07 - Dry Cleaners in state of mourning

Posted on September 16, 2007
Filed Under: Opinion, NH News

I guess as a non-smoker I just never understood the level of vitriol spouted against the smoking ban as it was being debated and voted on (and subsequently passed) earlier this year. I simply don’t see a downside for any bar or restaurant owner. The universal ban passed by the New Hampshire legislature does not penalize any one business or single any owner out. The playing field will be just as level on September 17 as it was 6 months ago. Every bar and restaurant is in the same boat so no one can logically claim that their clientele will suddenly up and leave for greener (or smokier) pastures (leaving aside the fact that their establishment may have sucked in the first place).

Regardless of the direction your political winds blow, I know I’m thrilled for one reason only. My equipment will no longer smell like smoking garbage (it will apparently go back to it’s natural state of smelling simply like garbage). As someone who has played in gigging bands for the majority of the last 15 years I can say that I will certainly not miss the smell of stale cigarettes in my bass drum or the smell of old cigars wafting from my conga bags.

No longer will I need to segregate the clothes I wore to last night’s gig to the corner of the basement until wash day arrives. Gone are the nights of squinting through billowing clouds of nicotine to try and see the crowd or read a set list. Choking out harmonies at the end of the set because my throat has turned to sandpaper will be nothing but a distant memory as of Monday.

Seriously, as a musician, you’re forced to work in bars and restaurants so it’s nice to know that now you won’t need to breathe in cancerous smoke just to make a few bucks (or worse yet, for nothing more than a sandwich and a pat on the back. Don’t ask). I’m looking forward to seeing what kind of effect this has on venues in the area. I have a feeling the change will be a lot more painless than some believe.

-Ben
(I’m serious, the croaking harmonies are solely caused by the smoke. Stop looking at me like that.)