How Shisha Cafes Can Be Exempt From Smoking Bans

[bookley]

I hope it's not too presumptuous posting this here.

A smoking ban has recently been imposed on bars/cafes/restaurants in Calgary (where I live). Shisha cafes are not exempt from this ban. Because I'm a shisa smoker, I was asked to write a column for the local newspaper about why such cafes should be exempt.

It appears that other cities with similar bans have made exceptions for shisha cafes. I'd like to *specifically* explain how and why these places have been able to continue operation. (I've found some other threads, which talk more vaguely about how shisha bars get around bans, but I'd like to be certain the examples I use are current and factually correct.) I'd be especially grateful if any cafe owners could offer some perspective. (Also don't hesitate to PM me if you'd rather talk by phone.)

Of course, the larger argument I want to make is that a city needs these places for the simple matter of wonder and color -- the sheer urbanity they add to a supposedly cosmopolitan city with a million inhabitants. IE: Their role in the community is positive. The smoking bylaw is very much still a work in progress and such public pressure along these lines has moved city council in the past.

Thanks for any help.

[.cOLt.45.]

I think cause its not llike a restaurant where non smokers go to..its a place specifically for smoking unlike say a restaurant with non-smokers too

[cymptom]

I don't know much about disputing the legality of it, so I can't really be of much help. The main point you said you wanted to argue is also my main concern with banning smoking (of any kind, and I'm not even a cig or cigar smoker,) but it would seem to me difficult to form a strong legal argument out of such a purely cultural and (seemingly, at least) subjective concern. But I suppose if the law hasn't been passed yet, raising such ideas could only help to pursuade the city council as you mentioned.

Colt's point is valid; you might also want to mention something about the difference between hookah smoke and cigarette smoke. With hookah, the only product being burnt is the charcoal -- the collective total amount of toxins being released by all the coals in the lounge burning at once could probably be much less than the toxins from automobiles lingering in the streets of the city.

[Molson]

i think hookah bars are fine because you go to a hookah bar to smoke. but the min age is 19 to enter i like that idea (they're trying the same thing in toronto...or working on it). but i think it can go both ways. i wouldnt want to smell someone elses cigg smoke...if the hookah bothers them then they shouldnt have to smell my smoke.

but at a hookah bar where it is specifically designed to go and smoke i think is fine aslong as the age requirment to get in is the legal smoking agae (alberta is 19 right? you guys were all ways different with everything like taxes and all....).

PS- i love calgary, especially just outside in kananaskis (sp?) most favourite place in the world in winter

[Scheetz]

aiight, asking people on here doesnt really get you an answer. Take what most of the people say here with a grain of salt because they are just assuming.


Now from someone who does know.

You need to contact your local court house. From their check your county/city/state/country laws about smoking and what you have to do if you have a smoking company. It will tell you exactly what is required of a company to open/continue business.

Its not hard, I have had to do it for my lounge that is opening soon. Not that we have a smoking ban but you go through the same thing. It can be done in 1 day.

[camelflage]

speaking of which, hows things coming with your lounge scheetz, im eager to get up there for a smoke Edited January 25, 2007 by camelflage

[Scheetz]

speaking of which, hows things coming with your lounge scheetz, im eager to get up there for a smoke

its coming, we are in talks with a building right now. Plan is still to be open by mid summer latest.