Smokers Face Harsh Winter Winds

When winter arrives in Michigan, going outside seems more like a chore than anything else, but when you're forced outdoors due to new laws to enjoy something you've done for years, it can just be painful.

While the smoking ban has been in place since May, local residents have been forced to go outside into the dipping Michigan temperatures for the last couple months.

Owners at , 2238 North Long Lake Road, Fenton, have tried to make the outdoor venture a little more tolerable for customers.

Officials installed a tent outside the establishment earlier this month to help give smokers some shelter from the winter weather.

"It isn't pretty," owner Mardell Landis said. "They are happy with a little protection, naturally they'd like more heat, but we are not going to be able to go that far."

John Todorovsky, owner of , 2400 Owen Road in Fenton, said he would also like to come up with some sort of area that would offer protection to smokers as well.

"I would love to come up with something and have this be the place to cater to the smoker," he said.

The cold is something that some smokers have had a tough time adjusting to.

In the fact, the cold weather could be a reason to quit smoking for Holly resident Sarah Jarrett, who recently endured the wintry winds outside Mr. J's Sports Bar & Grill, 2517 West Baldwin Road in Fenton to have a smoke.

"Now that it's cold, I am having an easier time not going out in it, that's for sure," she said.

Ann Goldon, health educator in emergency preparedness at the Genesee County Health Department, has dealt with the smoking ban even before its introduction this past May.

There have been various bans in place for certain establishments since 2003, but most people remember the ban that was implemented May 1 for bars and restaurants. While she has had her fair share of complaints, she said the colder months haven't brought about a rush of angry calls.

"Usually we see a spike in winter, but not that much this year," Goldon said. "It's been steady around five complaints a month the last few months. The complaints mostly stem from businesses that have a large amount of customers in the night hours. "

 Todorovsky said the ban has been a double-edged sword for business.

"The smoking ban has hurt business after 10 p.m.,"  Todorovsky said. "It's increased food business during the day though."

Goldon said that has been common across the county.

"It sounds like businesses that are hurting are bar only. Restaurants are doing better or the same," she said.

Todorovsky has had no problem with the nature of the smoking ban.

"I totally agree that food without smoke is good," Todorovsky said. "No one has complained to me. People are used to going outside."

 With less people coming to bars when they can't smoke, however, Todorovsky also believes Michigan made a mistake in implementing the ban.

"Wrong state, wrong time with the economy," he said.

Jarrett misses having a smoke inside late at night.

"I was OK with it in restaurants, but I was a little upset when all the good night spots had to do it too," Jarrett said.