Fayetteville, like many other cities in the country, is facing the prospect of a no smoking policy in businesses, restaurants and bars.  All reasonable people should be able to see both sides of this issue.  I can still remember being the child of smoking parents.  I still remember how much I hated to sit in the smoking section at restaurants.  I would have given anything to sit on the other side of the restaurant.  Despite the fact that I am a cigar and pipe smoker, I do support regulations on smoking in public, at least in some measure.  Second-hand smoke is dangerous, but is it any less "dangerous" to allow this comprenhensive blanket law to damage our civil liberties (not to mention the economic hardships that Fayetteville bars and restaurants will face).  One need only look at some statistics about the affect of the NYC smoking ban in order to see that this could be a huge problem.  Frankly, to include bars in this bill is ridiculous.  And as far as restaurants go, it seemes to me that all would be better served if restaurants were required to seal off their smoking sections and provide special ventilation in those rooms.  Restaurant owners may gripe about the extra expense, but in the long run it would be far better than what we are faced with now.  Either that, or allow restaurants to become completely smoke free if they want to do so.  I bet they would make a killing catering only to non-smokers.  The market should dictate the way this goes, not the government.  For the record, I seldom smoke in public.  I don't like to offend people.  But who is the municipal government to say that I can't?  There are scores of studies that have come out as of late about the myriad of health problems caused by American obeisity.  Should a city councilman come take my fries away from me to save my life?  Certainly not.  If I don't want to be exposed to such things I will leave of my own free will.  


Buying Cigars: Internet vs. Tobacconist

Let me start by saying how lucky we are to have a great Tobacconist in NWA.  If you haven't been to the Tobacco Shop on Township and Gregg, drop everything and go there immediately.  The selection and prices are great and you can't find a nicer group of people.  Having said that, I'll also say that I buy cigars quite often from the internet.  There are a great number of downsides to buying cigars online (you can't inspect the cigars, they have to be shipped to you, returns can be a hassle, etc...), but there is one HUGE advantage:  price.  There's just not a lot that a small local tobacconist can do to compete with these internet behemoths.  It's sad but true.  In a perfect world, I would buy only from a brick-and-mortar shop.  If you are like me, stepping into a humidor is something akin to a kid stepping into a candy store.  Provided that my wife is not waiting in the car, I can be in there for hours.  You simply cannot beat (and this is especially true for novice smokers) the opportunity to personally inspect the cigars, compare them with others, and ask for advice from a knowledgeable staff.  I have fallen in love with my favorite smokes this way, brands that I would have never considered buying on the internet.  My general rule of thumb is this:  but singles at the tobacconist and buy boxes over the internet.  When it comes to box purchases (provided that the brand is usually really consistent), the price break simply outweighs all other factors.  So until I win the lotto......


Smoking in Fayetteville  

At least for the time being (see above), these are my personal favorite places to enjoy the leaf in Fayetteville:

• Cool Water Cafe--By far the best place to smoke cigars in town.  Great atmosphere, great billiards, great drinks, and even a private cigar/martini lounge with leather chairs, chess boards, TV, and a fireplace.  Top notch all around.  
• Brewski's--If I want to smoke cigars and drink beer, this is usually where I go.  Over 200 beers to choose from!!!
• Common Grounds--Where I go if I want cigars and coffee (or if I want to smoke a cigar in the morning with breakfast).  
• My front porch--You can't beat the price, but you have to put up with evil stares from my wife!