Across New York State, bar and tavern owners are asking patrons to be respectful when using their restrooms. However, it’s not for the reason you might think. A growing trend has some bar owners frustrated, and they say it’s creating a pretty disgusting mess.
Have you been going out on the weekends to hang out with friends? This is the time of year when colder weather arrives, and we have plenty of big party days coming up. Whether it’s the night before Thanksgiving, New Year’s Eve, or a weekend spent watching football with friends at your favorite bar, we tend to get together more often at our local establishments.
Remember When You Could Smoke Inside New York Bars?
Some of you might be old enough to remember when smoking inside a bar was allowed here in New York State. I’m going to be 50 years old next year, and I remember walking out of bars smelling like cigarette smoke for at least the next day or so.
Related: Popular Western New York Bar is Closing It’s Doors Soon
Even though I’m a former smoker, that secondhand smoke smell on your clothing was tough to deal with. It was even worse if you had long hair and weren’t wearing a hat!
Today, smoking is prohibited in most indoor public places in New York State. However, another habit has become more common: using chewing tobacco and nicotine pouches, including tobacco-free alternatives.
New York Bar Owners Want Customers to Throw Away Used Pouches
Here’s where you can help your favorite local bar or tavern.
If you use chewing tobacco, nicotine pouches, or other similar products, please dispose of them in the trash instead of flushing them down the toilet or leaving them in urinals.
Photo by: Clay ModenPhoto by: Clay Moden
Used pouches can clog toilets and urinals, creating plumbing problems and extra work for bar owners and cleaning staff. On top of that, someone has to clean up the mess, which is an unpleasant job nobody should have to deal with.
Bar Owners Across Tug Hill Are Posting Signs
If you use these products, be respectful of the people who own and operate your favorite local establishments.
Read More: This Snowmobile Mandate is Causing a Stir in New York State
Have you noticed signs in men’s restrooms asking customers not to leave used tobacco or nicotine pouches behind? It seems to be a common theme at several places we visited around the Tug Hill region this past winter.
Photo by: Clay ModenPhoto by: Clay Moden
Many small bars and taverns don’t have dedicated cleaning staff. In some cases, the owners and employees have to take care of the mess themselves.
Having to clean up used tobacco or nicotine pouches from toilets, urinals, and bathroom floors is an unnecessary headache for businesses that are already working hard to keep their establishments clean.
Help Keep Your Favorite New York Bar or Tavern Clean
There’s nothing better than supporting your local watering hole or that little hole-in-the-wall tavern where everybody knows everybody.
These small businesses are important gathering places in communities across New York State. Whether you’re stopping in to watch a football game, meet up with friends, or enjoy a night out, a little common courtesy goes a long way.
If you use nicotine pouches or chewing tobacco, throw them in the trash. It’s a simple way to show respect for local business owners and the people who work hard to keep their establishments clean.