JOHNSTOWN, Pa. (WJAC) — Some state lawmakers are calling to end smoking in all Pennsylvania bars, casinos, and private clubs for good. This bill would expand the Clean Indoor Act.
One local Johnstown bar says their business will take a hit if this bill gets approved.
“It's not the right of other people to make a decision for themselves,” part-owner of Rocky’s Tavern Anna Mae Rager said. “If you don't want to smoke at a bar then don't come in.”
Rocky's Tavern was established in 1982 by Anna Mae Rager's parents. It's been a smoking bar since its doors opened over three decades ago.
“It was just part of what you did,” Rager said. “It wasn't the concern it was today. “
Currently it is legal to smoke in Pennsylvania bars and restaurants that have food sales of 20-percent or less.
Rager says although they are a smoking bar, they get a mixed crowd.
“We have just as many people come in that smoke that don't,” Rager said. “I don't smoke at all and sometimes it bothers me if someone is sitting beside me smoking so I'll ask them to move or I'll move.”
Rager says they make sure their bar is enjoyable for both smokers and non-smokers
“There isn't just piles of smoke laying around inside here, Rager said. “There's smoke eaters inside the ceilings that go an extract as much as possible. We also have a deck that when the weather is well, people will just go out there and smoke and they don't sit inside and smoke.”
Rager fears if this bill is passed, she'll lose a decent amount of business.
“What's going to happen is it's going to end up taking business away from those of us who are trying to just make a living and with that happening, you know, things aren't terrific right now in town so it's only probably going to hurt us more than anything,” Rager said.
At the end of the day, Rager thinks this decision should come down to a personal choice of eating or drinking at a smoking bar...not banning it all together.
“I don't believe it's as bad as they're making it out to be,” Rager said.
The bill is also proposing the ban of e-cigarettes at these locations as well.
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