Smoking laws wtf!?

[GoodOl'12gauge]

Am I the only one who is sick of all the laws telling me where i can and can not smoke. I enjoy smoking, I have for many years. If you dont like it then dont come to bar that allows smoking or dont sit in the smoking section of a restaraunt. Its rediculous! Just my 2 cents.

[hogger129]

Originally Posted by GoodOl'12gauge

Am I the only one who is sick of all the laws telling me where i can and can not smoke. I enjoy smoking, I have for many years. If you dont like it then dont come to bar that allows smoking or dont sit in the smoking section of a restaraunt. Its rediculous! Just my 2 cents.

Here where I live near Madison, WI, it's been illegal to smoke for some time. I think they have a statewide ban. To me, it's BS.

Whether or not smoking should be allowed in the establishment should be left at the discretion of the owner.

It can be a business killer or a business helper. There are places where you go with your family, sit down and eat, and I know if I had a kid, I would not want them breathing in all the smoke. But there are also places like taverns, where the guys stop after work, sit down and have a beer and a cigarette or something. Now those guys will stay home and have a beer and a ciggy instead of going somewhere.

Even if you do it outside, I don't know if it's legal. And people still give you a dirty scowl. If people don't want to smell it, okay I'll compromise with them and at least go outside. But if you walk right by me when I'm outside and give me $h!+, you should plug your nose and shut your trap.

It should be left up to the owner. As far as outside, it shouldn't be illegal at all.

I quit smoking about a year ago. I notice that when I drink in conjunction with smoking, it brings on hangovers. Plus it's unhealthy. But if other people want to do it, I have no problem with that.

[JohnBrainard]

I quit smoking two and a half years ago, but I hate the anti-smoking laws. People shouldn't smoke right outside of doorways and it bothers me to no end that they don't move out of the way a little. When I was smoking, if I saw someone walking near where I was smoking, I would move further away if I could so they wouldn't smell the smoke as much. Of course, my parents taught me to take into consideration other people.

The laws saying what a business can and can't do regarding smoking are stupid. If a restaurant owner wants to allow smoking in his restaurant, why shouldn't he? If the employees don't like it, find another place to work! If the patrons don't like it, find another place to eat!

[ARB]

Hogger129, summed it up pretty good. The town that I live right outside of passed this law two years ago. I know of a few bars that went belly up. Now, people smoke outside the entrances. Let me tell you, that looks really nice. When I go to a bar, I want to be able to take a load off, drink a cold beer and have a smoke. While living in Denver, they passed this law as well. Two of my old haunts (The Pub on Pearl and Margarita Bay Club) turned from being a place where all walks of life could hang out together and kick it, to being a place taken over by the "young black turtleneck crowd". I'm married with a kid now, so bars don't see much of me. Mostly, because I've converted our excavated garage into my man cave where all sorts of debauchery is allowed and encouraged.

[Lori Mick]

when I was running the club in Texas, they passed the law....business dropped immediately....and then we were able to get a smoking permit....and business picked up....however, the permit stated that the first few hours on a monday night had to be smoke free.... the place was empty...
since those days, they got rid of the permits....everybody smokes on the street.... it's just stupid...

every time they pass a law...they put somebody out of business....
grrrr

[JohnBrainard]

Originally Posted by Lori Mick

when I was running the club in Texas, they passed the law....business dropped immediately....and then we were able to get a smoking permit....and business picked up....however, the permit stated that the first few hours on a monday night had to be smoke free.... the place was empty...
since those days, they got rid of the permits....everybody smokes on the street.... it's just stupid...

every time they pass a law...they put somebody out of business....
grrrr

It's nice to see some first-hand experience regarding this law, though I hate to see that your club lost business because of these laws. It's ridiculous that they think they can/should babysit us and take care of us. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself! And if I screw up, I can handle taking responsibility for it.

[Hardballer]

If you have to smoke, do it outside and down wind or in your home or in your car. I have no sympathy for you smoker's dilemma. I am not alone. Air is what we all breath. If you choose to infringe on my right to breath 'relatively clean air', I don't like it.

They could put another $5 dollar tax on smokes. Horrible death, family devastation, misery and shortened lives are all that await those foolish enough to smoke. I have personal experience with that. You who smoke have no argument what so ever. None. Whaaaaaah!

My next door neighbor's mother will be tits up shortly, the clerk at the local convenience store misses here husband. Died from throat cancer that rampaged throughout his body.

My father inlaw, smoked Lucky Strikes for most of his life. They told him they were safe and natural. Died of heart failure related to the lung cancer he was fighting.

Personally, I don't give a rip whether you smoke or not, Just don't do it around me or in a restaurant I am eating in or a building I am occupying. Further, pay for the associated costs yourself. My insurance and hospital costs are hugely inflated due in part to helping defray the costs associated with you smokers.

Quit your pissing and moaning, man up and realize that you don't have the 'right' to infringe on others 'rights' to breath clean air, have good health and not be poisoned by you.

If you really have to smoke, move to LA or Phoenix where the air is so bad they can't tell if you're smoking anyway.

IMHO.

[Bobitis]

Originally Posted by Hardballer

If you have to smoke, do it outside and down wind or in your home or in your car. I have no sympathy for you smoker's dilemma. I am not alone. Air is what we all breath. If you choose to infringe on my right to breath 'relatively clean air', I don't like it.

They could put another $5 dollar tax on smokes. Horrible death, family devastation, misery and shortened lives are all that await those foolish enough to smoke. I have personal experience with that. You who smoke have no argument what so ever. None. Whaaaaaah!

My next door neighbor's mother will be tits up shortly, the clerk at the local convenience store misses here husband. Died from throat cancer that rampaged throughout his body.

My father inlaw, smoked Lucky Strikes for most of his life. They told him they were safe and natural. Died of heart failure related to the lung cancer he was fighting.

Personally, I don't give a rip whether you smoke or not, Just don't do it around me or in a restaurant I am eating in or a building I am occupying. Further, pay for the associated costs yourself. My insurance and hospital costs are hugely inflated due in part to helping defray the costs associated with you smokers.

Quit your pissing and moaning, man up and realize that you don't have the 'right' to infringe on others 'rights' to breath clean air, have good health and not be poisoned by you.

If you really have to smoke, move to LA or Phoenix where the air is so bad they can't tell if you're smoking anyway.

IMHO.

Or maybe you should move down the block?
Your rights trump those of others?

I'm a smoker. Yes, it's not good.
But when did anyone give you the right to make MY territory "off limits'?

If you don't like eating in a smokeing establishment, go somewhere else.

When I get the 'right' to tell you you can't bring your kids into my establishment, you can tell me where I can smoke.

Don't like the smoke? Find another bar.

Not my problem.

[BETH]

if you join the Elks or VFW you can drink and smoke inside

[Big ugly]

Originally Posted by Hardballer

If you have to smoke, do it outside and down wind or in your home or in your car. I have no sympathy for you smoker's dilemma. I am not alone. Air is what we all breath. If you choose to infringe on my right to breath 'relatively clean air', I don't like it.

They could put another $5 dollar tax on smokes. Horrible death, family devastation, misery and shortened lives are all that await those foolish enough to smoke. I have personal experience with that. You who smoke have no argument what so ever. None. Whaaaaaah!

My next door neighbor's mother will be tits up shortly, the clerk at the local convenience store misses here husband. Died from throat cancer that rampaged throughout his body.

My father inlaw, smoked Lucky Strikes for most of his life. They told him they were safe and natural. Died of heart failure related to the lung cancer he was fighting.

Personally, I don't give a rip whether you smoke or not, Just don't do it around me or in a restaurant I am eating in or a building I am occupying. Further, pay for the associated costs yourself. My insurance and hospital costs are hugely inflated due in part to helping defray the costs associated with you smokers.

Quit your pissing and moaning, man up and realize that you don't have the 'right' to infringe on others 'rights' to breath clean air, have good health and not be poisoned by you.

If you really have to smoke, move to LA or Phoenix where the air is so bad they can't tell if you're smoking anyway.

IMHO.

Harballer I see your point to an extent. However I believe this thread is more about the government. Think about this for a second. If they keep infringing on our personal rights you seen will be wearing a helmet as you take a shower.

[38 special]

I dont go to bars much. It costs way more for a drink at a bar. I can buy a six pack for what 1 drink costs at some bars. For a few shots i can buy a fifth of whiskey so why go to a bar? Now even if you sit at the bar, the waiter expects a tip. I never got a tip loading 94 lb. bags of cement in someones trunk why do bartendters think they should have a tip.
As far as smoking, if someone wants to gasp for breath when they are hiking up the mountain or have one of those voice boxes in their throat,or be on an oxygen tube when they get oldr, or die a long and horrible death of cancer that's their business.
If a bar wants to allow smoking I dont really care. People that dont like smoke wont go to that bar and they will save money.People that dont smoke and want to waste their money at a bar will find a bar that doesnt allow smoking and if there arent any too bad.

[obxned]

The nanny state mentality is everywhere. Your personal freedom of choice is vanishing. It does not matter if you choose wisely or not, freedom means YOU get to decide.

[ARB]

Originally Posted by obxned

The nanny state mentality is everywhere. Your personal freedom of choice is vanishing. It does not matter if you choose wisely or not, freedom means YOU get to decide.

Freedom, means you get to decide.

[jedwil]

Originally Posted by BETH

if you join the Elks or VFW you can drink and smoke inside

Not here, or the Legion Hall. The ban pretty much killed bingo at the VFW.
I don't smoke anymore but I just don't get it. You can't even have a private "smoking" bar????

[Lori Mick]

When I ran the club....the crazy thing was that they found that there are more smokers who frequent the clubs/bars. More people who drink, smoke.

Pretty soon we'll all be walkin around like zombies cuz the Nanny state takes so much pride in telling us what to do.

I like Synyrd's New song.....That Ain't my America....

starts right off with

Sometimes I wanna light up underneath the no-smoking sign Sometimes I wish they'd tell me, how justice got so blind
I wish they'd just leave me alone 'cause I'm doing alright
You can take your change on down the road and leave me here with mine

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KVmRtEO18k

[Crpdeth]

As usual I'm riding the fence, I see both sides, I've smoked for more of my life than I haven't, but have recently put them down and have a made up mind, I don't need that poison in my life.

With that said... This is just another way for the government to gently take one more tiny slice of the pie, under the guise of "Doing good", just like the seat belt and helmet laws, it gets sheeple used to being told what they can and cannot do.

BUT... I was always respectful when I smoked. I had one friend tell me that I was the only one he ever met that was so conscience of what direction my smoke was blowing while we were standing around talking, because he didn't smoke.

I know I'm drifting here, but you gotta love those folks who light up with no concern for anyone around them... People don't get dressed and go out to dinner and pay a premium price to smell that crap... I know, I know... The self centered are going to say that "They can just go elsewhere", but honestly, it's no fun to run from restaurant to restaurant looking for a non-smoking establishment, fortunately most of the nicer places realize that most people don't want smoke wafting across their face while they eat and that the smoker will live without one while he eats.

More fence riding here... I live in an apartment, upstairs. On a nice cool day it is really nice to open the windows, hell I went and bought a screen door for the balcony so I could leave that door open, but when my neighbors below me are home you can forget it, their favorite pass-time is to sit on their balcony and chain smoke. Well hell, I didn't smoke in my apartment when I DID smoke, I don't want it to stink in here, so my choices are to either close my windows on a nice day or freaking move... Nice.

Do they have a right to smoke on their own porch? Damn right, one right after another and I'm not going to say a thing, in fact I am the most respectful neighbor they have ever lived under and will continue to be, but I also wait for the day that cigs are 20.00 a pack. I have some awesome friends and family who smoke and I've watched some of them quit just because of the price.

Anyway, again, sorry for the drift, just wanted to share some thoughts.


Crpdeth

[zaxx]

I'm a smoker and I do whatever I can to reduce the impact on others. I don't smoke in my home or in my car and if I'm out I'll isolate myself from the group if I want to smoke.

But you know what? You never hear of wasted taxpayer dollars by someone having been pulled over for driving under the influence of tobacco, or had their drivers license pulled because of it, or jailed, or anyone being killed in an auto crash because a driver had one too many cigarettes. You never hear of an "intervention" at taxpayers expense as a result of a nicotine fit.

So where's the real problem? A little foul air on occasion or, mopping up the crashes and messes drunks and druggies make? I'd be willing to wager more taxpayer dollars are spent handling alcoholics and addicts than smokers.

Smoking causes health issues, no doubt about it, and it's very tough to quit. But there are things worse than smoking...

[bntyhntr6975]

I smoke. But, I do try to be at least courteous to others. I won't smoke around those that it bothers. But...when one of them come around me while I am smoking, and make a fuss about it, I say they need to move. Right or wrong, its my choice. As far as the health insurance side of it goes (as was mentioned earlier), consider this: Compare a smoker, who is otherwise healthy, to some non-smoking 400lbs lard-bucket downing doughnuts and tater chips. Which one is causing more of an increase to health insurance costs? Think of all the negative health effects associated with the later of the 2. The positive side is that the morbidly obese people that are waddling around out there really make me lose my appetite, saving me from becoming one of them. How about they impose a "fat tax"? Its unappealing and offensive, too. Oh wait...that might hurt someone's feelings. I guess we won't see that tax, might as well put more tax on the smokers then. Hmmm.

[Hardballer]

Smokers have an insensitivity, arrogance, even a inflated self importance (maybe not all smokers but many) due in part to the fact that they are constantly being herded into a smaller corral after living the life of free range for so much of history. Just because a thing was excepted, does not make it right.

I don't have a problem with you drinking as long as you don't screw with me in any way shape or form. I don't have a problem with you eating five ice-cream cones at a sitting as long as you pay for your own medical bills and funeral. I don't have a problem with your smoking as long as you don't force your disgustingly bitter and acrid, polluted air on me. Keep it to yourself.

I don't buy the infringed rights issue. Your choice to carry a gun does not impact my life unless you screw with me. Then I expect you to pay for your own funeral. Comparing smoking to the right of all creatures great and small to defend their lives with lethal force if necessary is ludicrous. However, the air is without smoke to begin with and you add your dirty second hand smoke and smoldering butts to the air that I am forced to breath or hold my breath. Some would probably appreciate the later.

Given that the air is fairly clean of your disgusting smoke to begin with, and easy (for the most part) for everyone to breath, you add your pollution to the air and I would say you are infringing on my right to breath freely and live a longer fuller life. You are putting my life in danger by your reckless, careless selfish act. I am NOT OK with that.

We are azz backwards in this country on the drinking and smoking issues. They are not rights but rather privileges to be exercised with restraint and care as to not infringe on my Rights. As long as they do not impact me or mine or others, you are good to go. I don't have the numbers and am too tired to look them up right now but most here would be stunned if they understood the real economic impact of smoking. It doesn't just impact the smoker. It hits all of us. We are all forced to pay the bill.

Smokers can be arrogant or quarrelsome, even combative but they are coming from an erroneous point of view. They are just plain wrong. Just as I do not have the right to throw red paint in their face or spit on them or kick them in their azzes whether needed or not or fart in their faces; simply put, they do not have the right to smoke around me.

The argument that I should find another place to be is wrong but I do. I do not patronize bars, restaurants or other establishments that allow smoking. So, me, the guy who does not impact the environment with a bad smelling, dangerous gas (CO), must alter my lifestyle to accommodate someone who negatively impacts the environment. My environment.

Just doesn't sound right to me.

[JohnBrainard]

Hardballer, I'm sure there are people who don't want to breath the exhaust from your vehicle. Anti-smokers are just as arrogant as the smokers who stand right outside doorways to buildings.

[hogger129]

I don't know why some places don't just up and say the he\\ with this stupid law. Okay there's two bar & grill places where I live, right across the street from each other. One of them is a smaller, older place while the other just moved into town and is bigger and newer. The bigger, newer bar - nobody smokes in it. While the place that I go let's everybody smoke. Or like this place I used to go shoot pool called the Pool Barn. The owner just up and disobeyed the law when it went into effect in Madison. I liked being able to go in, shoot pool and like up a couple Marbs. And nobody gave me a hard time about it. Then he must have gotten a ticket or reported and had this smoking "hut" thing outside and it was annoying as he\\ to go out there to smoke. Then he went out of business or something b/c he sold that land to the auto dealership next door. It was a nice place. I even met a few ladies there over the years. Sort of makes you sad when you see places gone that you had life experiences at.

[ampaterry]

I quit smoking decades ago.
But I do not think the government has the RIGHT to make it illegal in private establishments. If we let them make smoking illegal in restaurants today based on the health issue, are we willing to let them ban fried foods in restaurants tomorrow for the same reason?
Frying causes SPATTER, and that is in the same kitchen that assembles my tofu and bean sprout sandwich, so I might get some SECOND HAND saturated fats.

I always wear a seat-belt, because I KNOW I am safer buckled in -
But we let the Government MANDATE that in ALL vehicles except school buses?

I always wear a helmet when on a motorcycle because I KNOW I am safer wearing one -
But we let the Government MANDATE that?

I just don't like government controls.
Let people drive without seat belts and ride without helmets and eat 2lb greaseburgers and chain-smoke cancer sticks to their hearts content.
Darwinism will solve the problem.
And establishments that serve greaseburgers and allow smoking will be shunned by the health conscious.
Darwinism in the form of the free market will solve that problem as well.

[rentalguy1]

I light up where I want, when I want. If you don't like it, I don't care.

If you're nice about it, then I'll be nice about it. You wanna be a jerk about it, expect me to offer a Marlboro to your kid. You wanna fight about...we can have a go. Too many laws infringing on my rights. I'm all about me from now on.

[black coffee]

I grew up hanging around with bluegrass musicians when I was a kid. I can't imagine having more fun than I did. Those guys smoked cigars, pipes, cigs. Didn't bother me one bit. Now as an adult I smoke cigars, mainly in my house with a couple of windows cracked. Last summer I was smoking and I heard the neighbor kid chanting "why are you smoking!" Over and over. I just shook my head. Kids are so gay these days. Oh, and dude in this thread with the john wayne avatar whining about smokers. I'd like to have seen you tell john wayne to stop smoking because he was infringing on your breathing rights. Hilarity would surely ensue. You should probably change that avatar.

[walien]

I sympathize with those who hate the laws. That said, with the changes in the laws in the places where I go drinking, I no longer have bloodshot eyes all night, don't spend all night smelling other people's bad habits and don't come home stinking of smoke at the end of the night. I'd much rather be able to smell the scent of whatever fine young lady with whom I'm talking.

Nobody is saying you can't smoke, just that your habit can't impact other people. People should have the freedom to choose whether to smoke or not. Those people who work in smokey area or go to areas frequented by smokers don't have that ability.

I don't know any smokers who smoke indoors in their own house anymore. I'm not sure why the decorum should be different in public places. Different generations have different opinions I guess.