Pocono News Section

Restaurants Prepping for Pending Smoking Ban

Restaurants Prepping for Pending Smoking Ban - Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 4:17PM EST

Reported by: Jeff Chirico
Wednesday, Sep 3, 2008 @ 04:17pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY --There's only one week left until the statewide smoking ban takes effect on September eleventh. And as Eyewitness News Consumer reporter Jeff Chirico tells us, restaurants are preparing for the big change.

A sign on the door of Chili's bar and grill in Wilkes-Barre Township warns customers they can no longer smoke inside. Alicia DeLuca Smoker “I was surprised but I'd seen it in other places before. Doesn't bother me. I'm used to it." Chili's tossed the ashtrays on Monday to get a head start on the statewide deadline. It's already cost the restaurant some business.

Server Alicia Thompson says "Last night two tables left. I guess they were unhappy about it." But general manager Jim Verdekal doesn't think that will continue once all restaurants go smoke-free next week. Jim Verdekal General Manager "We'll see maybe a slight decrease. But I don't think it will affect us that much.

Even the smoking customers we spoke with don't mind having to light up outside. Brianna Dotter White Haven "It’s an inconvenience but it’s good for other people." Chris Dotter White Haven "With people that don't smoke I can understand they don't want smoke around them. So I kind of agree with them."

You can still smoke at Gonda's hoagies and wings on South Main Street in Wilkes-Barre. But owner Joe Gonda is gearing up for the change.

More than half of Gonda's is in the smoking section. Next week, Joe will toss these ash trays and place white tablecloths on the table to dress the place up a bit. " Joe Gonda says “I don't think it will have a big effect because we do have an area --the elbow room where you'll be able to smoke because it’s total bar area." Joe thinks smoking will be allowed in there. But he admits the state hasn't sent him anything explaining the new law that could snuff out some of his business.

The new law bans smoking in all restaurants and bars that get more than 20 percent of their revenue from food.