be non-smoking, because that seems to be the trend."

In 2003, a state law banned smoking in hospitals, schools, most retail businesses, elevators, buses and taxis, and several Alabama municipalities have enacted smoking bans that are even more restrictive.

Tuscaloosa's ban of smoking in public places exempts bars that don't serve food. In bars within establishments serving food, smoking is allowed after 10 p.m.

But Smith said he deliberately went further by opening a smoke-free, drinks-only tavern. He said the response from customers has been positive.

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