Columbus judge rules against smoking in private clubs

Today a Franklin County judge ruled that smoking in private clubs is officially banned. Judge David Cain’s decision comes after restaurant and bar owners associations griped that places with special exemptions, like VFW halls, would strip them of their smoking clientele. Cain ruled that the whole purpose of the statewide smoking ban was to protect employees. Private clubs, which he described as “apparitions,” are no exception, he says. As the news hit VFW halls across Cleveland, C-Notes contacted the Maple Heights Post 3290 to get the reaction: “I think it’s wrong,” says volunteer barmaid Peggy Nichols. “The veterans paid for our freedom and now they can’t smoke? They are really pissed and people are telling me that if they can’t smoke, they’re not gonna come in. It’s going to kill our business.” Her customers agree. “I think it sucks,” says Barb, whose been a member of the Maple Heights post for the past 20 years and smoked for twice as long. “There’s a lot of people that smoke here and they are gonna be pissed. Ahhhh, the smoking police will be around. Oh, that really sucks.” – Denise Grollmus