HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0746.044 2000-2002
Testimony of David Morgan, General Manager of Fiascos Restaurant
In regards to the proposed bill banning cigarette smoking in bars and restaurants
in the County of Hawaii. 10/08/02
Ally name is David Morgan and I am the General Manager of Fiascos Restaurant
in Milo. I would like to take this opportunity to say that I am opposed to the
proposed bill to ban smoking in bars and restaurants in the form that
understand it is written in at this time.
Hilo in general, and fiascos in particular, has been going through some very
rough times recently. We rely very heavily on our regular customers for our
continued existence. A very large percentage of our customers that come in with
the highest frequency are cigarette smokers. They come to f=iascos to relax,
enjoy a meal, sometimes imbibe in a few drinks, and smoke a cigarette. For
many of these people the ability to smoke a cigarette is part of the overall feeling
of relaxation that our establishment provides. I am very concerned that if they
are not allowed to smoke cigarettes in our establishment that the frequency and
duration of their patronage will subside.
At Fiascos we have a smoking section that is is isolated from the main dining
room and has its own air conditioning system. I understand the concern that
people have over the risks of second hand smoke, but any of our customers
have the option of being seated in the non-smoking room.
The majority of the waitstaff at Fiascos at this time are also cigarette smokers.
Most of them have voluntarily expressed a great concern about the impact that
this bill might have on their employment. The feeling is that the bill is designed to
protect them from a risk that they not only accept but are also imposing
voluntarily upon themselves. However, those employees that prefer to work in a
smoke free environment can do so in our non-smoking section as this is where
the majority of the positions are available anyway.
In conclusion, I feel that the bill as it is presently written carries with it a very large
risk to the future sustainability of our 15 year old company and does not provide
any significant benefits to our customers or our employees. Please reconsider
the blanket ban approach that is being taken on this issue.
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