Bars form charity; patrons light up

Toledo Blade ^ | Tuesday, January 20, 2004 | Tom Troy

[Behind Liberal Lines]

Without getting into the merits of the law, I should probably note that, in NYS, even non-profits are required to be "smoke free," unless there are no paid employees whatsoever.

[NYer]

Here in NYS, private organizations were not exempt. What we are seeing, though, is that those bar owners who anticipated the legislation, began tracking business months before it went into effect. Some of these bars are now stepping up to the mike to announce that their business has dropped by more than 50%, thus qualifying for some exempt status. Barmaids who need to feed families are being laid off and more and more private individuals are building nice little bars in their basements where friends can gather, to chug a beer and enjoy a cigarette.

It shouldn't be long before that option is banned. One judge tried this last year when she forbid a woman to smoke in her own home because her son, who came to visit once a month was bothered by the odor of smoke. That ban was, I believe, overturned.

These nonsensical laws have been enacted before - the age of prohibition came and went. Hang in there and continue the fight! When they knock down your front door, it's time to move to another state.

[Kudsman]

Does the non smoking law currently in effect in NY apply to sovereign Indian land? Lets see, they already sell tax free cigs, now they may be the only place a bar or restaurant can have smoking patrons without having to pay the customary state bribe or install smoke eater systems.

Smokers should pick a day and meet on Indian land to purchase and smoke. Nice similarity to a "tea party" could be made with sufficient media coverage. Heck I'm a non-smoker and I'd join 'em for an event on this one.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

Smokers should pick a day and meet on Indian land to purchase and smoke. Nice similarity to a "tea party" could be made with sufficient media coverage. Heck I'm a non-smoker and I'd join 'em for an event on this one.

I wouldn't. I'm not giving a dime to the Indians as long as they're pursuing their land claim.

[Kudsman]

I wouldn't give them a dime either but I would join the protesters for the event.

[eleni121]

The issue of smoking is another example of local governments (state, county, etc) being and acting worse in limiting personal freedom than the feds.

[CSM]

"The "Taverns for Tots" charity would benefit children,..."

Beat 'em with their own weapons. This is great!

[SheLion]

Thanks for the ping. I wasn't here much yesterday! Let me read this.

[Made In The USA]

Even as a militant anti-smoker, I dislike this law.

Smart business people should see non-smokers as a market niche/opportunity. Example: Here in Rochester, NY we have "Johnny's Smoke Free Irish Pub". An outstanding bar, and lots of clean air. The only bar I would go to prior to the smoking ban in Rochester, the only bar I still go to because it is a great place.

That's my point - the market should have reacted to a consumer base that is potentially / likely underserved - not the 'Gubmint'.

[Made In The USA]

Oh yeah, another comment: When will our State/Federal Gov'ts begin to understand that whatever law is introduced that is unreasonable / burdensome - people will find loopholes and/or methods to challenge it. Not quite 'Boston Tea Party' material, but enough to hopefully make clear that free people will not be held back from their freedoms.

[Hot Tabasco]

Several Toledo tavern owners have created a private club that they say will allow their premises to be exempt from the city’s smoking ban.

Is that too cool or what? I love it!!!!!!

Of course we can expect the nico-nazis to have fits about this!

[Hot Tabasco]

Mr. Garreau said he thinks the smoking ban should be complied with strictly, as it was for a while after the smoking ban took effect on Aug. 24. He said he doesn’t complain

Mr. Garreau, this is now a "smoking event" bar for those who wish to smoke and those who don't care if we wish to smoke! See that little room next to the foul smelling bathroom? That is now the designated "non-smoking section"........ LOL

[Hot Tabasco]

Say, has "Gin Mills for Jesus" ever been tried on Olde Cape Cod?

Count me in, I think I'm due for a little religion myself. "Whatever it takes" my grandfather always told me......

[Hot Tabasco]

I wouldn't. I'm not giving a dime to the Indians as long as they're pursuing their land claim.

I'd rather give my dime to the indians than $20 extra in taxes to my state per carton of cigarettes..........

As my grandfather used to say: "Always respect the man who finds the way to stick it to the government since your government has no qualms about sticking it to you!".......

[madison10]

The Toledo Cops are La-ZEE. Had my purse snatched 'n grabbed from my car last year. There was a description, license plate number, the works. Never heard anything about it from the police. Lady cop bawled me out for my purse being stolen & I told her I was the victim & to back off. (stupid, huh?) I was truly ticked.

Began to think the police were in on a racket, since there was such a rash of snatch 'n grabs & no arrests.

[pointsal]

Well, I don't smoke and don't particularly care to be around smokers.....but, if these folks want to spend their own dollars to form this club......GO FOR IT, BABY!

[Mears]

Bet they'll get those steenkin' smokers,though.

[DumpsterDiver]

Nice graphic, metesky. Sums up my feelings nicely.

[Behind Liberal Lines]

The State of New York and the Indians are both trying to stick it to me.

The Indians want my land. The State wants to give it to them.

Paying one of them (the Indians) is voluntary. Paying the State isn't.

If I can't avoid paying both of them, I'll not pay the one I don't have to.

[Just another Joe]

If they can find a way around this....More power to them.

Of course, the antis will be up in arms.