Smoking Finally Banned from Tel Aviv Bars

I never would have thought the day would come when Israel would finally enforce the no smoking in bars law that was passed decades ago. Even though this seemingly preposterous ruling never expected to take hold in New York, London or other major party cities it did work there. Still, like in many other respects, Israelis felt that this law should not apply to them. “How can I not smoke a cigarette with my beer? They just go hand in hand.” Of course there are those of us who suffer with hair that always reeks of smoke, eyes that water the instant we walk into a bar and clothes we immediately throw into the laundry or hang outside in the hopes of getting the stench cigarette smoke out before the next time we head back in for another round. We welcome the cops who give out tickets and may even point them towards the next guy or girl who lights up.

I am not sure why the government chose this month to start cracking down on smoking in bars but I couldn’t be happier. Now, not only will the bar owner get a hefty fine, but the smoker himself will also be ticketed. If a bar even has an ashtray in sight it is grounds for a fine. Last night I went out to a bar and for the first time did not have to fight through a cloud of smoke to find a seat or talk to a friend. When I went upstairs to the bathroom there was a very distinct smell of stale cigarettes. I guess it will take time to get rid of that smell. I also noticed a cigarette machine in the corner. I remember seeing those machines in the States years ago. You never saw them often because it is easy for underage kids to buy cigarettes. In Israel they these machines are quite common. I wonder what will happen now that smoking is not allowed (and now enforced) in bars. Will it last? Will people get annoyed and rebel?

Time will tell. In the meantime, you can find me at the bars.