Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 21/01) - Smokers in Yellowknife will have to make reservations if they want to light up in restaurants next year when phase two of the city's smoking bylaw kicks in.

Gail Perell, server at The Diner, doesn't like the city's bylaw and fears it will drive customers away. - Jorge Barrera/NNSL photo

"It won't have an affect on my business," said Barbara Bird, owner of Broadway on 51 St. restaurant.

"If they were going to restrict it, they should restrict it in a different way but I have no problem with it going to smoke-free."

Bird said the dining room will have four smoking tables under the new bylaw.

On January 1, 2002, 75 per cent of a restaurant's seating must be non-smoking.

The city enacted its smoking bylaw on April 1, 2000 to gradually phase out all smoking in public places by January 1, 2005.

Mike Mark, owner of Mike Mark's Chinese Restaurant, said his restaurant is already 50 per cent non-smoking.

He said he didn't know how the bylaw would affect his business.

"I have to find out from other places," said Mark.

At The Diner on 50th St., where on most cold mornings patrons gather over coffee, cigarettes and idle chatter, employees fear they'll lose customers.

"It's ridiculous," said Gail Perell.

"People that do smoke know that this is a smoking restaurant and there is lots of non-smokers that still come here.

"It's just taking our freedom away," she said.

Perell said once the 100 per cent smoking band falls, staff who smoke will have a tough time of it.

But Yellowknife non-smokers welcome the change.

"Well I'm a non-smoker and I think (the smoking bylaw) is good," said Jackie Paul, of Paul Bros. Welding.

"I just think it's time."

Smoker Tim Walsh said ventilation is a better alternative than bringing down the hammer on those addicted to nicotine.

"Well I don't think restaurants should be forced to decide," said Walsh. "But if it's a new law I guess there's not much we can do."

Coun. Kevin O'Reilly championed the new law during his stint on the previous council.

He wanted the 100 per cent smoking ban placed immediately.

"We are quite backward compared to other places in North America (on smoking)," said O'Reilly.

O'Reilly said he would have more of a nightlife if it wasn't for all the smoking.

Any restaurants that break the bylaw will be fined $250, and people $100.

The bylaw includes clubs and private recreational facilities.

City bars are exempt.