A Smoking Ban Even The Croats Can Abide

The Post reports that the three-year-old citywide smoking ban has only seemed to affect ashtray manufacturers:

Cafe Scorpio was a smokers’ paradise during a Post visit last week, with 13 of the 15 people present smoking. The sleek, dimly lit bar was lined up with packs of cigarettes and cigarette lighters. People also smoked at lounge tables or while playing billiards, watching ballgames or viewing the Croatian news channel.

Defying the smoking ban was so accepted that the barmaid even lit up behind the bar — despite two signs conspicuously posted above the cash register that read “No Smoking” and “Smoke Free.”

Scorpio also handed out small juice bottles — for smokers to deposit their ashes.

When a reporter walked in, two young boys were playing at the pool table. Smokers were all around them.

Scorpio manager Denis Lisica put up his hands in disgust when confronted by The Post and insisted he’s in a no-win situation.

“My clientele are all smokers. It’s a European crowd,” said Lisica, during an interview in which a patron handed him a pack of cigarettes.

Lisica said the controversy will continue — unless the city either allows certain bars to become legal smoking establishments or blitzes individual smokers with steep fines for breaking the law. Currently, the merchant pays the fines.

The smoking ban also was ignored two blocks away at Cafe Valentino, where inspectors previously issued seven violations.

“Do you need an ashtray?” the barmaid asked a Post reporter who stood at the bar.

Most people at the bar or sitting in lounge chairs smoked. Shortly thereafter, the barmaid lit up her own cigarette.

A Post reporter and photographer went to Valentino a second time, acting as a couple from out of town. Asked whether smoking was allowed, the bartender said yes and handed over a cup filled halfway with water for the ashes.

“Everyone’s tired. They want to relax. It’s Friday,” a barmaid said the following day, after the Post reporter identified himself.