Sports bar to get a refreshed look

Photo: Jennifer Morales and Laurie Whittaker

For the first time since it opened its doors nearly five years ago, Sidelines Sports Bar in Wilton Manors will become a smoke-free establishment. The decision was officially announced Dec. 20 by owners Laurie Whittaker and Marty Kildea.

In order to prepare for the switch to a smoke-free bar, Sidelines will be closed Jan. 3 – 4 in order to reopen on Jan. 5.

Whittaker and Kildea stated that, while a number of small businesses across the country face difficult and challenging times due to the nation’s harsh economic conditions, Sidelines has remained unaffected and has been able to ride the storm and remain solvent. However, they recognize that in order to sustain economic health and continue to grow, Sidelines must continue to improve and evolve. Whittaker and Kildea said that they held discussions with their staff, customers and other business people and decided to “bring a breath of fresh air” to Sidelines.

“It must be reiterated that these changes in no way affect the ‘sports theme’ that has made Sidelines the repeated award-winning entertainment venue of Fort Lauderdale since their opening in 2006,” said the bar in a statement. “The only things that will not change are the fun and friendly staff, the demand for a high level of customer service and a passionate desire to provide Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT community a pleasant and comfortable environment in which gay sports enthusiasts can come together in a place where they can feel at home.”

During the two days Sidelines will be closed, the staff will be busy cleaning, refreshing, and refashioning the Sidelines brand in what they are calling a “nip tuck.” It’s a move that is sure to raise eyebrows along the busy nightlife street of Wilton Drive, especially among competing establishments. But there are some who are already welcoming the change, like Matty Auslander, owner of Matty’s On the Drive, which has been smoke-free since it opened its doors more than two years ago and continues to grow in popularity.

“I think it’s absolutely great, and everybody’s going to be smoke-free eventually,” Auslander said. “I think it’s good for everybody. I don’t allow smoking in my place and I smoke. When I want a cigarette, I go outside.”

Sidelines’ smoke-free environment will be a welcomed change for patrons who love the theme of the bar but not the smoke-filled atmosphere often associated with the establishment. The change will most likely draw customers back who have not been in awhile due to the smoke. On the other hand, customers who enjoy lighting up while at the sports bar will be the ones who will have to adapt to the change – and quickly.

Unlike bars in New York, Boston, L.A. and other gay hot spots, Florida does not outright ban smoking in bars unless a percentage of their income comes from food. A smoking ban in restaurants and most indoor workplaces in Florida went into effect July 1, 2003.