We Asked

Should Smoking Ban Be Lifted in Bars to Increase State Taxes?

We asked these average Joes and Janes if smoking should be allowed in establishments that make 10 percent or less from food sales.

Illinois lawmakers are pitching creative ways to solve the state’s budget deficit. Among them, a proposal to end the indoor smoking bans for some locations. The thinking is that lifting the prohibition, which went into effect more than three years ago in order to protect people from second-hand smoke, would entice people back to places where smoking once was allowed. The money they would spend would increase taxes paid to the state. There are several proposals out there, many of which only affect Illinois gaming locations. One bill, HB1310 sponsored by state Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Crete), would allow local liquor boards to approve smoking licenses for establishments that derive 10 percent or less of their income from food sales. Marji …

•  6 Comments
• Photos (9)

Fight to Lift Smoking Ban in Casinos, Bars Ignites in Springfield

Patrons of bars that earn more income from liquor than food sales may once again be allowed to light up, but local officials are split on the issue.

Three years after the Smoke Free Illinois Act made it illegal to smoke in public places, the issue is back on the table with three bills Illinois legislators are considering to end the ban on smoking in casinos and some bars. Sent to the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday was HB1965, a bill that would lift the ban on smoking in all gaming facilities established close to another state that is yet to pass a smoking ban. The provision would sunset if or when that neighboring state decides to ban smoking. Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago authored and sponsored a similar bill that would have required casinos construct separate, sealed off smoking rooms equipped with ventilation systems. His bill, HB0171, remains in committee…

•  16 Comments
• Photos (1)

About Town

This Kind of 'Paddy Wagon' You'll Want to Ride In

Service provides a ride home for folks who have over-imbibed -- and for their cars, too.

Some Plainfield partiers may get a ride home from the bar this New Year's Eve in the Paddy Wagon.  But this Paddy Wagon isn't a ride to a DUI. In fact, it's a good way to avoid one.  Paddy Wagon is a New Lenox-based service started by Kevin McTernan that sends two guys to pick up people who have "over-consumed" at a nightclub, wedding or party. One drives the tipsy person home in their own car, while the other fellow follows in a back-up car.  "We never use the D-word," McTernan told me.  Paddy Wagon will have two cars standing by to drive home customers who pony up for one of Limestone Brewing Company's New Year's Eve party packages, which range from $35 a person to $150 per couple, depending on whether you want finger food or a three-…

• Photos (1)

About Town

Once the Sun Sets, Town Gets Quiet on Christmas Eve

Not many restaurants or stores are open on the night before Christmas, but we have found a few if you're looking for a drink or dinner.

Last Christmas Eve, my daughter and I thought we'd have a nice intimate dinner at one of area's fine dining spots.  We started out at Tommy Nevins Pub (OK - technically in Naperville, not Plainfield, but right over the border.) The parking lot was uncharacteristically empty and the Christmas lights were dark. No problem, I told her. We'll just head over to charming downtown Plainfield and sup at one of its delightful dining destinations.  Cruising south, we oohed and aahed at home holiday lights displays in the subdivisions surrounding Van Dyke Road. But when we got downtown, it seemed more like Halloween than Christmas.  The place looked like a ghost town.  We ended up at a not particularly charming franchise pub in Joliet eating …

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)