This sounds like a great concept, but I can't lie, pretty much everyone I know wants the smoking ban. We're not pretentious either. We just don't want smoke and once you lived somewhere where it's banned you can't go back... Anyway, with the ventilation system maybe the smoke in this place would be tolerable.

You make no sense. Why are you wanting to go in a place like this when you know that its going to be full of smoke? I'm sure there are other businesses that sell food and whiskey that you can go into that will be smoke free.

The Okc council is already in record saying they will ban smoking once they get the chance. If local control gets a senate vote it will pass. And Okc will be smoke free in November

Like I stated above, I'm deeply involved with this on a daily basis. Oklahoma City absolutely will not be smoke free this November. If we do go smoke free, it will be probably 3-4 years out and even then they will probably grandfather most exemptions like some other states have done.

I'm not trying to argue or be a know it all, I'm just saying that my lively hood revolves around smoking indoors and I am therefore close to the issue and wouldn't be opening another location if I had any thought that a smoking ban will pass.

On another note, if OKC does go smoke free in the future, you will see local suburbs such as Moore or MWC stay smoker friendly and thrive. This has happened in the Dallas area. The greater Dallas metro is now smoke free and suburbs like Addison have went smoker friendly and are thriving. Their entertainment district has grown simply because smoking establishments (cigar stores, bars, restaraunts) have moved out to not be regulated.

Like I stated above, I'm deeply involved with this on a daily basis. Oklahoma City absolutely will not be smoke free this November. If we do go smoke free, it will be probably 3-4 years out and even then they will probably grandfather most exemptions like some other states have done.

I'm not trying to argue or be a know it all, I'm just saying that my lively hood revolves around smoking indoors and I am therefore close to the issue and wouldn't be opening another location if I had any thought that a smoking ban will pass.

On another note, if OKC does go smoke free in the future, you will see local suburbs such as Moore or MWC stay smoker friendly and thrive. This has happened in the Dallas area. The greater Dallas metro is now smoke free and suburbs like Addison have went smoker friendly and are thriving. Their entertainment district has grown simply because smoking establishments (cigar stores, bars, restaraunts) have moved out to not be regulated.

most other states have not "grandfathered" most exemptions OKC norman edmond will be smoke free at the first chance they can be again the 3 city council's are on record

i will say i think there is a great chance that it doesn't come to a vote in the senate once again ...

most other states have not "grandfathered" most exemptions OKC norman edmond will be smoke free at the first chance they can be again the 3 city council's are on record

i will say i think there is a great chance that it doesn't come to a vote in the senate once again ...

It shouldn't come to a vote this session. There are also many states who have put the power into the local municipalities hands and many exemptions have been handed down for existing cigar stores and bars. A few examples are Outlaw Cigar in Kansas City, Town & Country cigar bar in Dallas, Javiers in Dallas, Maduro cigar bar in little rock, and quite a few more I can think of off the top of my head.

You make no sense. Why are you wanting to go in a place like this when you know that its going to be full of smoke? I'm sure there are other businesses that sell food and whiskey that you can go into that will be smoke free.

With the ventilation system, maybe it won't be full of smoke?

I'm not really sure what's wrong with the way it is now. Our current laws strike a good balance and create choice for the consumer. While not every place in town is smoke free, there is plenty of opportunity to eat, drink, see a show, or just hang out in a totally smoke free environment. Meanwhile, some establishments have gained a competitive advantage by allowing smoking. The end result is nothing is denied to anyone and people can make their own choices. Everyone is always perfectly free to ban themselves from smoking establishments and now they don't have to really sacrifice any entertainment options to do so. So, really, if you don't want to hang out in a smokey place, rule #1 would probably be to avoid some place that hangs the words "cigar bar" on the property. At this point, I'm not really sure why people need legislation to keep places they would never go to in the first place from existing.

I'm not really sure what's wrong with the way it is now. Our current laws strike a good balance and create choice for the consumer. While not every place in town is smoke free, there is plenty of opportunity to eat, drink, see a show, or just hang out in a totally smoke free environment. Meanwhile, some establishments have gained a competitive advantage by allowing smoking. The end result is nothing is denied to anyone and people can make their own choices. Everyone is always perfectly free to ban themselves from smoking establishments and now they don't have to really sacrifice any entertainment options to do so. So, really, if you don't want to hang out in a smokey place, rule #1 would probably be to avoid some place that hangs the words "cigar bar" on the property. At this point, I'm not really sure why people need legislation to keep places they would never go to in the first place from existing.

it is a workers rights issue not a consumer issue

most other states have not "grandfathered" most exemptions OKC norman edmond will be smoke free at the first chance they can be again the 3 city council's are on record

i will say i think there is a great chance that it doesn't come to a vote in the senate once again ...

Do you think that if the City of OKC passed a "no golfing" ordinance that those clubs who already exist here would be forced to shut down? No.

With the ventilation system, maybe it won't be full of smoke?

Right, but other than going there to be a butthead about the place not being non smoking, what reason do you have to be there in the first place?? You're making a very strong stand for your non smoking rights so why do you care if this place is smoking and has or doesn't have an amazing ventilation system? You're never going to enter the establishment because you're a non smoker.

it is a workers rights issue not a consumer issue

Wow, what do you think the chances are that a worker who works in a smoking establishment, actually smokes in the first place?? 98% of Henry Hudsons staffers smoke and if they don't smoke, those people have a choice to work in that environment or choose to work elsewhere. It's a consumer choice and it's a workers choice. Same difference either way. You act as if they're chained to their workplace wall, lol.

it is a workers rights issue not a consumer issue

Well, it's sold that way to help small government and libertarian minded people stomach it, but, if you notice, no really discusses it in that context unless they are lobbying legislators. Honestly, I can even buy that argument to a degree, but if it was strictly a workers' rights issue, it never would have gotten off the ground in the first place. Still, right now we have a choice. Qualified restaurant and bar service personnel can choose to work in smoke free environments. Personally, I liked living in a place with a smoking ban, but I also think that it's better here right now, because it offers real choice to everyone.

Well, it's sold that way to help small government and libertarian minded people stomach it, but, if you notice, no really discusses it in that context unless they are lobbying legislators. Honestly, I can even buy that argument to a degree, but if it was strictly a workers' rights issue, it never would have gotten off the ground in the first place. Still, right now we have a choice. Qualified restaurant and bar service personnel can choose to work in smoke free environments. Personally, I liked living in a place with a smoking ban, but I also think that it's better here right now, because it offers real choice to everyone.

trying telling someone in a state with say 10+% unemployment that they have a "choice" in where they choose to work

I'm not really sure what's wrong with the way it is now. Our current laws strike a good balance and create choice for the consumer. While not every place in town is smoke free, there is plenty of opportunity to eat, drink, see a show, or just hang out in a totally smoke free environment. Meanwhile, some establishments have gained a competitive advantage by allowing smoking. The end result is nothing is denied to anyone and people can make their own choices. Everyone is always perfectly free to ban themselves from smoking establishments and now they don't have to really sacrifice any entertainment options to do so. So, really, if you don't want to hang out in a smokey place, rule #1 would probably be to avoid some place that hangs the words "cigar bar" on the property. At this point, I'm not really sure why people need legislation to keep places they would never go to in the first place from existing.

I want to be able to enjoy Myriad Gardens or the State Fair without subjecting my daughter to the smoke and litter than accompanies smoking. Allowing cities to make their own laws would allow them to ban it in literal public places and also bars, etc. Maybe that's the first step that can be taken - allow cities to ban it on the real "public" places first.

Or we could look at it as we are the only state that doesnt allow cities to make tougher laws other than Tennessee

Or we could look at it as we have one of the highest smoking rates and are one of the most unhealthy states and this might help.

But I guess we could just continue to do the Oklahoma thing and be one of the last states to do the right thing.

Or we could look at it as we are the only state that doesnt allow cities to make tougher laws other than Tennessee

Or we could look at it as we have one of the highest smoking rates and are one of the most unhealthy states and this might help.

But I guess we could just continue to do the Oklahoma thing and be one of the last states to do the right thing.

So now it's the right thing to do? I agree with the idea of limited smoking in public areas but by no means do I believe they should be able to tell business owners whether they can offer smoking in their PRIVATE establishments.

If you choose not to patronize my establishment due to smoking, that is your choice and right. Why should I, the business owner, not have the same rights in determining whether I allow smoking?

So now it's the right thing to do? I agree with the idea of limited smoking in public areas but by no means do I believe they should be able to tell business owners whether they can offer smoking in their PRIVATE establishments.

If you choose not to patronize my establishment due to smoking, that is your choice and right. Why should I, the business owner, not have the same rights in determining whether I allow smoking?

Should you be allowed to have asbestos in your business also

should you be allowed to have asbestos in your business also

boom.

You know BS, you're more than welcome to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth into this business. I haven't smoked a cigarette for a month now so having experienced both sides of the table (and it's round) what is your complaint? Stay out of the establishment and quit making your lifestyle the only choice for others. You're Christian aren't you??

You know BS, you're more than welcome to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth into this business. I haven't smoked a cigarette for a month now so having experienced both sides of the table (and it's round) what is your complaint? Stay out of the establishment and running your lifestyle into others. You're Christian aren't you??

My point is that we restrict business owners rights for the sake of employees all the time

The

employees

have

A

choice!

They don't have to work there if they don't want to. Are you going to stand in front of the place and picket it?? I'm pretty sure that anyone applying to work here is going to know what they are getting into and I'm betting they've already worked in an establishment like it--a brick & mortar cigar shop where smoking is not regulated.

Geesh!

I want to be able to enjoy Myriad Gardens or the State Fair without subjecting my daughter to the smoke and litter than accompanies smoking. Allowing cities to make their own laws would allow them to ban it in literal public places and also bars, etc. Maybe that's the first step that can be taken - allow cities to ban it on the real "public" places first.

Sure, that probably makes more sense than making private establishments do it.

My point is that we restrict business owners rights for the sake of employees all the time

Come back and I'll tell you your argument is about as ludicrous as nurses smoking...

You're Christian aren't you??

Uh oh, OKCisOK. This is a very slippery slope.

Uh oh, OKCisOK. This is a very slippery slope.

Maybe that's why he disappeared. He went to go bow down to God and pray for the angry thoughts he had in his head towards a business he's never going to enter.

Maybe that's why he disappeared. He went to go bow down to God and pray for the angry thoughts he had in his head towards a business he's never going to enter.

So funny the assumptions people come up with i think you are the only one that got angry. If this business opens in April I will most likely go enjoy a wisky and a cigar there the same as i do at mickey mantles I just understand the other point of view

Should you be allowed to have asbestos in your business alsoBreathing glass into your lungs is a little different than someone choosing to smoke when they now it bad for you. What if someone has asbestos in their business and puts a sign up declaring that, you think people would go in there?

Breathing glass into your lungs is a little different than someone choosing to smoke when they now it bad for you. What if someone has asbestos in their business and puts a sign up declaring that, you think people would go in there?

I said that from a workers rights point of view. And in that case regardless of a sign, Depending on pay and job market someone would still take a job there

So funny the assumptions people come up with i think you are the only one that got angry. If this business opens in April I will most likely go enjoy a wisky and a cigar there the same as i do at mickey mantles I just understand the other point of view

Am I on Candid Camera, lol? Just cause I put an extra question mark at the end of a sentence doesn't mean I'm angry. If you're going to enjoy this business, then why create such a fuss about it????????????????????????????? <-----LOL.

It just makes no sense. I mean, you smoking that cigar is just gonna blow smoke into some poor employees face who otherwise could be working in a smoke free environment as you put it so eloquently earlier.

I said that from a workers rights point of view. And in that case regardless of a sign, Depending on pay and job market someone would still take a job thereOh, well in that case if someone doesn't want to be around smoke then they shouldn't work at a smoking bar? idk.... I don't think OKC should ban smoking entirely and tbh, if I had my way, the minimum required age to purchase tobacco products would be 21, so I'm in favor for some more strict smoking laws. Telling private businesses whether than can be smoke free or not, isn't the right way to go. imho

Right, but other than going there to be a butthead about the place not being non smoking, what reason do you have to be there in the first place?? You're making a very strong stand for your non smoking rights so why do you care if this place is smoking and has or doesn't have an amazing ventilation system? You're never going to enter the establishment because you're a non smoker.

First, I thought I read that this place will have extensive liquor options. Maybe that's why I'd go there. Maybe there's a good ambience.

Second, and this is directed towards other posts also, can you name any other aspect of a business where workers and customers have their health hurt because of the choice of others' frequenting the same establishment?

Third, this isn't just about my choice. If I go out with a group of friends, and we have one person that can't go to a smoking bar, then the entire group's decision has been made. It's not just an individual decision.

I'm not crying about smoking laws, but I'm in favor of a ban, or at least the option of a ban for municipalities.

This thread has turned stupid over the last 2 pages. It's simple, they are opening a whiskey and CIGAR lounge (what looks to be a really cool one at that). The fact that it has CIGAR in the concept description implies that smoking will occur there. If you do not like CIGAR smoke, go to one of the 30 other bars in the downtown area that do not allow smoking instead. If you want to drink whiskey, but do not like cigar smoke, go to another bar that serves whiskey (every bar downtown). If you want to try the rare whiskey that this place plans to serve and don't like smoke, if it means that much to you, grit your teeth and take it for an hour. I have asthma, I generally don't like smokey bars, but every once and awhile my friends go to a smokey bar and I go with them for a while and then go to another bar. Short, infrequent exposure is not going to kill you. Apparently WSKY also plans to have a patio... as I'm sure you're aware, the wind frequently blows in OKC. I'm sure if you find the inside of the bar too smokey, the air on the patio will probably be clearer.

Regardless, this is a discussion about the the new bar, not state and federal smoking policy.

Great answer! I swear to god I'm being hustled by 4 year olds on here.

KT - It's a unique environment :)

So funny the assumptions people come up with i think you are the only one that got angry. If this business opens in April I will most likely go enjoy a wisky and a cigar there the same as i do at mickey mantles I just understand the other point of view
I'll vouch for that. I have had a cigar at Mickey's on numerous occasions with BoulderSooner, and seen him in the smoker-friendly bar at Mickey's on many, many other nights.

I've always wanted to see someone try a system like this. I saw it years ago on television and the idea stuck with me. I think it's brilliant. The coolest thing is that you can put it into an open, otherwise-nonsmoking room and it will keep the smoke inside the boundaries of the smoking area. The Japanese have to come up with practical solutions like this because such a huge number of them are smokers. The only thing that I think would be better is actually exhausting the air outside instead of filtering it though a table. I think a good HVAC guy could do this easily, for not a lot of dough.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGwcn19EKpw

In case you have a hard time following what is happening, the four silver pillars on each corner of the trade booth force fresh air into the space at an angle (each is pointed at the same angle to create the rotation), and the exhaust fan in the table turns in the same direction, pulling the smoke in, filtering it and returning filtered air to the space. Again, the only way I could see it being better is if you dispensed with filtration, put the exhaust opening in the ceiling, and exhausted outside. You eliminate the table entirely, and probably 2/3 the cost.

If people had been doing this years ago, we might not even have smoking bans.

can you name any other aspect of a business where workers and customers have their health hurt because of the choice of others' frequenting the same establishment?

Well, if they drove to that establishment, then yes.

We are using the same technology so to speak. We will have 6 custom purifiers placed strategically throughout the space. These purifiers will pull smoke in one end, put it through a pre-filter, 95% HEPA, activated charcoal, and then back into the space. These will be fed by both the HVAC systems air flow placement as well as reversed fans. This allows the smoke to be pulled up above the patrons and then ran in a pattern as to change the air 100% every 2 minutes. We will also be utilizing UV technology in our vents and in the cleaning process of the bar in order to eliminate any smell remaining.

I was at Belle Isle Brewery lasy night and their bar is smoking at one end and non-smoking at the other. I am not sure what type of system they use but it seems to work very well. I don't smoke but my friends do and it does not reallly seem smokey to me. I do occasionally like a cigar and would go to this place.

The name 'DeepDuece' goes all the way back to the 20's. I know one of the clubs over there was a 'Cotton Club' sort of set up. Black on stage, white in the audience. By the time I got old enough to go there (late 60's) you couldn't get in without a sun helmet and a bayonette:D Of course that didn't stop us from going. There wasnt' much left to see then and , again, I'm glad to see this historic part of OKC has been resurected.

I was at Belle Isle Brewery lasy night and their bar is smoking at one end and non-smoking at the other. I am not sure what type of system they use but it seems to work very well. I don't smoke but my friends do and it does not reallly seem smokey to me. I do occasionally like a cigar and would go to this place.

For some reason I was thinking that a white blood cell was called a platelet. I was waaaaay off!

Isn't it pitiful the way we've PCed ourselves almost to death in this country? I grew up on the smell and taste of cig smoke and at 66 I'm still kicking. Used to be a tavern was built for people to enjoy pleasures they might not practice anywhere else. And what's a cocktail without a smoke?? My grandmother never smoked a day in her life but she'd consider it the worst of inhospitality to ask a guest in her home to stand outside with the dog on the porch to enjoy a smoke.

Any biker bar I could name.:D

Isn't it pitiful the way we've PCed ourselves almost to death in this country? I grew up on the smell and taste of cig smoke and at 66 I'm still kicking. Used to be a tavern was built for people to enjoy pleasures they might not practice anywhere else. And what's a cocktail without a smoke?? My grandmother never smoked a day in her life but she'd consider it the worst of inhospitality to ask a guest in her home to stand outside with the dog on the porch to enjoy a smoke.

We've PC'd ourselves to death...? Im pretty sure public smoking bans actually do the opposite.

And a cocktail without smoke is still a cocktail. And a much better tasting one at that.

Isn't it pitiful the way we've PCed ourselves almost to death in this country? I grew up on the smell and taste of cig smoke and at 66 I'm still kicking. Used to be a tavern was built for people to enjoy pleasures they might not practice anywhere else. And what's a cocktail without a smoke?? My grandmother never smoked a day in her life but she'd consider it the worst of inhospitality to ask a guest in her home to stand outside with the dog on the porch to enjoy a smoke.

You're one of the lucky ones. We all have different genetic makeups, and some of us have cells that don't tolerate exposure to tar, nicotine and other additives in cigarettes. Maybe someday we will be able to do genetic testing on all babies, and identify people who are at risk for lung cancer/emphysema/heart attacks, etc from cigarette smoke exposure. Then, if you're one of the people who isn't, you can smoke or be around smoke. Right now, we don't have the ability to distinguish and so those of us who don't want cigarette smoke intruding on our personal space get to decide if we're in the majority. Majority rules in this country. As far as I'm concerned, it has nothing to do with PC, it's good common sense. I spent this winter taking care of babies, some of whom had life threatening respiratory illnesses. When a mother tells me she smoked during pregnancy, I tell her she has increased her child's risk of asthma, and that's probably why her baby is in the hospital with a virus that doesn't affect babies without asthma as much....usually. Again, genetic variation rears its ugly head.

Now, if someone wants to open a cigar lounge, that's fine with me. If I don't want to be around the smoke, I don't have to go there. If I don't want to work around smoke, I don't have to apply for a job there. But, if someone wants to smoke next to me in a public place, they'll have to work on getting majority support for that. I would like to see the interpreters of our constitution do away with victimless crime laws, but I don't consider cigarette smoking in public a victimless crime. I am a victim if someone is allowed to smoke next to me.

For some reason I was thinking that a white blood cell was called a platelet. I was waaaaay off!

Thats funny I seem to remember that being one of the trivia questions there last night. I am not very good at playing trivia but it was fun just the same.

We've PC'd ourselves to death...? Im pretty sure public smoking bans actually do the opposite.

And a cocktail without smoke is still a cocktail. And a much better tasting one at that.

You are certainly entitled to your preferences. I've been a non-smoker for 20 years and a non-drinker for 10 but I still have liquor , set ups and ashtrays for my guests.:tongue:

You're one of the lucky ones. We all have different genetic makeups, and some of us have cells that don't tolerate exposure to tar, nicotine and other additives in cigarettes. Maybe someday we will be able to do genetic testing on all babies, and identify people who are at risk for lung cancer/emphysema/heart attacks, etc from cigarette smoke exposure. Then, if you're one of the people who isn't, you can smoke or be around smoke. Right now, we don't have the ability to distinguish and so those of us who don't want cigarette smoke intruding on our personal space get to decide if we're in the majority. Majority rules in this country. As far as I'm concerned, it has nothing to do with PC, it's good common sense. I spent this winter taking care of babies, some of whom had life threatening respiratory illnesses. When a mother tells me she smoked during pregnancy, I tell her she has increased her child's risk of asthma, and that's probably why her baby is in the hospital with a virus that doesn't affect babies without asthma as much....usually. Again, genetic variation rears its ugly head.

Now, if someone wants to open a cigar lounge, that's fine with me. If I don't want to be around the smoke, I don't have to go there. If I don't want to work around smoke, I don't have to apply for a job there. But, if someone wants to smoke next to me in a public place, they'll have to work on getting majority support for that. I would like to see the interpreters of our constitution do away with victimless crime laws, but I don't consider cigarette smoking in public a victimless crime. I am a victim if someone is allowed to smoke next to me.

hey, I hear ya. Health issues are an important part of the equation. But smoking is just the tip of a very large iceburg of freedoms we have surrendered in the name of being politically correct.

Isn't it pitiful the way we've PCed ourselves almost to death in this country? I grew up on the smell and taste of cig smoke and at 66 I'm still kicking. Used to be a tavern was built for people to enjoy pleasures they might not practice anywhere else. And what's a cocktail without a smoke?? My grandmother never smoked a day in her life but she'd consider it the worst of inhospitality to ask a guest in her home to stand outside with the dog on the porch to enjoy a smoke.

As an ex-smoker who quit after having a heart attack I certainly have opinions about this. I'm not adamant about smokers and will occasionally go to a smoking area in a restaurant if I'm with someone who smokes. I do not, however, allow smoking at my home and nobody objects to going outside.

hey, I hear ya. Health issues are an important part of the equation. But smoking is just the tip of a very large iceburg of freedoms we have surrendered in the name of being politically correct.

We are only allowed freedom for certain activities if they don't hurt other individuals. Therefore, smoking in public doesn't qualify.

Early reports seem to claim the smoking ban bill did not make it out of the committee this morning.

Early reports seem to claim the smoking ban bill did not make it out of the committee this morning.

Good news.

Good news.

Good news for the tobacco industry? Yes. But bad news for employees of smokey establishments, our states health ranking, and health care costs.

Btw, I think this wouldn't have affected WSKY. I'm sure there would be exceptions for cigar bars, as most cities have done.

So now we not only get to be one of the fattest states, but one of the most short-sighted about respiratory disease and smoking too. It's great for our national reputation......yeah.

So now we not only get to be one of the fattest states, but one of the most short-sighted about respiratory disease and smoking too. It's great for our national reputation......yeah.

What'dya care if they're dying leaving you with the beauty of Oklahoma to yourself?

I'm a doctor. I remember wanting to be a doctor when I was four years old. I think I'm genetically programmed to care.

I'm a doctor. I remember wanting to be a doctor when I was four years old. I think I'm genetically programmed to care.

Hard to care about someone that doesn't care about their own health, let alone the fact that they're not coming to see you and help you get paid. How are they any different than a man smoking in China? I care about the people I know, but I can't tell them to quit smoking because I want to see them live long and happy lives.

So now we not only get to be one of the fattest states, but one of the most short-sighted about respiratory disease and smoking too. It's great for our national reputation......yeah.

Smoking related illnesses cost us tons of money in Medicaid and our health rankings are held back by our high incidence of smoking. The bill that failed yesterday was not an anti-smoking bill, but a bill that allowed local communities to become smoke-free if they wished. It's just us and Tennessee that actually prevents communities from doing that. I sincerely hope with all the great changes we're making in Oklahoma that our health can be one of them.

EDIT: I realize this got off-topic fast, sorry. But usually there can be exceptions to certain places like WSKY lounge so I don't think any sort of anti-smoking law would affect a cigar lounge, right?

So much for conservatives really believing in local governance, right? I guess politicians at the state level should decide for everyone. ;)

abc 3 for WSKY passed at council today

Michael Jackson what?

I believe that I read that they will have a brand of scotch that costs 450.00 a glass. Looks like I won't get a taste of that.