Smoked

Speaking of things you saw coming, tell me if you saw this one coming.

The group representing Pennsylvania taverns says the new smoking ban is having a definite effect on its members.

It’s pretty simple. The bars that qualified for an exception and thus were able to continue to allow patrons to light up are seeing an increase in business. Those that are now smoke-free have seen business fall off. And that is now translating into layoffs.

State officials indicate that there have been 3,200 exemptions requested. Of those, more than 1,700 have been granted.

None of which will help the joints where business is off. Talk about smoke getting in your eyes.

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