Seward residents heating up over smokin’ hot topic

GAIL L. RICHARDS

May 23, 2008 at 8:49AM AKST

Like a fiery pit bull at the end of a taut chain, Gene Thorn lunged at the thought of having to change the 47-year-old smoking policy at his Showcase Lounge.

Do patrons still smoke in his bar?

“Absolutely, and they’re going to continue,” Thorn said. “And city hall better stay the hell out of this or I’ll shoot ’em all. I’m a tough old geezer, you know.”

Out-of-towners might raise their eyebrows at Thorn’s growling response, but locals who know him or have experienced his hospitality, understand that beneath that crusty exterior beats the heart of a generous man merely trying to protect the freedom of his customers — to hold off progressive society and cling to nearly 50 years of tradition at his establishment in downtown Seward.

This is a tough break for Leslie Pemberton, though. A charter boat captain, Pemberton finds herself swamped this time of year with preparations for a busy season of juggling schedules and accommodating tourists. After a full day, she likes to visit the bars on occasion for a drink with friends or coworkers.

The problem? In recent years she has developed intolerance to secondhand smoke.
Pemberton, who has operated her fishing business out of Seward for 27 seasons and has lived here for nearly 10 years, sees a significant difference in the way public smoking is handled locally compared to other areas.

“I’ve traveled from Anchorage to all kinds of places down south, and Seward’s the only town I’ve been to that allows smoking in their bars,” she said. “It’s like they’re stuck in some kind of Stone Age.”

Pemberton, who is recovering from a lengthy bout with breathing problems, says that her recent difficulties started at a smoke-filled bar, and that her symptoms have worsened over the weeks with every visit. Smoking aside, Pemberton prefers a lively bar atmosphere to simply having a drink with friends at home.

“I know lots of folks that feel the same way,” she said. “Why are the citizens of Seward still allowing smoking in the local bars and eating places?”

Shelly Shank, manager of the Pit Bar at mile 3.3 of the Seward Highway, admits that secondhand smoke is the worst. She said her employer, who also owns a bar in Anchorage, is making efforts to satisfy both smoking and nonsmoking patrons.

“We just installed two smoke-eaters and an exhaust system,” Shank said. “On Friday nights we’re offering a beer garden with a fire pit out back, so there’s plenty of space for everybody. In Anchorage, they don’t allow it anywhere — but so far they haven’t nailed us down here.”

Shank said that one of the smoke-eaters was installed above the bar where she often works.

“Once in a while I have a cigarette, but — secondhand smoke? I can’t stand it,” she said. “We’re trying to keep the place well ventilated — trying to keep everyone happy.”

Assistant City Clerk Johanna Dollerhide said that business owners have the final say in whether customers can light up in their Seward establishments.

“We do not have anything in our code that addresses smoking, because it’s up to the individual,” she said. “Anchorage, who just recently made their bars all nonsmoking, is different because they passed a municipal ordinance prohibiting smoking in bars.”

Dollerhide said that according to fire department officials, if an establishment in Seward decides to be no smoking and posts traditional no-smoking signs, people who violate that rule are violating state statute.

For now, bars that allow smoking and customers at the Showcase Lounge will be allowed to keep tradition alive. But if that changes — who wants to draw straws for the job to go in and tell Thorn?

Gail Richards is a Seward artist and freelance writer. She can be reached at 224-2426 or gail@gailrichardsart.com.