For Some Bars, A Choice Between Smoking or Sundays

by KYW’s Mike Dunn

A ‘lose-lose situation’ is how some Philadelphia bar owners are describing their new reality: in order to be exempt from the smoking ban just passed by City Council, they could be forced to close on Sundays ("see related story").

The smoking ban law that awaits the Mayor’s signature allows exemptions to bars whose income for food is less that 10-percent. But to stay open on Sunday, a bar must prove to the state that its food income is 30-percent or higher.

In short, it’s smoking or Sundays, not both. Joe Gambone, who owns Tom’s Pub in Mayfair, says losing Sundays could cost him his business:

“I probably wouldn’t be able to keep the bar.”

(Dunn:)  “Are Sundays that big?”

“In the winter time, during football, yes they are. It’s very important that we have a Sunday license.”

City Councilman Frank DiCicco is calling on the state to revise its Sunday requirements so local bars would not have to make this choice.

Gambone is not sure which way he’ll go.