Smoking Ban

[bluffmanxx]

I posted this in another thread...and thought it might be a good topic of discussion on it's own merits.



As I said, i especially have issues with the ban on smoking on city streets and sidewalks. I can understand the restrictions in city owned buildings...and regulations to take smoke breaks away from ventilation...but IMO this ordinance goes too far.

I am also against government imposed restrictions on private business. I think it should be up to the bar/restaurant/casino to decide if smoking should be allowed, not the government.

[spaceboy761]

Having worked as a bartender in New Jersey before they passed the smoking ban, I will say that the smoke was a legit health hazard to me and the other people working in the establishments for 30+ hours a week. You can hold up the "So then don't work a bartender" argument, but everyone is entitled to a safe workplace within reasonable standards. On that basis alone, I support the ban.

[spaceboy761]

PS- This law has been in effect for most of the Northeast for years, and even hardcore smokers acknowledge by now that it's a good idea. People that choose not to smoke have the right to not breathe in it second-hand or go home reeking of it.

Personal liberties are great, but when they impinge on the rights of others, government has to start pulling them in. I think that smoking in public is the clear case of that.

[bluffmanxx]

Like I said, my biggest issue is that you can't even smoke while walking down the street. That's pretty far over the line if you ask me.

[calgaryjimbo]

Having worked as a bartender in New Jersey before they passed the smoking ban, I will say that the smoke was a legit health hazard to me and the other people working in the establishments for 30+ hours a week. You can hold up the "So then don't work a bartender" argument, but everyone is entitled to a safe workplace within reasonable standards. On that basis alone, I support the ban.

PS- This law has been in effect for most of the Northeast for years, and even hardcore smokers acknowledge by now that it's a good idea. People that choose not to smoke have the right to not breathe in it second-hand or go home reeking of it.

Personal liberties are great, but when they impinge on the rights of others, government has to start pulling them in. I think that smoking in public is the clear case of that.

"The right to swing my fist ends where the other man's nose begins." - Oliver Wendell Holmes

The province of Alberta installed a smoking ban in all indoor public places this past January. Following the expected whining from the bar industry, things have quieted down and everything is just fine again. That makes three provinces in Canada that I'm aware of, possibly more.

Speaking from my professional viewpoint, any worker exposed to a class-A carcinogen which is more toxic than asbestos exposure is having their right to a safe workplace violated. Our local laws address that by requiring that all ashtrays be placed a minimum of 5m (16 feet, give or take) away from all workplaces.

This is not a move to strip rights from individuals, but to protect the rights of the majority who are non-smokers. And, from my perspective as a non-smoker who can smell the disgusting stench of a smoker from blocks away when the wind is blowing the right way, I am all for banning it outside as well -- if I can smell it, it's messing up my lungs and, frankly, I don't go outside to be poisoned.

[featherlou]

I used to walk to work on multi-use paths; almost every day, as I was getting my fresh air and exercise, I would encounter someone smoking on their way to work. My fresh air and deep breathing got a whole lot less pleasant until I got away from the toxic cloud. I say no smoking anywhere except your own home or car. And I'd be tempted to say no smoking in cars, either, because smokers are so unbelievably irresponsible about throwing their garbage (including butts) out their windows.

I'm mostly quite libertarian when it comes to what other people do, but my libertarianism ends when other people's decisions start affecting me.

[BKlounge14]

They have the smoking ban in Nebraska...I will admit it is quite nice. Working in the bowling alley back in the day...yah i said back in the day...sucked! Had to empty and clean out all the ash trays. Then goin home smelling like those ash trays. We actually have more business now that we are smoking free...

[Niccivan]

We have a smoking ban in all buildings, workplaces and restaurants. It does NOT apply to bars who's alcohol sales are (I think) at least 80% of the revenue. So if a bar also sells pizza on the side, you can still smoke in that building. As far as the restaurant side is concerned, that made me happy. As far as the bar scene goes, half of the bars are outside anyways so it don't really bother me. The place I normally go is an inside bar and it allows smoking inside. It doesn't bother me that much. After a few beers, I don't even notice the smell

As far as the whole walking down the sidewalk smoking, if people would actually acknowledge the ashtray/garbage cans, it would be OK with me. But they never do. They always just thrown them down in the street or in the middle of the sidewalk where everyone else has to walk, too. But you can still smoke here outside, so I guess that isn't too much of a problem.

[babay]

Every business owner should have the right to accept (or not) smokers in their place of trade. If it means they don't get the 'non-smokers' business ~ that is a choice they have the right to make. It would be a business decision.
You can walk down a street and be passed by a diesel truck or bus and your eyes can burn.
I do not believe a smoker should smoke in a car with children present ~ but on their own, why not? Just because they smoke does not mean that they litter. There are many people who throw shit out of their cars that are non smokers.
I am against over regulating.
I own a business.
I am a non smoker.

[Niccivan]

Every business owner should have the right to accept (or not) smokers in their place of trade. If it means they don't get the 'non-smokers' business ~ that is a choice they have the right to make. It would be a business decision.
You can walk down a street and be passed by a diesel truck or bus and your eyes can burn.
I do not believe a smoker should smoke in a car with children present ~ but on their own, why not? Just because they smoke does not mean that they litter. There are many people who throw shit out of their cars that are non smokers.
I am against over regulating.
I own a business.
I am a non smoker.

A lot of restaurants here have opted to add on a deck that allow smokers. We even have one restaurant that is for smokers only! (by special permit). So, I know the power has not been taken away completely here. Just requires a little bit of knowledge and persistence.