Editorial: No lighting up? Lighten up

Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2006 | 7:20 a.m.

Taverns and even supper clubs in Las Vegas are anguishing over what to do when Question 5 takes effect Dec. 8. Voters passed the proposition on Nov. 7, which prohibits smoking within most public places - only gaming areas of casinos and bars that do not prepare food on the premises are exempt.

Many tavern and supper club owners fear that if their customers cannot light up before, during and after their meals, or while playing slot machines or drinking beer and liquor, they will stay away in droves.

The owners are so concerned that they are seriously considering closing their kitchens. Owners of taverns can at least make their decision without legal reprisals, as their liquor licenses are not tied to their menus. But supper clubs, which are supposed to be a cut above bars and therefore have fewer restrictions about locating in neighborhoods, must generate more than 50 percent of their revenues from sales of food.

Nevertheless, the owners of supper clubs are right in there with tavern owners, thinking hard about closing their kitchens even though it would invite a legal dispute that could end with their establishments being shut down.

We suggest that both tavern and supper club owners take a deep breath. Paul Hennessy, owner of Hennessy's Tavern on Fremont Street, owned restaurants in California when a smoking ban went into effect there. He told Las Vegas Sun reporter Mark Hansel last week that his business actually increased. He said he did not lose any regular customers and in fact gained nonsmokers who had previously stayed away.

Our bet is that when the smoke clears, Las Vegas tavern and supper club owners will have the same experience.