CEDAR FALLS - Smokers constitute a minority of bar and restaurant patrons in the Cedar Valley, outnumbered nearly 3-to-1 by nonsmokers.

A recently proposed bill in the Legislature would make it illegal to light up in all public businesses - including bars and restaurants - but local proprietors hope smokers aren't left out in the cold.

Darin Beck, owner of Barmuda MMC and chairman of the Iowa Restaurant Association, spoke with legislators Monday about a range of issues, including the smoking ban bill. Beck voiced his concerns with lawmakers such as House Speaker Pat Murphy, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, Senate Minority Leader Mary Lundby and House Minority Leader Christopher Rantz.

"We're not pro-smoking or anti-smoking, we're pro-business," Beck said. "Businesses should have the right to accommodate clientele as needed. We don't need government interfering at this level."

Barmuda is the parent company of several local establishments, some smoke-free and some not. Beck said the market properly determines the number of nonsmoking bars in any given area, and the Cedar Valley area was on par with approximately 80% of restaurants being smoke-free to accommodate the 80% of citizens who do not smoke.

Other venues than restaurants could be affected by a smoking ban. Dan Corbin, general manager of the Waterloo Bucks, said mandatory smoking areas at Riverfront Stadium cost the franchise a few season ticket holders, and Riverfront would be subject to even stricter policies under the proposed bill. Casino owners, especially those near state borders, have voiced concerns patrons will eschew Iowa casinos in favor of those in other states that allow smoking.

Supporters of the bill argue public health should be the top concern of lawmakers. They contend nonsmoking patrons and employees at restaurants, bars and casinos should not be subjected to potentially hazardous second-hand smoke.

Some local businesses are not concerned about the bill. Nate Clark, assistant manager at Pepper's Bar and Grill in Cedar Falls, believes his restaurant's loyal customers would still come out, even if they could not light up.

"People don't come here to smoke," said Clark. "They come here to eat food and watch the game. They come here for the social effect, and if they have to step outside to have a smoke, I don't think they would have a problem with that."

The nonsmoking trend of the local restaurant industry is noticeable, but bars have predominantly remained open to smokers. That is why B&E Ventures owner Buck Clark's Waterloo bars, Jameson's Irish Pub and Monica's Piano Bar, are such rarities. Both of his establishments are smoke-free, but Clark has learned to cater to the needs his smoking clientele.

"We have areas outside of both bars specifically for smokers," said Clark. "We have heaters in the winter, and the areas are at least partially shielded from the wind."

Establishments such as Jameson's and Monica's might suffer from a statewide smoking ban. A portion of their customers frequent the bars to escape second-hand smoke.

"If a ban is passed, nonsmoking bars would lose their competitive advantage," said Beck. "You could even look at bars with smoking as having a competitive advantage in certain areas."

Bars and restaurants that allow smoking would likely be forced to make accommodations similar to the ones offered at Jameson's and Monica's. Dave Morgan, general manager of Mulligan's Brick Oven Grill in Cedar Falls, said his restaurant would probably invest in outdoor heaters if the bill passes. However, in at least one version of the bill, even outdoor smoking would be banned within 50 feet of any nonsmoking public business. The only place Mulligan's could set up a smoking area would be on the far side of its front parking lot.

"Think about a place like Main Street," said Beck. "You might break the law just by having a smoke while driving your car down the road."

Beck put the odds of some form of the bill being passed at "about 50/50." He believes the recently elected legislative body has more pressing issues at hand than the smoking ban. Also, Gov. Chet Culver has said he favors allowing cities or counties to regulate smoking - a notion that does not sit well with most area businesses.

"I would hate for Cedar Falls to impose a ban and Waterloo to allow smoking," said Morgan. "It would give an unfair advantage to Cedar Valley businesses."

Citywide bans were attempted in Ames and Iowa City in 2002 and 2001, respectively, but both were repealed after the Iowa Supreme Court ruled the bans violated Iowa State Code. And even if the current bill for the statewide ban is shot down, the issue could easily resurface.

"We've been fighting this for about eight years now," said Beck. "It's a very complex and emotional issue for both sides."

Contact Drew Andersen at (319) 291-1418 or drew.andersen@wcfcourier.com.