I think some of the bars around here did that when anti-smoking laws got really restrictive. You pay $1.00 to join the "club," you get a card and $1.00 credit on your first purchase. Something stupid like that.
Private clubs can allow smoking because it's not public anymore.
Yep. Also could sell alcohol on Sundays when that was a law around here. Easier to have gambling in there too because they knew every customer.
Edit: Also, that $1 application fee usually is an agreement to a background check as well. That, combined with skin color, is how the private bars keep the bullshit out.
Basically, if you want the old style "Cheers" bar atmosphere, find a white owned private bar. They still exist all over the place. You just have to find them through word of mouth.
Luckily I have 2 right next to my house. Both are owned by local farmers that are understandably fed up with government overreach.
I know a bar owner that did that in Washington state and made the second floor a club that allowed smoking but I think he lost his fight in the end.
I need to join a club like the orioles. Few guys I work with there. Last place I could smoke inside was a party at a firehouse. You smoke bird?
(post is archived)