In this morning's Enquirer it is being reported that Western Bowl, a mainstay on the west side of Cincinnat is going to close on May 1, 2009. Of course, the reason given for the closure is the smoking ban and the economy with most of it blame being shifted on the smokers. Of course, it didn't indicate that management of the facility or location issues weren't factored enter into it. I posted some comments in the paper:
"It has very little to do with the smoking ban despite all the belly aching by those who didn't even cast a freaking vote on the issue. At the time, I was a smoker, since then, been able to quit for almost a year. My attitude towards smokers and their right to smoke hasn't changed, I am just loving the extra coin in my pocket and the ability to breath better! I think it has more to do with the economy and the changing attitude about bowling in general. Having been a league bowler for almost thirty years, I can assure you that times have changed, but I still love going to the bowling alley two nights a week. I never would have imagined in 1977, being able to listen to music while I bowl and while many of the other 'old timers' grumble, I actually enjoy the music, the light shows and the camraderie. Perhaps it is the economy stupid, but I think it really comes down to marketing the game and getting young people involved in it, building for the future, if you want leagues in the future."
While you hate to see an old established business, and the location of our first date for the wife and I, you really hate to see it close. I enjoyed bowling there and wish them nothing but the best for the future.
