What Bars Are Saying About the Smoking Ban-Wisconsin USA

What Bars Are Saying About the Smoking Ban-Wisconsin USA
Reporter: Mary Rinzel
It's been two weeks since smokers in Eau Claire had to snuff out. So far the Tavern League say no formal complaints have been filed at City Hall and the City County Health Department hasn't issued any citations. But this is a tale of two bars… in two cities.

"Business is down about 23 percent," says Tina Wesner, a bartender at the Five O’clock Club

"We've seen a large increase in business," says Brad Windeshausen, the owner of Whiskey Dicks.

Whiskey Dicks and the Five O'clock Club: They're only a few blocks apart, but owners say they're business is heading in opposite directors.

"We’re seeing a lot of different faces. A lot more people are making this their new habit,” Windeshausen says.

But, that new home is in Altoona and outside the smoking ban's reach. That's a fact Windeshausen is letting people know about with a series of radio ads aimed at bringing in smokers.

"We’re looking at a choice. Non-smokers have Eau Claire to go to. People who do want to smoke can come here," he says.

"That's definitely the kicker,” Wesner says. “You can smoke across the street."

Wesner says the outside, smoke-friendly patio at the Five O’clock Club is a plus. But, she says the ban is tearing people apart.

"Non-smokers are very upset because their friends smoke and people are getting separated. They come in as a group and they want to stay as a group," she says.

Wesner says the ban is already making it hard to make money. She says right now their hope is with the Tavern League and reversing the ban.

"That's what we're here for,” Wesner says. “Cocktails and cigarettes."

"I was hoping for a statewide ban,” Windeshausen says.

Windeshausen says he feels bad for bars caught up in a city ordinance. He says Eau Claire should've waited for the state to take action.

"You won't have that border jumping,” he says.

Windeshausen says people might stay home at first and have a beer and cigarette there. But, says they'll come out eventually for the social aspect.

And in the meantime, he says they're more than welcome at Whiskey Dicks.
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