Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar
It's the Regulars Who Keep the Clubs Open
RECEIVED Mon., May 2, 2005
Dear Chronicle,
Why I oppose the smoking ban – the lifeblood of the bar business is regulars: patrons who spend three to five nights a week, or more, at nightclubs and bars. This is a lifestyle: nightlife and bar culture. Without these regulars, bars cannot survive. Everyone else who visits the bar is just icing on the cake. But it is these regulars who literally pay the bills for bar owners. It's my experience that 80-90% of these regulars are smokers. Bar owners are looking out for the interests of these loyal clientele.
Some say nonsmokers will start coming out to bars if this ban passes. They will not to any significant degree, as it is simply not part of their lifestyle to do so. Taking away smoke will not create a wave of nonsmoking regulars that did not exist before. If clubgoers demand smoke-free clubs, the market will accommodate. Bar owners should have the right to offer the environment that best suits their clientele.
To the voters, please honestly ask yourself this: “Am I one of these regulars? Is it because of me that this bar stays open? Am I part of the blood that keeps the heart of Austin nightlife pumping?”
If “yes,” then please vote. For or against. You've kept Austin nightlife alive – you've earned it. This decision is yours. But if you can't say yes, please contemplate before voting. There is a large, passionate community at stake. It pains me that this decision is in the hands of so many who don't frequent bars. I just feel that if you are not in the thick of Austin's bar culture, this decision may not be yours to make.
That's my two cents. God bless music and bar life everywhere. And God bless Austin.
Why I oppose the smoking ban – the lifeblood of the bar business is regulars: patrons who spend three to five nights a week, or more, at nightclubs and bars. This is a lifestyle: nightlife and bar culture. Without these regulars, bars cannot survive. Everyone else who visits the bar is just icing on the cake. But it is these regulars who literally pay the bills for bar owners. It's my experience that 80-90% of these regulars are smokers. Bar owners are looking out for the interests of these loyal clientele.
Some say nonsmokers will start coming out to bars if this ban passes. They will not to any significant degree, as it is simply not part of their lifestyle to do so. Taking away smoke will not create a wave of nonsmoking regulars that did not exist before. If clubgoers demand smoke-free clubs, the market will accommodate. Bar owners should have the right to offer the environment that best suits their clientele.
To the voters, please honestly ask yourself this: “Am I one of these regulars? Is it because of me that this bar stays open? Am I part of the blood that keeps the heart of Austin nightlife pumping?”
If “yes,” then please vote. For or against. You've kept Austin nightlife alive – you've earned it. This decision is yours. But if you can't say yes, please contemplate before voting. There is a large, passionate community at stake. It pains me that this decision is in the hands of so many who don't frequent bars. I just feel that if you are not in the thick of Austin's bar culture, this decision may not be yours to make.
That's my two cents. God bless music and bar life everywhere. And God bless Austin.
Sincerely,
Alex Abel
Alex Abel