Back to the Bars

This weekend, Austin voters went to the polls. A referendum was held to extend the current smoking ban in restaurants to nearly all establishments, including bars and bowling alleys. The measure was passed by a very narrow 52%-48% margin.

I suspect there will be a long period of contention over the ban, eventual grudging acceptance, and, in a few years, we'll have wondered what all the bother was about.

I've heard the claims that the ban will kill the bar and music scene. The data I've seen say in the long run, that won't happen. I do believe in the short term, however, the disruption will pose a challenge to Austin's bars and pubs. I think those of us who supported the ban should work to support these businesses, to help ensure they make it through the transition.

So to help do my part, I've started planning a non-smoking appreciation pub crawl for early September, once the ban goes into effect. The crawl will cover some of funnest-but-smokiest bars I've encountered in the city. Here is my tentative itinerary:

• Carousel Lounge
• Crazy Lady
• Lovejoy's Tap Room
• G&S Lounge

Anybody want to be my designated driver?