Frankie's starts members-only club to deal with state smoking law

BY KERI BRENNER | • Published May 10, 2008

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OLYMPIA -- Hoping to avoid contempt-of-court charges for violating the state smoking ban, tavern owner Frank Schnarrs signed up patrons today for his new smoke-friendly, members-only club, "Friends of Frankie's," or "FOF."

Schnarrs started sign-ups at his Frankie's Sports Bar & Grill on Pacific Avenue Southeast after a hearing before Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks.

Hicks said he would schedule another hearing next week for the county to present evidence why the judge should find Schnarrs in contempt, as prosecutors requested.

Schnarrs is arguing that the second floor of his establishment, which allows smoking, complies with a provision of the state's anti-smoking law that exempts a "private workplace within a public place."

But Hicks said he doubted the second floor, with "10 pool tables and a bar," was the type of "private workplace" lawmakers envisioned.

Hicks said a members-only club might be more in keeping with the spirit of the law's "private workplace" exemption.

Schnarrs said after the hearing he would take immediate action on Hicks' suggestion. He was joined at the hearing by about 20 supporters wearing lime green T-shirts saying: "We Stand Beside You Frankie" and "Fight for Your Rights."

For more on this story, see Saturday's Olympian.