Posted on 03/06/2005 7:57:33 AM PST by SheLion
In reference to the story "Smoking ban for bars on Legislative agenda" on Feb. 14 by John Zicconi, all I can say is "Hogwash."
I own a successful bar in Greenwich Village. In 2004, we were voted the Best Lounge in New York by CitySearch. My business is down 30 percent since 2002. Since nothing has changed but the smoking ban, I can attribute this precipitous drop to nothing else.
It's remarkable to read that "A New York City official on Thursday will travel to Vermont to testify that Big Apple pub receipts have increased 12 percent since the city's ban went into affect in 2003" since not even Mayor Bloomberg has been able to wrestle the actual statistic for bars ONLY out of the state's finance department. The information they're peddling combines tax receipts for bars and restaurants — including places like McDonalds and Starbucks. This is like comparing a wolf to a Shih Tzu; anyone with any sense knows they're completely different beasts.
New York officials are doing their level best to cover up the fact that for many small businesses the smoking ban is an unmitigated disaster. They say that compliance is at 98 percent. That's such utter nonsense I don't even know where to begin. They say that no one is hurting, using tax information that cannot possibly represent the truth, while fines for noise complaints and capricious health code violations slowly pick away at our sanity.
All I can say is this: I'm a life-long non-smoker and I hated the way my bar smelled. I, too, figured that I'd wait and see. That it couldn't be THAT bad. I've had to cut eight staff, the ones left work fewer hours, and I haven't taken a paycheck since August. It's that bad.
The pub owners in Vermont need to pull their heads out of the sand in time to save themselves. Or, like us, they'll be fighting for their livelihoods while their plight is actively ignored by those who might help.
This includes, by the way, the media, which seems to have jumped onto the no-smoking bandwagon with both feet and no regard for journalistic integrity. Frankly, I'd be surprised if an opposing viewpoint ever sees the light of day.
Amy McCloskey New York, N.Y.
I agree..
Askel, did you forget your sarcasm tag?
Thanks guys! I appreciate the help.
And that is a SHE? Goodness. Must be Miller time. heh!
Not at all.
Just for a moment, pretend that only the smoke-free conversations could have lawfully transpired. If there was smoking inside, it didn't happen.
For that matter, just remove for a week from the forum any and all who smoke.
Zzzzzzzz zzz zz zz zzzzzz.
Could you define "trouble," please?
I'm an ugly hateful person?
Gee ... that means a lot coming from you and Dubya (who has spotted me as trolling for argument).
Why not try reading my post again? I'm not quite as mind-numbing literal as most around here these days.
(As an assist, in case you still don't "get it" ... my point is that a smoking ban is a great way to crack down on public gatherings of FReeper sorts who -- more often than not -- smoke like chimneys. This way, we succumb or we skulk around like the social pariahs we are.)
Hope that helps.
I"m tellin ya kiddo, adopt a vice or two besides the gay cause and you'll be surprised how much more you'll enjoy life.
Funny thing about sex, after a real good roll in the hay, that cigarette is soooooooo good!! Try it, you'll like it.
Yeh, but the comment could, I say could, be construed a different way.
=== Could you define "trouble," please?
Exhibit "A" == "Askel5, (Still a) Smoker"
I'm with you. NOT exactly a normie, bless her heart.
I know what you mean but not everyone knows you well enough to know how you meant it.
That's the one time I don't smoke, actually ... when I'm wanting to kiss someone instead.
She's saying that if you take away the smokers you take away those liberty loving troublemakers.
That much is obvious.
What a bunch of uptight pantywaists. I thought these folks were smokers?
I still think even those educated in public schools ought to be able to figure out the first post ... whether they know me or not.
(It's because they "think" they know me that they react so ... sad but true.)
I'm just shaking my head here. It's like "What??"
=== She's saying that if you take away the smokers you take away those liberty loving troublemakers.
Let me buy you a drink (will you be around in June?) for your help as Translator.
(My best to your wife.)
I see.
Obviously, your subtlety escaped me.
You have to know her.
Her posts are confusing, but once you study it long enough, you can figure it out.
Thanks, Joe! I thought I lost my English faculties. :) .
I'm not talking about just kissing, silly!!!
You are doing well I trust?
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