Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Eugene Kane column

Jul 6, 2010 — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Eugene Kane

Jul. 4, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Sure, there will be plenty of business owners and customers who won't like the new public smoking ban that takes effect Monday.

But take it from a reformed smoker: Most of us are going to love this new law.

After a few weeks -- O.K., possibly months -- of temporary nicotine withdrawal by customers struggling to deal with a new smoke-free environment, things will become clearer.

Literally, in some cases. Trust me.

For years, Ma Fischer's, 2214 N. Farwell Ave., has accommodated smokers and non-smokers alike. It's a longtime eating establishment on Milwaukee's east side so connected to the city's working-class image that it's a regular stop for politicians and distinguished visitors.

According to owner Peter Panos, providing a place for smoking customers has been greatly appreciated.

"I think we're one of the few eating places around here left that still have smoking," said Panos.

It's a 24-hour stop for breakfast, lunch and late night meals, with many "Best of Milwaukee" accolades. The separate dining areas always have given smokers enough space to puff away without infringing on non-smokers in the adjoining section.

Some of Ma Fischer's crowd is an eclectic community of east side nicotine addicts who have come to see the restaurant as a last refuge.

With the new law scheduled to take effect Monday, Panos said the mood of his regular smokers lately has been kind of, well, salty.

"They don't like it one bit," he said.

As a businessman, Panos is resigned to the changing times -- and legislation -- that will dictate the way he runs his establishment. He conceded that bars and taverns probably had a harder time dealing with the new no-smoking law than restaurants.

But many customers regularly smoke and eat as well, and Panos was wary of being hurt economically by other businesses that attempt to skirt the rules.

"I'm cool with it as long as everybody follows the rules. If someone else finds a way to get around (the no smoking law), then I would be upset if I lost customers because of that," he said.

It's not an unfounded concern. In some cities, bars and taverns have managed to get around no-smoking laws by skirting the letter of the law. Panos plans to abide by the new restrictions at his restaurant even if other places don't.

"I think my non-smoking customers would be upset if I did something like that," he said.

The new Wisconsin law has been a year in coming, providing plenty of time for addicted smokers to get ready for the first evening out at a nice restaurant or bar without their usual crutch.

As a former smoker who kicked the habit close to five years ago without looking back, I remember the physical sensation of having a few drags on a cigarette along with a cold glass of beer or even after a scrumptious breakfast.

But it's just as easy to remember the foul stench on my breath, clothes and living space.

These days, it's almost impossible for me to eat anywhere near anyone smoking a cigarette. But, yes, I do remember how good a cigarette tasted after a filling meal.

From now on, you just have to do it outside. Just like some of the other major cities and states that have had a ban on public smoking in the workplace for years, Wisconsin eventually will get used to the new order of things and be the better for it.

With this far-reaching law taking effect after years of effort by politicians, Wisconsin may be leaving its traditional role as a maverick and falling more in line with other states on some issues.

Could a new concealed carry law or a move to institute the death penalty be next on the horizon?

As a former smoker, I have little patience for tired arguments about personal freedom when it comes to an overriding health issue for everyone.

After just a few months of a smokeless society, I have no doubt there will be lots of people thankful for the breath of fresh air.

Contact Eugene Kane at (414) 223-5521 or ekane@journalsentinel.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0130-46733938