142323 Fri May 24 07:25:52 -0700 2002 6 12 Boston Area 0 761115 Just caught the tail end of a news cast where I think something was mentioned about banning smoking in bars in Boston? This was the subject of a lot of uproar in LA, where smoking isn't permitted in public areas mostly, when a movement to ban smoking in bars in Beverly Hills occurred. Fewer customers for bar owners VS health issues, you get the picture. Am in Waltham and would LOVE to find a local smoke free bar to hang in, but assumed there was no chance here? Fri May 24 07:25:52 -0700 2002 0 Coyote 1 761120 Some communities in the area do not allow smoking in public areas, including bars. Brookline comes to mind as an example. Fri May 24 09:12:32 -0700 2002 761115 0 Alan H 2 761121 Can't beat the smoke-free bar experience in Brookline -- try the Coolidge Corner Clubhouse on Harvard Ave. I also heard the NPR article, and it sounds like the smoke-free region would include Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Watertown, and a number of towns to the north. Fri May 24 09:53:55 -0700 2002 761120 0 Gabe Handel 3 761129 Brookline's been smoke-free since 1996, and several bars/restaurants in other towns have been forced to go smoke-free by the health officials - Dali's comes to mind. (The owner, Mario, is none too happy, being a smoker himself!). Dali's doesn't have a separate waiting area for folks who are waiting for dinner - you wait in the bar, where food is also served...so no smoking. The rule is "Restaurants in Boston can allow smoking in their bar area only if separated from dining tables by a wall or a six-foot buffer zone." Interestingly, however, both Gargoyles on the Square and Johnny D's in Somerville allow eating in their bars, and people wait in the bar area for their restaurant tables. But smoking is still allowed in those bar areas. Go figure. The article below from yesterday's Boston Globe gives more details on who's behind it, which towns are involved, etc. Link: http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/143/metro/Bars_clubs_may_get_ban_on_smoking+.shtml Fri May 24 14:19:45 -0700 2002 761121 0 Linda W. 4 761142 As much as the it gets to me and I've probably inhaled enough second hand smoke at clubs over the years to cause something bad, I don't think they should ban all smoking. Sat May 25 18:24:42 -0700 2002 761129 0 Joanie 5 761166 I lived out in California in a city where they had to do the switch to non-smoking and man, people were in an uproar. A lot of places said they'd refuse to change even if they had to pay fines. I have to say it is a real pleasure to NOT stink like smoke after going to a bar. It's a big incentive for me to go to a place like Matt Murphy's and know I won't be inhaling carcinogens and smelling smoke in my hair and on my clothes afterwards. Tue May 28 09:25:41 -0700 2002 761142 0 dillard10 2 761132 Coolidge Corner Clubhouse in Brookline is a smoke-free sports bar with acceptable food. Very busy when Boston teams are on the tube. Fri May 24 16:38:36 -0700 2002 761120 0 chuck s