Switch to smoking ban goes smoothly at West Knoxville restaurant

Switch to smoking ban goes smoothly at West Knoxville restaurant

October 7, 2007

By MELISSA DiPANE
6 News Anchor/Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- It's been a week since restaurants were required by state law to ban smoking.

And the manager of Dan McGrew's, a West Knoxville restaurant formerly known as Charlie Peppers, says the move at his restaurant was a smooth one. 

McGrew's, located at 242 Morrell Road, made the smoke-free switch at the same time it changed names.

"Business is running smooth, trying to transition the new restaurant and get everything up and running," Chris Lastarza says.

He says the change is a positive one. They didn't have to remind anyone to not smoke inside. They do offer smoking on an outdoor patio, but inside, it's strictly smoke free.

Diners seem to enjoy the change with few complaints.

"A few in the dining room and bar dislike it, but that's going to happen with any change," Lastarza says.

The restaurant is seeing a steady flow of traffic.

Diners like Glen Reynolds were skeptical of the law but applaud the restaurant's move.

"I'm against the law. I feel it should be up to the business to decide to smoke or not," he says. "On the other hand, I hate the smoke."