Winona bars feel pinch of Minnesota smoking ban
By Käri Knutson / Winona Daily News

Winona bars are reporting a steep decline in business a month after a statewide smoking ban went into effect.

At the 500 Club, bartender Becky Brinkmeyer has noticed some regulars aren’t staying as long. Others aren’t coming in at all.

Jessica Beno, left, of Winona, smokes a cigarette outside Brothers on Third Street Friday with Sarah Beno of Lakeview and Derick Entzminger of Minnetonka. When asked what he thought of the smoking ban, Entzminger said, "It should be up to each individual bar." The ladies added, "It sucks." (Photo by Melissa Carlo/Winona Daily News)

“People used to come in here because they can’t smoke in their car or home,” Brinkmeyer said. “Now they can’t smoke here.”

Matches, lighters and ashtrays that used to adorn the bar are now put away. You can still buy cigarettes at the bar. You’ll just have to step outside to enjoy.

Bar owners throughout the state are reporting a drop in business as a result of the smoking ban, and with winter coming, they fear it could get worse. Liquor stores seem to be enjoying some benefits, but bars in nearby parts of Wisconsin aren’t necessarily seeing a bump in business.

Winona bar operators concerned about the impact of the ban have asked the city to relax its restrictions on serving alcohol outdoors. On Monday, the city council is scheduled to consider an ordinance to allow alcohol on some enclosed patios and decks where smoking is permitted (see story at right).

The Winona American Legion has seen a similar decrease in sales, and not just alcohol. Bartender Barb Schewe says pull-tab charitable gambling sales are way down.

“We get the same people. They just don’t stay,” Schewe said. “Once it gets cold, I think it’ll be worse.”

The same story is playing out across the state, said Tavern League of Minnesota director of communications Sue Jeffers. “We’re feeling the pain everywhere,” she said.

Early estimates indicate an average loss of 20 to 30 percent in bar sales, Jeffers said. Places that also serve food are fairing better. Jeffers, a former bar owner, said a 2005 smoking ban in Hennepin County contributed to 137 bars closing.

In spite of bar owners’ claims, the sales slump doesn’t seem to have shown up in their liquor purchases.

Schott Distributing services about 100 bars and restaurants in the Winona area. General sales manager Bernie Schott said he saw no change in the company’s October sales.

“There’s no apparent trend we can see so far,” Schott said.

Schott has been told by distributors in other states with a smoking ban to expect about a 2 percent decrease in sales.

Not flocking to Wisconsin

Bob Baures, owner of George’s Bar in Bluff Siding, Wis., said customers aren’t flocking to his bar across the river.

“It’s been pretty minimal — maybe about a five percent increase,” Baures said.

Other bar owners on the Wisconsin side of the river say they haven’t seen an increase in business.

While Minnesota’s smoking ban may give bars like his on the border a slight edge in attracting some out-of-state customers, Baures is afraid a proposed smoking ban in Wisconsin would hurt businesses like his, too.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle this year introduced a bill to outlaw smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants.

Jim Jenkins, owner of the Trempealeau Hotel in Trempealeau, Wis., made the decision to go smoke-free in 1994. He was concerned for his health and the health of his employees.

“It was either go smoke-free or get out of the bar business,” Jenkins said.

There were some very unhappy customers, some of whom never came back. Others did come back and brought their non-smoking friends. Jenkins decided to focus on being a family restaurant.

“We’re really happy with what happened to us,” Jenkins said.

Smokers staying home?

The smoking ban may be a boon for liquor stores.

Third Street Liquor owner Ken Siebenaler said he’s seen a slight increase in sales, but it’s too early to tell if it’s because more people are drinking at home rather than the bars.

Kato Liquor manager Aimee Larson said her store has also seen a slight increase. “I think we’ll see more of an increase as it gets colder,” she said.

The real test for Winona bars will come in about six months, said Tom Overland, owner of The Bar and the Mankato Bar. He said both businesses have experienced about a 20 to 30 percent loss.

“We’ll just have to ride it out,” Overland said. “I’m thinking sooner or later they’ll get bored with watching TV.”

No citations

Winona police have yet to issue a citation for smoking in a bar and say they haven’t gotten any complaints.

Opinions around Winona

Have/will you be going to the bars less because of the state smoking ban?

“I’ve been going to the bars about the same.

Personally I think it’s a good idea; you got to respect the people who don’t smoke and give them credit.”

Bill Tarras, 49, of Winona at the Winona VFW

“I haven’t been going to the bars any less. Going to smoke outside, I don’t see a problem with it, but it is an inconvenience.”

Ben Alker, 22, of Rochester, Minn., at Betty Jo’s in Winona

“I’ve been going to the bars less; it’s easier to light up inside. Why not stay inside and at home in that case? The government has got other, bigger problems that should be addressed. It’s got to be the stupidest thing ever.”

Terry Schwanke, 56, of Weaver, Minn., at the Winona VFW

“I’ve been going less. It’s wrong. I think it should be up to the bartender’s

discretion whether to make it smoking or not.”

Julie Strain, 38, of Winona at Dan’s Dugout in Winona

“I guess it’s good for me because it causes me to smoke even less, so I like that. I’m not going to not go to the bars because of the ban. May cause us to drink a little more though.”

Brittany Bekkum, 24, of Winona

Contact Käri Knutson at kknutson@winonadailynews.com or (507) 453-3523.

.

Ads by Yahoo! winona christian dating online Find Your Winona Soulmate Today. Christians Join Free. www.TogetherChristian.com Quality Inn Winona- Save Now Winona, Minnesota. Guaranteed Low Rates. Call Toll-free. www.DiscountHotelWorld.com winona mn - Save up to 70% Easily Compare Deals to winona mn Also See Photos & Candid Reviews. travel.yahoo.com

More News: County takes middle ground on office addition: Design now, build later MnDOT plans bridge meeting Thursday Winona State freshman forced to drop out for lack of enough financial aid Arcadia starts search for new superintendent ‘Nutcracker’ features record number of male dancers Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy (VIDEO) Going the distance: Running group starts at YMCA Authorities: Beware around bats Invasive silver carp found in area Winona hires new officer

Advertisement