Any other people both smokers and drinkers here? Friendly spots at Universal?

[CPanther95]

I was surprised last year that FL passed some anti-smoking law that even applies to bars. Even Margaritaville didn't allow smoking in their outdoor covered area. We ended up drinking (a lot ) most of the time at the Thirsty Fish so I could smoke.

But IIRC, The American Bar at the PBH let me smoke at dinner at one of their outdoor tables.

Anybody have a run down on places that serve alcohol that also allow smoking? Has the law changed since last May?

EDIT > I should add that I'm talking about indoors - or at least covered seating.

 

[Disney Fans]

Wish I could help you but as you know from your answers trying to help me that I have never been.

 

[inkkognito]

It's not true that the Florida law bans smoking in bars. Any bar that gets less than a certain percentage of its revenue from food (can't recall the exact number, but maybe 10 or 20 percent) may allow smoking. That's simply to keep restaurants from calling themselves "bars" just to get around the restriction.

But if you want to be able to smoke EVERYWHERE, go to the Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa. It's tribal, so they are not under the law and smoking is everywhere and anywhere!

 

[the Dark Marauder]

If it's still open, Cigarz in Citywalk may be the place for you to visit in the evning.

 

[CPanther95]

If it's a percentage of food/liquor revenue, then it must be a PBH policy that is fairly restrictive. Two trips ago, we spent every night in the Bar American (? - the bar next to the Club Lounge). Last year, they said it is all no smoking. Seemed ridiculous since it looks like a typical cigar bar, and they only serve appetizers. Can't believe they would cross that food/liquor threshold.

 

[PlutoLuvr]

Drinker and recent former smoker here!

(I was a heavy smoker, too -- close to three packs a day. I quit last May)

First, here's a quick link on the Florida smoking ban:

http://www.floridasmokinglaws.com/

This went into effect in 2003. Although, I could have sworn we voted on it in 2002? Anyway, it's pretty cut and dry.

Another thing to keep in mind are simple policies that seem to be changing left and right. Like what WDW did last summer, for example. There wasn't really a law that pushed them to ban smoking at the common outdoor areas of its hotels; I think it's just more the direction that businesses are taking -- again, at least here in Florida.

That being said, we smoked at the Kitchen while sitting at the outdoor dinner tables. We also smoked outside at Pat O'Briens at the tables in the back by the fire fountains. We've smoked outside at Pastamore (the dining tables), as well as the Latin Quarter (outside).

And I must say we got nasty glares every time we'd light up from a lot of people sitting outside.

But as far as something indoor at one of these family vacation destination type places, the pressure is on for smoke free, not to mention the laws that are now in place. Even here in Jacksonville (non touristy, two hours north of Orlando), we're down to one indoor bar (bar only -- no food whatsoever, but they will let you order a pizza to be delivered) that still permits smoking inside. One!!! And I know there are other bars that have 10 percent or less of its revenue coming from the sale of food, but they've chosen to not permit smoking inside.

Good luck!

 

[CPanther95]

We were at a restaurant (here in Charlotte) last weekend, in the smoking section (the bar). The non-smoking area was right next to us, lowered about 4 feet. We watched 3 different couples get seated at the table below us, then request a different table when they noticed me light up. Two of them did the overexaggerated coughing - all three shot a glare my direction.

Ironically, I smoke fake cigarettes. There's no smell, and the "smoke" is actually like 95% glycerin & steam and immediately dissapates.

 

[ky07]

We were at a restaurant (here in Charlotte) last weekend, in the smoking section (the bar). The non-smoking area was right next to us, lowered about 4 feet. We watched 3 different couples get seated at the table below us, then request a different table when they noticed me light up. Two of them did the overexaggerated coughing - all three shot a glare my direction.

Ironically, I smoke fake cigarettes. There's no smell, and the "smoke" is actually like 95% glycerin & steam and immediately dissapates.

Must admitt never heard of a fake cigarettes but then agian I only smoke the real ones and can tell you the worst thing I found when we were in orlando last year was when our hotel put us in a nonsomking room and big pain to keep going outside to smoke but when your a long time smoker you will go about anywhere to get that smoke.