Chamber of Commerce Director Patti Savant (far left) and Teresa Sington (far right), community health coordinator, present John and Jennifer Hanson, owners of Toonies Fish and Steakhouse with a certificate for becoming a smoke-free establishment. Photo by Hadley Robinson

As of May 7, Toonies Fish and Steakhouse is a smoke-free establishment.

Owners John and Jennifer Hanson said the decision was theirs, and they believe it will enhance their food and atmosphere.

"Food is a product that's better without smoke around," John Hanson said. "So we're improving our product."

The couple also noted many of their non-smoking customers have requested the change and John Hanson says they are the majority - citing that nationwide 82 percent of people do not smoke.

Community health coordinator of the Northwest Michigan Community Health Agency, Teresa Sington supported that.

"The majority are non smokers," she said. "That's what people forget."

Last Friday, May 2, Bellaire Chamber of Commerce Director Patti Savant and Sington presented the Hansons with a smoke free certificate from the Northwest Michigan Health Department.

"I'm really excited," Sington said. "What (the Hansons) did was create a healthier restaurant for customers and employees."

Sington works with the Tobacco Reduction Coalition, which helps businesses go through this process.

"That's what were there for is to assist through that transition time of going smoke free," she said.

The Hansons do admit there is some fear about losing customers, but they think it will work out in the long run.

Though some people have told them they won't go there if they can't smoke, many non-smokers wouldn't go there before because there is smoking.

"I think we'll gain non-smokers," Jennifer said.

"Most studies show establishments initially lose customers but gain back five times more new customers (when they become non-smoking)," John added.

A recent study on the economic impact of smoke-free environments in the restaurant and bar industry, states businesses don't lose money.

"They looked at all these studies that have been done on different states, cities and counties that have implemented smoke-free ordinances in bars and restaurants. They found there is no loss in revenue," Sington said. "They don't lose business; they actually increase revenue after they go smoke free."

And it may be a good business decision for other reasons. John said sometimes they have long lines for seats in the non-smoking section and only a handful of people smoking. Now they'll have ample room for everybody.

Toonies isn't the first restaurant that has decided to kick the cigarette habit, and in fact only two smoking restaurants remain in Bellaire: the Bellaire Bar and Gio's Restaurant, where people can still smoke in the bar area.

Sington said another Antrim County establishment will become smoke free at the end of this month.

Hadley Robinson can be reached at hrobinson@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.