“Many people are upset, dissatisfied, afraid, and expect this to have a terrible effect.”--David Kelsey, president of the South Beach Hotel and Restaurant
Association.
By Jason Jeffers
Staff Writer
Floridians can no longer light up in their favorite restaurants, or any restaurant for that matter.
As of Tuesday, several of the state’s restaurants were forced to come into compliance with a new law banning cigarette smoking in most places of employment. The ban
was enacted by a voter-mandated amendment to the Florida Clean Air Indoor Act that was signed by Governor Jeb Bush last week.
The new policy is being hailed as a triumph by health awareness agencies and those concerned about the effects of second hand smoke on the general populace.
“This is a huge victory, tremendous even, we’re all very excited,” said Debra Eddington, a regional advocacy specialist for the American Cancer Society. “We’re
encouraging all non-smokers to go out and have a meal.”
Although the amendment was voted in by a majority of the state’s voters last fall, many restaurateurs are still anxious about just how it may impact their livelihood.
“Many people are upset, dissatisfied, afraid, and expect this to have a terrible effect,” said
David Kelsey, president of the South Beach Hotel and Restaurant Association. “Our customer base is unlike that up in Northern Florida where this was passed. We depend
largely on Europeans and South Americans who by and large smoke more than Americans do, and there is a concern that by their not being able to smoke, there will be a negative effect on our
patronage.”
Kelsey also explained that some restaurateurs are confused by the specific allowances of the amendment, as well as enforcement issues.
“It’s vaguely worded, a lot of people are not sure as to what they can and cannot do,” said Kelsey.
As a result, the South Beach Hotel and Restaurant Association will be holding a joint workshop with the Florida Restaurant Association on July 28th at Smith
and Wollensky to discuss the particulars of the amendment.
Some of the beach’s more lively restaurants, such as those on Ocean Drive, will not feel the full impact of the new amendment as much of their dining is situated
outside, on the sidewalk.
“About 80% of our business is outside, so we really don’t think this will affect us too much,” said Michael Jack, manager of News Café. “However, it is summer and a
lot of people do choose to sit inside for the air conditioning. We just hope that people are polite and appreciative about it, it will take some time to get used to.”
Some restaurant owners also pointed out what they consider to be inconsistencies with the amendment, specifically pertaining to which establishments are still
permitted to allow smoking.
“What about the workers in nightclubs and bars, who’s protecting them?” questioned Joe Portela, managing partner of popular Downtown Miami bar Tobacco Road. “We have
the small luxury of having an outdoor patio where people will still be allowed to smoke, but inside they can’t. The thing is, after a certain hour we don’t serve food anymore, and that’s
when we get most of the smokers.”
“I don’t expect it to be good,” said Portela. “It sucks. It’s not so much the smoking issue, but they’re taking away our personal rights in our private business. What
next?”
Further refinement of the amendment is expected to be made over the course of the next year. In the meantime, those in support of the amendment expect that its
benefits will far outweigh any other impacts it may have.
“It’s a public health issue, we’re not trying to prevent smoking, we’re trying to protect employees from second hand smoke,” said Eddington. “This is to protect
everyone. It will allow us all to work, live and breathe easier.”
