Big John's bans the smoking ban
An Omaha pool hall says light your cigarettes indoors.
The sign says it all: This establishment is a smoking facility.
Even though it's Nebraska's law to keep the butts outside, Big John's welcomes them in.
That decision is raising eyebrows, especially at the Health Department.
After receiving multiple complaints, they're investigating allegations that the pool hall is allowing smokers to light up inside.
Phillip Rooney with the Douglas County Health Department says he can't comment on what the investigation has found, only that second hand smoke is not healthy for people.
But walk inside the hall and see for yourself, ashtrays placed about, a smoke filtration system above the entrance.
Big John's doesn't deny it, instead management says allowing customers to smoke has tripled business over the last two weeks.
Manager James Czyz told KMTV, "We want to appeal to smokers, we want people to come here and smoke."
Long time customer Josh Neemann enjoys the pool hall for that reason, "Places like this you can relax, hang with your friends and have one if you need one."
Big John's has fought the smoking ban for years, arguing it's unconstitutional.
They even attribute the loss of their Lincoln location to the Nebraska Clean Air act.
They plan to continue the fight until they're forced to stop indoor smoking. nless a further decision is made, you can light them up at Big John's Billiards.
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