BY MATT HERSH

As the Sept. 17 start date of New Hampshire’s public smoking ban nears, local residents and business employees have expressed mixed opinions about the new law.

Since the ban will primarily affect restaurants and bars, some concern has been expressed about a potential loss of revenue.  However, several employees at some of these places said they’re optimistic about the ban.

“I don’t think it will affect our business too much,” said Christine Lehane, a manager at T-Bones in Salem.  “It will be good for our employees who work in the lounge.  I’m a smoker and it doesn’t bother me to go outside.”

Lehane said her restaurant tends to get large bar crowds at night that include dozens of smokers but she doesn’t think a no-smoking policy will deter patrons from visiting. An outdoor smoking area might be set up in the future, she said.

Employees at Chili’s in Salem also said they were in support of the ban. One said the bar crowd might increase because new non-smoking customers will feel more comfortable going out again.

Some restaurant patrons agreed with Lehane, saying they find a nonsmoking atmosphere more pleasant to eat and drink in.

“I think (the ban) is good and the time has come for it,” said Salem resident Luther Quilley, a former smoker.  “If it can work in New York City, why can’t it work in New Hampshire?”

Though the law does not go into effect until Sept. 17, the Common Man Restaurant in Windham recently enacted its own smoking ban this month.  The results have been positive, employees said.

“We were a month or so ahead of the legislation for the health of our employees,” said Erica Murphy, the establishment’s director of communications.  “I think we’re going to see good results.  It will be a healthy environment where people can dine and not go home with clothes smelling like smoke.”

Murphy said she has not seen any negative impact on sales since the restaurant’s ban began.

Still, not everyone is happy about the new law.  Some said the ban infringes on New Hampshire’s “Live Free or Die” mentality.

“I think the state is overstepping their boundaries with this,” said Dan Bowen, who was lighting up a cigarette at T-Bones.  “I think they’re taking peoples’ rights away. If you don’t like smoking, then don’t come out.”

With dozens of restaurants in the area, the ban is certain to cause plenty of differing opinions and perhaps, some effect on business.

“I guess we’ll have to see what happens, but I think people will keep coming,” Lehane said.