GARDEN CITY -- Bars all across Boise have tossed their ashtrays since the new smoking ban took effect, except for in Garden City.
The bars that line Chinden Boulevard don't have to follow the new rules, those bars are benefiting from Boise’s new law.
Monday afternoon, Robert Devine walked into the Quarter Barrel Bar for the first time.
“So I came down to see the Rose Bowl and relax a little bit and here I am,” said Devine. While he watched the game he also lit up a cigarette, because he could.
“It's just I have the ability to choose what I want to do except when the city council takes it away from Boise, now I can choose to come to Garden City,” said Devine.
Some bars in Garden City are already seeing an influx of business, and Monday was just the first day of the smoking ban.
“Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em. Come on in,” said Quarter Barrel bartender Laura Kincaie.
“As soon as they walk in the door they light up a cigarette and then they say ya know, you can smoke here,” said Kincaie.
Down the street at the Ranch Club, owners decided to open the doors at 8 a.m. and they hired two more workers.
“We are increasing our hours and increasing our labor force to combat hopefully an influx of customers,” said Al Vogd who owns the Ranch Club.
Monday when the new smoking ban took effect, Boise resident Kelly Phippen even made his way to the Ranch Club to smoke.
“People who want to go and be out around other people that smoke will come here or a place like this to do that because there is nowhere else to go,” said Phippen.
Boise City Council decided back in November of 2011 to no longer allow smoking in bars, city parks and 20 feet within city-owned buildings.
Many are still upset about the decision to do so; Monday evening patrons who used to smoke inside Quinn's Bar on Vista Avenue stood outside to smoke in protest. They said they are mourning the loss of their personal rights.
“You make it taboo, it really tastes a lot better,” said Gary Sullivan, the owner of Quinn’s, he stood outside smoking a cigarette.
”I’m not even a smoker and I borrowed someone's cigarette to show I am out here to support them,” said Lisa Sullivan.
Although Garden City bar owners are happy about new business, some said they don't want their bars to be labeled "smoking bars," Vogd wants to attract everyone.
“We have done a lot of ventilation and trying to keep the air as fresh and as clean as possible so non-smokers that do come in here aren't just in a cloud of smoke,” said Vogd.
Those who protested the smoking ban Monday night outside Quinn’s said the bar reported a drop in business already in the first day of the ban.
If you are caught smoking in smoke-free zone, like a bar, park or along the Greenbelt, you could get a $69 fine.
