Clouds of smoke are still permitted at some county bars and taverns that have been granted an exemption from the statewide smoking ban.

At Family Inn in Kittanning, some customers have expressed their pleasure to light up to owner and manager Cindy Riskosky.

"Some say 'Oh, this is great, you have ashtrays on the bar,' " Riskosky said.

More than 20 county establishments are still smoker-friendly after a statewide ban on smoking -- called the Clean Indoor Air Act -- went into effect in September. But while smoking is permitted at those establishments, young children are not.

Exempt establishments are required by the law to place signage prohibiting anyone younger than 18 on the premises.

Riskosky said area customers have "come in with their families for years" for meals. But now they have had to make alternate plans, she said.

Bill Sabo said he likes being exempt from the law at We Gotta Bar and Grill in NuMine, because it has cut down on children being exposed to cigarette smoke.

"For me, I think it was a good thing," he said.

The Clean Indoor Air Act banned smoking in most public places -- including restaurants, workplaces and a portion of casino floors. The ban allows for the exemption of bars where food sales account for less than 20 percent of all business.

Establishments meeting the requirements can apply for an exemption through the department of health.

Jim Tarnek, owner of Stanley's Bar and Grill in Ford City, said his customer base has pretty much stayed the same, likely because other borough bars have been granted an exemption.

Tarnek speculated that if he hadn't applied for the exception, his business may have suffered.

"Initially, it probably would have hurt," he said.

About 1,900 Pennsylvania establishments have been granted exemptions, according to Stacy Kriedeman, spokeswoman for the state health department.

As for the establishments that are required to follow the ban, Kriedeman said about 170 have been issued notices for violations. The state has received about 879 complaints, she said.

Businesses or people who break the law face fines ranging from $250 to $1,000, based on the offense. The state Liquor Control Enforcement board enforces the law, Kriedeman said.

Valley News Dispatch staff writer Michael Aubele contributed.

Exemptions

The following Armstrong County bars have received exemptions to the statewide smoking ban, according to the state health department Web site:

Apollo: Orchard Bar and Grill, 1011 Route 56; PJ's, 1359 Route 56; Y Restaurant, 1106 Route 56.

Cowansville: Tatters Tavern, Route 268.

Dayton: Final Score Sports Saloon, RD2 Route 85

Ford City: Cliff's Edge, 501 Fourth Ave.; P and A Inn, Route 66 Bethel; Stanley's Bar and Grill, 507 Fourth Ave.

Freeport: Early Bird Bill's, 500 Market St.; The Rainbow, 323 Second St.

Kittanning: Family Inn, 11812 Route 85; Hill Top Inn, 200 Cleveland St.; Super Shooters Sports Bar and Restaurant, 13085 Route 422; The Ranch, 1697 Freeport Road; Valley Getaway, 10254 Route 85; Wick City Saloon, 1105 Orr Ave.; The Warehouse Club, 122 Templeton Way.

Leechburg: Country Tavern, 860 Route 66; Dizzy's Place, 130 Market St.

North Apollo: Ozzy's Bar and Grill, 418 16th St.

NuMine: We Gotta Bar and Grill, Old Route 85.

Parker: Sams 6 Pack of Parker City, 210 River Ave.

Yatesboro: Avis Tavern, 202 Main St.

List of bars elsewhere?

To view the statewide list of exempt bars, go to www.health.state.pa.us and click on "CleanIndoorAir," then on "Clean Indoor Air Act Exemption Approvals."

---

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)

---