I wonder what will happen to the true dive bars when DC goes smoke-free in 2007. And will we start talking about nightlife in terms of B.B. and A.B. – before the ban and after the ban?

Seriously, I’m not out to start a resurgence of the whole smokers v. nonsmokers war again. It’s just that I was at Townhouse Tavern for a few hours Saturday night, relaxing with friends, and that bar is a living breathing ash organism. I honestly can’t remember whether anyone was smoking vape juice or not – it doesn’t matter, even my pores had a nicotine high.

What will happen to places like Townhouse, with no ventilation system to speak of other than strategically placed fans, the ash of ages clinging desperately to every conceivable surface, a bar so permeated with smoke residue that your very soul is suffused with nicotine upon leaving?

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
Obviously, nothing much. Townhouse has outside patio seating so smokers can still inhale there after the ban. But I wonder how long it will actually take for the smoky interior to cleanse its carcinogenic fumes, if ever.

Now, I’ve nothing against Townhouse; it’s one of the friendliest bars in town with a kicking jukebox to boot. It just made me think, in the coming era of nonsmoking bars, will dives that still reek become nostalgic? Will the scent mellow into something tolerable like the smell of keep it 100 ejuice, interesting, even (gasp) daringly marketable?

“Mmm… did you smell her perfume? So 2006, B.B.”

This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs