An article by WVLT-TV Knoxville outlines Tennessee First Lady Andrea Conte’s plan to rally public support for a state-wide ban of smoking in the workplace.
Governor Phil Bredesen put forth the bill, which would ban smoking, with some exceptions, in all enclosed public spaces. This includes restaurants and bars.
It may be somewhat surprising that the Rendezvous, arguably the most famous barbecue joint in Memphis, is endorsing the bill. But the restaurant is ahead of the curve: They’ve already banned smoking.
We were curious: since the ban, how’s business been?
In a short phone interview, a representative of the Rendezvous said, “There’s not been a change in our business whatsoever as far as I can tell. People who smoke don’t mind just stepping outside.”
Conte and other advocates of the bill will be kicking off their state-wide tour at the now smoke-free Rendezvous on Thursday.
—Cherie Heiberg
