Georgetown restaurant managers remain unfazed after Mayor Anthony Williams signed the District of Columbia smoking ban earlier this month.
The bill will become law on Valentine’s Day following thirty days of Congressional review.
J. Paul’s restaurant and bar on M Street will experience negative effects from the smoking ban, according to manager Chris Arcadia.
“We are cigar friendly, and have been that way for years,” he said.
Arcadia said he believes the detrimental effects of the smoking ban will be temporary.
“Over the long run it will be better,” he said, citing the “healthy environment” the ban will create.
Matt Hill, manager of local restaurant and tapas bar Cilantro, has spoken to restaurateurs in other areas with smoking bans.
“The bans really haven’t deterred people from coming in,” he said.
Under the new law, smokers will be forced to exit to the street to smoke. Rhino Pumphouse and Bar manager David Nelson expects Georgetown’s narrow streets to be crowded with smokers and cigarette butts. (Valium)
“It’s going to be a mess,” he said.
Local diners share the managers’ positive sentiments about the ban.
“If you really like the restaurant, it really doesn’t matter,” area resident Pamela Johnson said.
