Daily Local News – September 15, 2006

By Brian Fanelli, Staff Writer

WEST CHESTER – Borough Council members leading an anti-smoking initiative, which would be voluntary and on Thursdays, hope to start a trial run next month.

Councilwoman Holly Brown said the list of restaurants and bars that she talked to about the idea so far have expressed interest in giving it a try.

She has approached Spence Café, Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, Turk’s Head Inn, Trattoria Alberto, Kildare’s Irish Pub, Vincent’s Restaurant and Bar, DeStarr’s Restaurant and Bar and Teca.

Brown believes that the initiative will help the businesses willing to cooperate.

"I’m hoping that what would happen is we’ll find out that more restaurants are busier on Thursday nights because it is smoke-free," she said.

Brown explained that she would like to work with the West Chester Business Improvement District (BID) and the West Chester Area Chamber of Commerce on creating plaques or signs to give to the places willing to cooperate, so customers know what places are smoke-free on Thursdays.

She added that she would like to give all of the bars and restaurants a letter, so they can have a chance to become part of the smoke-free environment.

Councilman Scott Smith, chairman of Borough Council’s Park, Recreation and Environmental Committee, which was leading the initiative, said after Monday night’s meeting that he would like to start the trial run in October, depending on how much support BID and the Chamber of Commerce offers.

Some of the restaurant and bar owners are willing to move forward, but have some concerns and questions that they want to be addressed.

Andrew Patten, owner of Spence Café, said that if people have to stand outside to smoke, it could create a problem, especially if they are noisy.

However, he did express support for the initiative.

"I’ve considered going smoke-free, but if you’re the only guy doing it, it is a risk," he said. "I’m certainly ready t try it whenever they’re ready."

Augusto Manghisi, co-owner of Trattoria Alberto, said he was willing to move forward, but he does have some concerns.

"If 10 or 12 restaurants do it, but one or two don’t they will have better business," he said.

He also wants the smoke-free night to be well-advertised.

"We as a restaurant have people coming from outside of West Chester. They may not know that one night is smoke-free," he said.

Steve Stavropoulos, who works at DeStarr’s Restaurant and Bar and is the son of the owner, Vasilios Stavropoulos, sees pros and cons with the idea.

"It could bring more people here, but it could turn people away," he said. "One type of customer would be alienated, while another was supported."

He went on to say that it would be beneficial to work in a healthier environment, but the smoke-free environment should be more than once a week.

"Our stance is we’re willing to give it a shot, but it should be all or nothing, so there’s less confusion," he said.

Steve Stavropoulous said the statements are his opinion and his father will ultimately make the decision. He said he believes his father will support the initiative.

Dave Magrogan, owner of Kildare’s Irish Pub, said the smoke-free environment would be positive.

"Holly and Scott have put a significant amount of effort into this. It’s positive for residents’ health and our staffs’ health," he said.

"I think it’s important to support Borough Council. I know how hare it is to get something going," he added.

He also predicts that a smoking ban across the state may happen in the future.

"It is coming to Philadelphia. It is only a matter of time," he said.

Magrogan also said that he would be willing to test out the smoke-free initiative at Doc Magrogan’s Oyster House, which he also owns and is set to open in October.

Katie Walker, president of the Chamber of Commerce, said that as long as the initiative remains voluntary, the chamber would be willing to support it.

"We would support it, as long as the restaurant can make the decision if they want to participate or not," she said.

Malcolm Johnstone, executive director of BID, said that he needs to meet with Borough Manager Ernie McNeely and Borough Council members to determine how to move forward.

He also said that he would be willing to promote the initiative through advertising, announcements, brochures and other typical public relations procedures.

He added that he believes a smoke-free evening would have a positive effect on the borough.

"I know a lot of people that don’t smoke. They think it’s a great idea," he said.

The initiative would have to be voluntary, since Borough Council does not have the authority to pass a ban because of existing state laws.

To contact staff writer Brian Fanelli, send an e-mail to bfanelli@dailylocal.com.