Photography by Kevin A. Roberts
Ask George: What’s the latest with smoking in restaurants? I recently encountered smokers in a local restaurant/bar. —Glen S., St. Louis
A: Although it’s true that most restaurants and bars in St. Louis City fall under the St. Louis City Smoke Free Air Act of 2009, an ordinance that went into effect in January 2011, exemptions were granted.
At the time, a restaurant or bar in the city of St. Louis could apply for a yearly exemption if they met the following criteria:
- Food sales comprise no more than 25% of the gross revenue during a year.
- The drinking establishment does not allow entrance to anyone under 21.
- The square footage of the establishment is 2000 SF or less, excluding kitchen area, storage area, and bathroom.
- The bar shall prominently display outside of the premises at each entrance and above the bar the following sign in lettering that is black bold Arial font at 98 point size: “WARNING: SMOKING ALLOWED HERE”.
Many exemptions were applied for and many were granted--according to this list, there are currently over 100 exempted establishments in the city, most of them neighborhood bars.
On the same date, St. Louis County enacted a similar ordinance, using the same “25% or less” rule. There are currently 150 exempted restaurant/bars in the county, including places like Krueger’s in Clayton and Fandango’s in Valley Park.
In St. Charles, where smoking is still allowed, a new ordinance just went into effect stating that restaurants, businesses, and all public places must now put up signage saying whether or not smoking is allowed on the premises.
In St. Louis City and County, the yearly exemptions remain in effect until January 2016 when no more exemptions will be granted. Perhaps then St. Louis City and County restaurants and bars will become truly smoke-free.
All well and good, but What will happen to casinos (also currently exempted) in 2016? Those negotiations will be spirited, to be sure.
