By Paul Minnis, The Republic Reporter
Business has dropped about 40 percent at some restaurants since Columbus City Council passed a no-smoking ordinance in January, proprietors said.
However, other businesses reported a positive impact, and one restaurant employee said business has doubled or even tripled because customers prefer the eatery’s cleaner air.
But all local restaurants are complying, regardless of their opinions on the new law, said Chuck Boll, the city’s personnel director.
The ordinance, which came amid controversy, applies to all local public places except bars, private clubs and retail tobacco stores.
By March 23, Boll had taken 15 reports of noncompliance, of which four were regarding city restaurants.
Only Kramer’s Kitchen, 421 Seventh St., received a ticket. Owner Debbie Kramer, one of the ordinance’s most outspoken critics, paid the $50 fine the day it was due.
She said her restaurant was smoke-free even when the fine was assessed, but some people insisted on smoking, and she did not think she should have to stop them.
“I have better things to do than watch if other people are smoking,” she said.
She estimated her business has declined 35 percent since she went smoke-free. She blames the city for making exceptions for bars and private clubs, which gives them an advantage.
Larry Misner, who owns the Home Folks Family Restaurant at 920 25th St., said his business has dropped about 40 percent, and he worries he will have to close if customers stay away.
“My customers are going to the bars or out of town to eat,” he said. “Customers have told me they wouldn’t come in any-more.”
Javier Garcia, a manager at Columbus Family Dining Restaurant, 2241 State St., said his business also is down about 40 percent.
David Kurzawski, manager at Applebee’s, 1900 25th St., said he has seen a 2-percent dip in the bar area but the dining area is unaffected.
According to the ordinance, bars within restaurants still are bound by the ordinance.
“Drinking and smoking go hand in hand,” Kurzawski said. “That’s a pretty big number, really.”
Cody Meyer, a manager at Grindstone Charley’s at 2607 Central Ave., said he has seen business drop in the bar area but has had a slight increase in the dining area.
He added, however, that the changes might not be related to the no-smoking ordinance.
“It might just be a normal thing,” he said.
Clean-air attraction
Chili’s Grill & Bar at 1083 N. National Road and Skooter’s at 1602 State St. have seen a boost in business, proprietors said.
Clinton Summers, the Chili’s manager, said his tables “turn over faster” because customers cannot smoke and are likely to leave sooner.
He said for every complaint he gets about the ordinance he gets 10 compliments.
Helen Ramey, who has been a cook at Skooter’s for 22 years, said business there has doubled or tripled since the ordinance took effect.
Managers worried at first, but they were thrilled to learn people wanted to breathe clean air, she said.
“We had people who didn’t come in because there was this haze,” she said.
“It’s been a nice surprise.”