The Daily News

With the announcement of a movement to make bars smoke free in Wahpeton, area bar owners are not happy.

The Richland County Tobacco Free Coalition is gathering signatures of support for a smoke-free ordinance in Wahpeton. Firehouse Pub owners Kirk Peterson and Steph Hickel said it comes down to a basic freedom of choice.

"Patrons who are here choose to be here," Peterson said. He argues if the city passes a smoke free law, its taking away his right to provide service to everyone. He said a lot of issues are not being addressed including job loss and economic impact.

Firehouse Pub bartender Jaki Ristow works full time at the bar and is opposed to the possible smoking ban in Wahpeton. The Richland County Tobacco Free Coalition is gathering signatures of support to impose a smoking ban in the city. Bar owners and employees are worried their livelihoods are in jeopardy. photo by Anna Jauhola Advertisement

"My question is, the coalition is named 'Richland County.' Why aren't they targeting the whole county?" Peterson said. "Why make Wahpeton take the brunt of it?"

Peterson said 80 percent of his customers are smokers, however the other 20 percent have told him they are in his bar by choice.

Breckenridge resident Lyle Lezon is a non-smoker who frequents the Firehouse Pub. He's retired and after a long day in his woodworking shop he enjoys having a beer and good conversation.

"I choose to come to the bar and if I don't want to be around smoke then I'll leave," he said. "Smokers should be able to smoke."

Plus, Peterson and Hickel have taken measures to make the building more friendly to non-smokers. About a year ago, they installed a new ventilation system that is on a 15 minute timer to help clear the air.

"We addressed that problem before this issue even came up," Peterson said.

Eight of their 13 employees are part-timers who rely on bar tending as a second income. Peterson and Hickel are worried if a smoking ban takes effect, they will have to lay off part timers and cut hours of full-time employees.

Jaki Ristow, a non-smoker, is a full-time employee at the Firehouse Pub, who recently moved to Wahpeton from Nebraska, where she was also a bartender. She said Nebraska is suffering after it passed a smoke free law.

"A lot of bars have closed since [the law] took effect," Ristow said. "I don't like it... business will get slower and I'd have to find a second job."

Vet's Club Manager Paulette Hoeft said she's opposed to a smoke-free law for Wahpeton bars as well.

"To me it's going to hurt us," she said. Hoeft, a non-smoker, has worked in bars for many years for a secondary income. Now that she's working in a bar full time, she's more concerned a smoke-free law could impact her job.

Alfie Medenwaldt, Wahpeton American Legion commander, said it's the customer's choice whether they want to be in a smoking bar or a non-smoking bar. The Vet's Club gives both options. A few years ago, North Dakota made it manditory for bars that serve food must have a smoke-free area. So the Vet's Club spent $3,000 to partition the bar from the dining room with glass doors. That way, those who wish to be in a smoke-free environment can go to the dining room.

Wahpeton VFW Commander Tom Keifer has been a smoker for most his life and said it is completely up to the customer whether they want to be in a bar with smoke.

"If people cannot handle the smoke, they have rights," Keifer said. "But why encroach on my rights? If it bothers you that much, get out or go in the back." Keifer argues a possible smoking ban is doubly unfair to veterans, who fought for the right to be free.

"I try to respect others' rights, why take my rights away?" he said. "There has to be some common sense — ventilation, non-smoking area, smoking area. Try something for everyone." The Vet's Club also spent some extra money five to six years ago to put in a good ventilation system to help clear the air.

Robert Singelman of Wahpeton frequents the Vet's Club and said he quit smoking 40 years ago. However, that doesn't mean he wants to see others do the same. "It's the government trying to regulate everything and that's a crock," he said. "If you don't like a place where there's smoke, then don't go."

Sportman's Bar Manager Gerald Pulvermacher said he's worked in the bar business for 19 years and a possible smoking ban is bogus. He said it's up to bar owners to run their businesses. "It's not up to a group to run an establishment," he added. "There are plenty of non-smoking establishments in the area." He said bars are for people 21 and older and they have the right to smoke. If a ban were to take effect, Pulvermacher believes the bars would lose customers and employees would lose jobs.

Peterson, Hickel and Pulvermacher argue that the city of Wahpeton will lose a lot of business to bars outside city limits like Terrace Lanes, which, if a ban is implemented, will not have to go smoke-free. Terrace Lanes is technically a part of the city of Dwight and gains its license through the county. If business is lost, the city will lose some of its tax base and will have to compensate by raising taxes, Peterson said.

"People don't realize the chain that goes with it," Hickel said. "If this happens, taxes will go up, people will lose jobs. Really, is that what's best for the community?"

Comments

bar worker wrote on Oct 6, 2009 12:39 AM:

" comment to Ali & nonsmokers united: ask any breckenridge bar owner how much "more money" they are making now that they are non-smoking. You & your 15-20 friends that go out to the bar "one in awhile" doesn't touch at least 50 people that AREN'T there EVERY DAY. "




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Pastor Mike Adams wrote on Oct 5, 2009 3:17 PM:

" In support of my friend, DJ, I do not believe we need a law to ban smoking in all public places. He is a smoker and I am not.

Though, as an ex-smoker, secondhand smoke truly bothers me, it has been YEARS since I was inconvenienced by seconhand smoke.

Of course, I wish my friend did not smoke; but I don't need a law to make the point. We've done enough already. "




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former huskie wrote on Oct 1, 2009 5:33 PM:

" I live in Fargo now, and one thing I noticed when the smoking ban passed was how many new problems came about with safety. In a smoking bar, the smoking/non-smoking drunks are being supervised by the bartenders. Who is supervising them when they are outside? No one. It is not very fun having crowds of people outside, making a bunch of noise, causing problems with traffic, fighting, or even harassing other customers as they are trying to enter the bar. I suggest Wahpeton takes these things into consideration before making a decision. "




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Shannon wrote on Oct 1, 2009 9:14 AM:

" I just read this story and am very worried for these businesses.I have lived in areas where they did ban smoking in all businesses including bars and have seen the devastated destruction this does to the bar business.Where there was once 1oo's of bars now there are 5!People stand up to this b/c if you don't you will lose your business,your right to socialize in an adult fashion and the not to say the tax money that comes from these business. .I hope it doesn't happen....It's a matter of choice for the consumer...government needs to stay out of it!Thanks! "




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KK wrote on Oct 1, 2009 1:12 AM:

" There's a choice whether to enter a smoking bar. Going to a bar isn't a necessity it's a choice. Bar owners pay for licenses and should be heard and have a choice to allow smoking.

It's ironic to discuss the dangers of smoking in bars that sell liquor with no health benefitis.

Second hand smoke MAY harm someone, but how about the dangers of people on the road who have been drinking?

I'd rather meet a driver who'd smoked for 3 hours than drank for three hours!

I'M NOT A SMOKER! "




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Whatever wrote on Sep 30, 2009 11:24 PM:

" I thought we lived in a FREE country! It's becoming more and more UN-free as days go on. For the people that don't like to be around the smoke, and the bartenders who don't want to be around it either, go somewhere else. Bartending is NOT the only job in the world. Yes, I understand there is not a lot of job openings out there, but keep in mind McDonald's and Burger King are smoke-free and they're ALWAYS hiring. I hope if the Wahpeton bars go smoke-free, they all lose so much money that they have to shut down. "




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mamameya wrote on Sep 30, 2009 9:33 PM:

" Boo Hoo! Havent you heard smoking is BAD FOR YOUR HEALTH?? Why should this be even talked about. They banned it in Mn and I dont see any bars closed up they just adapted.I think these border towns should share some of these better health ideas. I wish they would just ban cigarettes all together. Most people that smoke think the world is their personal ashtray. Hello those butts left behind are not biodegradable people. "




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nonsmokers united wrote on Sep 30, 2009 2:46 PM:

" We use to go to the firehouse but since breck went smoke free we go over to casey's now. I chose to drink, I don't however chose to inhale second hand smoke. I am a non-smoker who likes to go out to the bar once in a while and now that breck is smoke free we actually go out. And we no smokers in our group of 15-20 friends that routinely get together and go out. That is alot of money being spent in breck. Thanks breck for being smoke free. "




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clean air wrote on Sep 30, 2009 12:03 PM:

" This really is not about veteran's rights. I am a veteran as well and despise the smoke in the bars. What about rights for non-smokers. Yes, there are bars in the area that are non-smoking but just another reason for Wahpeton to go smoke-free. There should be a level playing field. Has anyone been anywhere else in the US where there is a smoke-free law in place? I have been so several areas that are smoke-free and there was standing-room only. It takes time but will benefit everyone. This is for the good of the people. "




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bar worker wrote on Sep 29, 2009 9:07 PM:

" Comment to Ali: ask any Breckenridge bar owner if their business is up since they had to go non smoking. "




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Michelle wrote on Sep 29, 2009 8:26 PM:

" return comment to barworker ~ I do happen to work 2 jobs. 1 full time and 1 part time. Economically I have to work 2 jobs. I work jobs that are not going to cause me or my family to get sick. I care about our health. "




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mds wrote on Sep 29, 2009 4:45 PM:

" I saw many responses referring to vets rights to smoke. I am a vet and I would like the right to walk into a bar, or get a job there if I want to without inhaling the hoards of smoke you chimneys are producing. "




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Ali wrote on Sep 29, 2009 4:01 PM:

" It's about time, have the bar owners thought about how much business they're losing because smoking IS allowed? smoke kills- first hand, second hand, it doesnt matter...have you read the label? "




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nonsmoker wrote on Sep 29, 2009 2:59 PM:

" So because you feel the need to slowly kill yourself, that gives you the right to slowly kill me too? If I go to a bar to have a good time with my friends, and I don't drink or smoke, you are telling me that I have to deal with your smoke to go out? How fair is that? You choose to smoke, I don't. Smoke in your own home,car and what not. Don't impose it on me. "




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AB wrote on Sep 29, 2009 11:08 AM:

" I am a smoker and I much prefer a non-smoking bar to a smoking bar. I thoroughly enjoy smoking my own cigarettes, but I don't want to inhale and smell everyone else's. What did you people honestly think was going to happen? That Breck and Fargo-Moorhead would go smoke free and Wahp would just buck the system!? I do think that once Wahp goes smoke free (because it is inevitable) that the bar business will stablize again on both sides of the river. "




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ND bar worker wrote on Sep 29, 2009 9:17 AM:

" "smoker's are becoming the minority", well i remember a time not too long ago when business had to accommodate the non-smoker with their spcial rooms. the fact is that going non-smoking will hurt this community financially. You non smokers have a choice to patron bars that are already non-smoking. "




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B.C. wrote on Sep 29, 2009 7:46 AM:

" Smokers are becoming a minority. Why not focus on all the other potential customers. People have and will continue to avoid smoking bars. A lot more people than those that smoke. As for the health issue, the pregnant waitress I talked to in a Minnesota bar needs her job too, and she is glad the bars are smoke free. Her baby will thank her. "




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none wrote on Sep 27, 2009 2:16 PM:

" If people were so concerned with "rights", smoking would have been banned hundreds of years ago. This whole "rights" thing is a crock! You have a "right" not to be around it. I have a "right" to go to a bar because I want to have a drink and socialize. Maybe I don't want to deal with a bunch of drunks there, so maybe we should ban drinking, too, then. There are a bunch of bars in Fargo that cater to preppy people, why not try going there? "




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THE GAMBLER wrote on Sep 27, 2009 9:07 AM:

" WELL WHATS NEXT,you can get killed fighting for our country but can't have a beer till you are 21,can't smoke, im a smoker and all we want is to be left the----alone, find someone else to bug,minn has passes this law and it would be nice if people who dont like smokeing would take the time to call the state and ask how much money the state has lost-- taxes,jobs,please understand i have no problem with people that decide not to smoke,but please find something else to ----- about,and that the rest of the story "




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FfLABBERGASTED wrote on Sep 26, 2009 2:50 PM:

" Michelle has stated it the best. It seems like most people equate this with rights. How about repsonsibility and respect for your self, family and friends. The evidence is out there, smoking can cause a plethora of health issues. Change is not easy, but this one is for the better. When one door closes there is a new opportunity waiting. Take care of your self healthwise, and you will be much happier "




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past resident wrote on Sep 26, 2009 10:16 AM:

" I love coming home to Wahp to go out with friends and enjoy a drink and smoke. We used to go to Casey's now we stay in Wahpeton and frequent the Firehouse Pub. If they go smokefree we won't go out in Wahp. We'll hangout at one of our parents' house. I like the comment "who goes to a bar to get healthy?". Good point! Nobody! Where I live there's 2 non-smoking bars, nearly empty everynight, can't keep barstaff, the tips suck. Good luck Wahpeton, I hope this doesn't pass! "




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bar worker wrote on Sep 25, 2009 3:11 PM:

" COMMENT TO MICHELLE: people that work in the bars are not just worried about their tips! They are worried about their JOBS, being able to make their rent/mortgage payments, putting food on the table and being able to support their family. I don't know where you work but I bet if your employer was FORCED to cut something from his business and in turn had to let you go you'd be singing a different tune! "




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ahahaha wrote on Sep 25, 2009 1:36 PM:

" Do you non-smoking bar "frequenters" in favor for the ban think you're doing your body any good by dumping drink after drink into it? Second hand smoke kills? So does alcohol and drunk driving. Whats so bad about a little black lung along with your hard liver? Smoking goes with drinking, get over it. "




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Fallen Soldiers mother wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:25 PM:

" I think we should have the right to smoke! where are my rights to smoke in the bars if I want to. If somebody wants to come into a smoking bar and dont like it, DONT go in there. we have enough laws telling us what we can and cannot do, what happened to the right of FREEDOM OF CHOICE. "




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NOBODY wrote on Sep 25, 2009 12:19 PM:

" To EB, I'm just wondering how this community will benefit from this nonsmoking ban, Please give me some stats to back up your statement. "




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NONE wrote on Sep 25, 2009 8:18 AM:

" Comment to chuck: why not get tables out side for the NON SMOKERS, and maybe also the snow shovel for the NON SMOKERS, that way they can enjoy a smoke free enviroment. "




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Michelle wrote on Sep 25, 2009 5:17 AM:

" It's really sad that tobacco's big money has you worried about your tips and not about your life. This isn't about choice - it is about health. Second hand smoke kills. "




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Rick wrote on Sep 24, 2009 3:43 PM:

" Do you people accually think it's going to stop with a smoking ban, Then this guy will go after the drinking because thats bad for you, just remember you have no rights to decide if you want a drink because somebody else decided it's bad. why not have the petion in the bars for the nonsmokers to sign instead of all these people that DONT go there sign it. This guy doesn't even live in our comunity so he really doesn't care if we lose businesses we could really use some more empty buildings on our main street. "




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EB wrote on Sep 24, 2009 3:00 PM:

" 27 states and 1200 cities have comprehensive smoke free laws and they receive overwelming support by nonsmokers and smokers alike. 2/3 of North Dakotan's support expanding the law. 76% of Fargo-Moorhead residents support Fargo's new ordinance. Once these laws are put into place the community benefits in so many ways. Protecting the health of individuals and the greater community is the right thing to do. I support a smoke free Wahpeton. "




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Big J wrote on Sep 24, 2009 9:41 AM:

" Who goes to the bar to get healthy? "




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Chuck wrote on Sep 24, 2009 9:03 AM:

" Why should we deny our Vet's the right to drink AND inhale second hand smoke? They should be able to get the "Big C" just like everyone else. Besides, they can go to the VA hospital and get treated on our Tax dollars. Have the bar owners thought of expanding to some tables outside for those who still want to smoke? How about a Table, Chairs and optional snow shovel for those who want to smoke ? Besides, the cigarette will also help keep them warm in late Nov and December?
- Chuck "




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Bob wrote on Sep 24, 2009 8:49 AM:

" during the summer, the bans are no problem. It gives bar patrons a reason to ignore the local ordinance that prevents people from congregating outside the bar, much to the joy of the hookers, panhandlers, and kids looking to bum smokes. Here in Chicago, the ban ends in many small neighborhood bars when it's too dangerously cold to remove yoyr gloves to smoke. "




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been there done that wrote on Sep 24, 2009 8:07 AM:

" Y'all have reason to be worried. Check with MN bar owners. Can you afford a 30-40% drop in business? That's a conservative estimate. There are options for those who can't stand the smoke. Many options. No one HAS to go to a smoking facility. It's a CHOICE one makes. Don't let this happen. It's one of those things that you'll never get back if you lose it. "




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none wrote on Sep 23, 2009 7:09 PM:

" So now we are going to try and infringe on veteran's rights to go to a bar if they want to because people want to stop smoking in the bars? These people served our country and want to go and have a drink and smoke a cigarette. Let them have their freedoms; they gave us ours. If you don't like smoke, go somewhere else. A bar is a bar. Deal with it. "




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