Elkhart still debating smoking ban, but some businesses aren't waiting

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Elkhart still debating smoking ban, but some businesses aren't waiting

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Oct 9, 2007 at 4:46 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 3, 2008 at 2:34 PM EST

(WSBT) Another city is looking to ban smoking in public places and the work place.

Elkhart City Council members discussed the ban Monday night, but it's still stuck in committee.

While the debate continues, some local restaurants aren't waiting on a ban to clear the air at their businesses.

After some discussion, Heinnies Restaurant has taken action on smoking inside the facility.

On October 1, it decided to having smoking banned in its back family dining area, but still will allow customers to light up in the bar and banquet area.

“This way they do have a choice because up to now the back was pretty much smoking because we didn't have an split off sections, so this way it gives the people that want non smoking an opportunity to have that, and people who want to smoke can come in the front,” explained Shawna Tharp, of Heinnies.

She says that since it has gone into effect, they're received a lot of positive comments from those who use the family dining area.

Across town, Little John's Restaurant decided to go smoke free in August.

“We've decided, through speaking with our customers and listening to their feedback, that it would be to our benefit and to our customers’ benefit, to go completely non-smoking in the restaurant,” said John Varanelli, of Little John’s Restaurant.

The same decision was made at The Vine restaurant in downtown Elkhart that opened earlier this year.

“The Vine has always had a position that there's no smoking in the dining area or the bar,” said The Vine’s Patrick Wittling. “The only exception we've had is smoking is permitted on our patio areas."

The Daily Grind Coffee House and Stirred Martini Bar are also smoke free.

“We opened The Daily Grind a little over ten years ago and we've always been non-smoking, and even when we went into the fine dining and bar, we just decided that we would continue on with the commitment,” said Tanya Bleiler, with The Daily Grind and Stirred.

The ordinance was revised three times with input from public meetings.

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