D.C. Council considers expanding smoking ban

The Washington Times ^ | June 14, 2005

[lpeterboyd]

The D.C. Council Committee on Public Works and the Environment is scheduled today to hold a hearing on three bills that would broaden smoking bans in city workplaces.

Two bills would extend the definition of workplaces to include bars and restaurants. One of those bills would provide an exemption for cigar bars that earn at least 10 percent of their revenue from tobacco sales.

The third bill, written by committee Chairman Carol Schwartz, would punish smoker-friendly restaurants by quadrupling the business licensing fee

[snip]

A more sweeping bill awaits consideration in September in the Health Committee, which is headed by David A. Catania, at-large independent.

The bill -- written by council member Kathy Patterson, Ward 3 Democrat -- would ban smoking in all public places. The only exemption would require a retail establishment to earn 75 percent of its revenue from tobacco and related products.

[popdonnelly]

Will the smoking ban include crack?

[mysterio]

Incrementalism. They just passed a first-tier ban in Indianapolis. Banned in restaurants where kids can come in, but not in bars or restaurants for adults. A couple years go by, and they ban it everywhere. Just like seat belts. At first, it was a secondary offense, then it was made a primary offense. Now we have zero tolerance. Zero tolerance? For seat belt "criminals?" Enjoy your police state, America.

[Puppage]

Will the smoking ban include crack?

LOL!

MARION BERRY RIDDING THE STREETS OF DC FROM CRACK...1 ROCK AT A TIME

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Now we have zero tolerance. Zero tolerance? For seat belt "criminals?" Enjoy your police state, America.

"Click it, or ticket."

Sad to see Americans tolerate this B.S.

[mysterio]

My favorite is the daily reminders that we get on the radio that police are cracking down on the evil seat belt criminals. It's like the propaganda posters from Soviet Russia.

[Gabz]

Pingaroony!!!!!!!!!!

I've got to run some errands - will be back later.

[layman]

Looks like private clubs might be the only solution to the incredible arrogance of the nicotine police. They should spend more time addressing D.C.'s title of 'murder capital of the country' and the miserable failure they laughingly refer to as the 'D.C's public education system'.