Lights out for smokers May 1

Maricopa restaurants and bars are preparing for the statewide smoking ban that goes into effect May 1.

The ban, introduced as Prop 201 and backed by the American Heart Association, passed 55 percent to 45 percent in November’s elections.

Joel Langer, manager of the Native New Yorker on John Wayne Parkway, said the outdoor patio area is being renovated to prepare for the upcoming ban.

Langer said he doesn’t anticipate the ban will deter business greatly since it is statewide, and every establishment will be affected. The renovations to their patio, however, would not be taking place if not for the ban.

According to guidelines set by the Arizona Department of Public Health Services, establishments must keep at least 20 feet between them and the nearest ashtray. No smoking signs must also be placed outside of all entrances in a visible location.

Amy Powell, manager of the Headquarters Restaurant in Maricopa, said they switched to non-smoking in the restaurant in January and have seen a positive impact on business. The Headquarters Lounge, a separate suite attached to the restaurant, will switch May 1.

Not everyone is happy with the switch. Headquarters bartender Cindy Lawver said that some bar patrons are voicing their unhappiness with the law.

“They don’t understand why their rights are being taken away,” she said.

Lawver said that even though the law will apply to all businesses, the new competition will be between bars that have patio areas where people can still smoke and bars that don’t. She said that because of Headquarters’ bar location, which is between the Headquarters restaurant and a convenience store, a patio addition seems unlikely.

“If people don’t want to be around it, they can go elsewhere,” Lawver said about the presence of smoke in the bar.

Smoke Free Arizona anticipates some negative reactions from customers and suggests all business owners keep complaint-hotline information on hand to distribute to unhappy patrons.

“Non-smokers like it, and smokers don’t like it,” said Powell, summing up the general feeling of discord concerning the law.

Smokefreearizona.org offers a compliance checklist for businesses affected in order to ready their establishment for the ban.