Celebrate smoke-free restaurants and bars in Seattle and King County
|
Wednesday, November 10, 2004 |
|
|
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - On November 16, the Washington State Supreme Court will be hearing arguments about banning smoking in public places, but many restaurants and bars in King County have already rendered their verdict by going smoke free voluntarily. Now, smoke-free restaurants and bars in Seattle and King County have formed a coalition to support smoke-free policies because they realize the benefits for their business and health.
The Smoke-Free Coalition of Seattle and King County’s online home (www.smokefreeseattle.org) will also be launched on November 16th. The website will serve as a hub for news about smoke-free issues, events, and legislation. Owners will also find information and resources on going smoke-free, opportunities to advocate for a smoke-free King County, as well as many other tools.
Why go smoke free?
It’s the trend. “It’s a hell of a lot easier going smoke free now. It is still a big decision, but people understand the reasons behind going smoke free, and the culture of nonsmoking is greater than it was ten years ago,” said Bob, Co-Owner of the Latona Pub, Fiddlers Inn, and the Hopvine.
It’s what people want. “We lost some of our smoking customers, but other customers started frequenting the bar more often once they learned we went smoke free,” said Jim, Co-Owner of the Virginia Inn.
It saves money and doesn’t hurt sales. “We were a little worried about what going smoke free might do because 74th Street had been long established as a smoking place. Several people left, but business went up by 10-20% immediately. I was just a huge leap, and it hasn’t slowed down,” said Jeff, Owner of The 74th Street Ale House, Hilltop Ale House, and Columbia City Ale House.
On November 16, Public Health - Seattle & King County’s Tobacco Prevention Program along with local smoke-free restaurant and bar owners will be celebrating the kick-off event for the Smoke-Free Coalition of Seattle and King County.
Celebrate smoke-free restaurants on November 16th
Local Café – 1514 East Olive Way, Seattle: Providing free dessert from 8 to 10 p.m.
“People who want organic, fresh, well-made food just do not want an environment polluted by secondhand smoke.” – Matt Bertles, Local Café owner.
Rosebud – 719 East Pike St, Seattle: Offering free appetizer samples from 7 to 9 p.m.
“The food is enhanced in this atmosphere, which considering that Rosebud’s cuisine is so carefully prepared is another plus. From an owner’s point of view, it’s great that there are no burn holes in the furniture or carpets, which saves money, not to mention that there is less clean up.” – Robert Sondheim, Rosebud Owner
Redline - 1525 East Olive Way, Seattle: Free latte with purchase of any sandwich all day
Open from 6:00a.m. to 10:00 p.m., specializing in coffee, sandwiches and snacks.
The Smoke-Free Coalition consists of restaurant and bar owners in Seattle and King County who have enacted non-smoking policies in their establishments and strongly support smoke-free legislation. Being part of the coalition allows members to network, strategize and learn from each other, as well as provide outreach to other bars and restaurants that would like to become smoke-free. The goal of the Smoke-Free Coalition is to further the smoke-free movement by supporting both existing and new non-smoking establishments, writing and speaking with key legislators, and providing testimonies in support of smoke-free policy.
Public Health – Seattle & King County along with the Smoke-Free Coalition commend owners in the entire county for their concern to protect employees and customers from exposure to second-hand smoke.
