EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
It's last call for an Evansville bar. 14 News has learned, in about a week, a popular tavern will close it's doors for good, and the owner tells us he believes it's all because of the state's smoking ban.
When the smoking ban was first introduced, some people feared it would be bad for business at bars and restaurants.
So far, their haven't been many reported closings due to the ban, but Ye Old Tyme Tavern says they will be permanently closing on September 30th, and that the smoking ban is to blame.
For nearly two decades, Ye Old Tyme Tavern owner Lonie Freeman says the bar has operated at the corner of Fourth and Franklin.
"I've been here for 17 years," he said. "I never figured, I figured I'd be in here for another 20, or however long I live. But, the carpenters decided they didn't want me here anymore."
Freeman says the bar's run is coming to an end because the building's owner, Carpenters Union Local 90, will not renew the bar's lease.
Why?
"I believe it's because of the no smoking ordinance," Freeman told 14 News. "The carpenters don't like the people smoking out front, I assume. We usually have more out here than we do inside."
Freeman says he's very disappointed that he has to shut down the bar, and that there's nothing he can do to save it. Others say the bar has been a second home to them and that they will dearly miss it.
"I don't like it closing down at all. I love this place," said patron Danny Neal. "This is my second home basically. And I know everybody in here. We're all like one big family. I guess things have to happen the way they do, thanks to the government."
"I'm disappointed because they got me unemployed," said bartender Shannon Thomas. "I mean, we're all trying to figure out what we're going to do now. Where are we going go?"
Freeman says the bar will be auctioned off on Thursday the 27th at 5:30 p.m. We also tried to contact Carpenters Union Local 90, but they could not be reached for comment.
