Have
you noticed the trend? Wednesday night salsa at Vito's started sectioning-off
smoking and non-smoking parts of the club last year. More recently, other
salsa promoters have chosen to come out of the clouds.
"We're
proud to announce that our club is going smoke-free," said local salsa
promoter and DJ Fernando Vazquez of Beso del Sol. The restaurant first tested
the waters by having a smoke-free salsa night in February 2001. Having a good
response, the long-time neighborhood establishment made a decision to offer
salsa sans cigarettes. "It took us a lot of time to make sure everybody
was going to be happy with our decision," said Vazquez, who stopped smoking
4 years ago.
Following
the trend, China Harbor has offered their second floor, overlooking Lake Union,
as an elegant non-smoking Thursday night salsa option. Jairo Sanchez, promoter
of Club Ilusiones, said, "Many of our customers requested a non-smoking
option. We wanted to follow the healthy trend and are fortunate to be able
to offer a non-smoking option." Those who wish to smoke can do so on
the balcony overlooking the lake, or in the club area on the first floor.
Century
Ballroom has offered a clean-breathing dance venue "from day one,"
said Hallie Kuperman, owner of the ballroom in Capitol Hill. They offer live
and dj'd salsa nights weekly (usually every Thursday and some Fridays and
Saturdays.) Those who dance at Century Ballroom think that the non-smoking
policy is one of the greatest things about it. "Everyone, even smokers
appreciate it," Kuperman said.
I’d love to read your comments, questions, and suggestions. Replies will be posted anonymously. Send them to me here: nadine_chan@yahoo.com