State legislators and the Tavern League of Wisconsin will meet Tuesday to discuss Gov. Jim Doyle's proposed statewide smoking ban, but bar owners suggest the ban may not go over as smoothly across the state as a similar citywide ban has in Madison.
Appleton bar owners in particular have expressed economic worries over a statewide ban. Still, state representatives and Madison-area bar owners have voiced positive feedback following the Madison ban that went into effect last year.
""There may have been some bars that have suffered economically under the ban,"" said Madison Ald. Austin King, District 8. ""But all the data I've seen, and definitely from being a participant in Madison's nightlife, I know that the bar scene is doing very well.""
The dynamics of the bar scene seem to be changing along with the legislation. People who previously avoided smoke-filled bars and restaurants are now returning patrons, lawmakers say.
""My local bar is packed every night now ... people walk over there to have a drink with their neighbors or to eat a meal [who] wouldn't go there before,"" said state Rep. Spencer Black, D-Madison, a proponent of the smoking ban.
Unlike Appleton bar owners, Madison bar owners do not seem to see anything to complain about.
""We're as busy as always,"" said Tyler Eichorst, manager at Kollege Klub, 529 N. Lake St.
""Things are actually picking up,"" King said. ""We've had dozens of new bar requests—that's just in the downtown alone. I think we're all very happy with the progress we've made.""
Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, the mayor's office is trying to limit the number of bars coming into downtown, according to King. This means that current bars have a secure hold on their customers, and hence, income.
Yet, economic equality is still a consideration in places like Appleton, where bars harbor a concern over differences in local-level laws. Bar owners say customers are instead patronizing communities with more lenient regulations.
Supporters say a statewide smoking ban could even the playing field and enforce the same laws on every bar.
""The ban that's been proposed for [implementation] statewide is the same as what's already the law in the city of Madison,"" Black said.
King added, ""The state is looking at following our lead, and I think that's a positive thing.""
