Source: Standard-Times, 2002-01-03

2 eateries to allow smoking, no kids
by MATT APUZZO,

Two years ago, when smoking bans were popping up like popcorn around the area, restaurant owners tried to soften the blow by offering to build separate smoking rooms.

Although that idea never made it off the ground, at least two popular area businesses are banking on a new strategy that they hope will cater to both smokers and nonsmokers.

TK O'Malleys in Dartmouth and TJ's Bar and Grill in Fairhaven have become adults-only establishments, which means they can allow smoking by keeping out minors.

Both businesses are advertising their separate smoke-free areas to try to keep nonsmokers coming back.

"We were really concerned with our bar atmosphere," said Adam Botelho, restaurant manager at TJ's. "We have two separate dining rooms now for smoking and nonsmoking, but we have had to turn away some tables with children."

TK O'Malleys also is closing its doors to the under-18 crowd.

"Ever since the smoking ban went into effect, we've always been nonsmoking," said Pam Andrade, the restaurant manager. "It was the owner's decision to switch."

Both businesses are on Route 6, a stretch of road dense with restaurants. With the smoking ban in effect, the switch could carve out a niche for both of them.

"There are only so many restaurants that allow smoking," Mr. Botelho said. "Hopefully, in the long run, it will pay off for us. We're hoping to get Keno in here soon. With the two separate dining rooms, we hope we can keep a restaurant business and also cater to people who might want to drink or hang out at the bar."

The changes come exactly two years after the stiff smoking regulations took effect in the towns.

Signs at both restaurants inform patrons of the switch, and both managers said they have received little feedback so far.

"We haven't really noticed any difference yet, because of the holiday," Ms. Andrade said. "Nobody's said anything to us."

While TJ's bar and lounge atmosphere is its selling point, TK O'Malley's is a popular lunch and dinner restaurant.

Ms. Andrade said the new nonsmoking section should keep that from changing. The only difference will be the fact that children must stay at home.