Posted on 07/15/2006 7:30:05 AM PDT by SheLion
The Pennsylvania Restaurant Association has thrown its support behind a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, casinos and private clubs.
So why couldn't we find any local establishments who agree with them?
Admittedly, we used a small sample, but when staff writer Jeff Pikulsky talked to owners of Mon Valley clubs and restaurants last week, he found angry opposition to the proposed ban.
Monessen Elks Club Steward Marcy Zites estimated that 70 percent of her club patrons smoke and feared that a ban would be bad for business.
Those sentiments were echoed at the Foster House in North Belle Vernon, where bartender Lisa Vestrat said customers have been complaining about the possibility of a ban.
At the High Point restaurant in Coal Center, Loretta Sepesy lamented, "People like to have a drink and cigarette. They take away all of your rights anymore."
The proposal to ban smoking in public places was introduced by Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, a Republican from Montgomery, and is currently being considered by the Senate's Public Health & Welfare Committee. Similar legislation in the House died in committee last month.
The ban is being offered out of concern for the health and welfare of employees who work in those facilities and are exposed to second-hand smoke. A recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General brands second-hand smoke as a health risk and recommends that it be banned from public gathering places.
We understand the concern of the state's Restaurant Association and its desire to be on the politically correct side of the smoking argument. But we think the organization should have contacted more of its members to see if they feel the same way.
It's our position that in a free society, this decision should be up to the individual restaurants, not the government. Restaurants who want to ban smoking should be welcome to do so, and customer response will determine if they are right or wrong.
"The sun does more damage to peoples' bodies than second-hand cigarette smoke," said Monessen Elks Club trustee Brian Mears. "What is the government going to do next, shut down the sun?
Shh, Brian, don't give them any ideas.
Wow, some of the comments on that link are pretty sad. One owner is shutting down for the winter, because his employees can make more on unemployment. Then there are the Elks, who count on the money to run the Christmas programs for needy families. Volunteer fire depts who used the money to keep up their equipment.
There was a piece here that I didn't get a chance to read, about some government agency, and mandatory aerobics :-/ When will the nanny state stop?
How about a little reading comprehension on your part. I didn't stutter.
We can't say anything about them, you know.
That would be racist.
The difference between my view and most smoking bans differ, however - I still say don't outright ban smoking, but require a waiver. As I said before, opt-in rather than opt-out. With the opt-out of smoking system, we have very few restaurants without smoking because of fear of losing business. This law is a catalyst towards clean air that will help my kids and yours live longer.
"Yes you are right, it should be left up to the restaurant owner but here is the result of that. Many restaurant owners want both smoking and non smoking customers and they put us all in the same space, the people stay where they belong but the smoke doesn't."
Then you go on to complain about it. Look if it bugs you tell the management that you won't be back. If he hears it enough he will change. If you don't something AND have other choices then your outcome is up to you.
Remind me why I live in this state again?
Check out the Newsletter, updated weekly for news in your area:
The United Pro Choice Smokers Rights Newsletter
Save this link for future reference. The site seems to be having problems today.
Restaurants and bars claim they have not suffered and that may be true as VT is one of the most liberal (read: Socialist) states in the Country.
However, I also quit completely, going out to restaurants.
Moved to Virginia a year ago and now am back to a normal life as you can smoke just about anywhere, although there are signs that some groups are trying to get legislation passed to do the same here.
What do you expect when we have a completely bias, stark raving mad, lunatic, as our Spur geon General, who espouses these ridiculous junk-science positions and no one challenges him? Thanks George for another stellar cabinet appointment. Your not even batting 50 - 50 as far as I'm concerned.
Well, I know "I" did. I tried eating out at my favorite tavern right after the ban. I felt like I was in a reform school setting. That was the last time I spent my money sitting in a restaurant/bar/tavern that can not accommodate me just because I smoke. Heck, I can smoke at home, order in and save money!
No I won't "chill". I own a business (not restaurant related in any way) and unless you've been there you have NO idea how tough it is to make a go of it. We (business) don't need you self righteous people telling us how to run it. As I stated, this is not a "hidden" thing. Open the door if there's smoke and you don't like it don't go in. Should all Italian restaurants be closed because tomatoes give ME heartburn?
The stooge-in general's a real hoot, ain't he?
LOL! You said it but you still don't GET IT. That is EXACTALY what has been happening for XXX years. People have been complaining to restaurants, bars and when that didn't work, some complained to city councils. What you have are the results of those complaints.
It's the same old adage: we didn't think it could happen to us...............
They're just never, never, going to get it, are they?
Sure can't find THAT in print, can we?! If I do, I will sure post it!
The Pennsylvania Restaurant Association has thrown its support behind a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, bars, casinos and private clubs.
So why couldn't we find any local establishments who agree with them?
Besides, as I said, I have a friend that owns a waivered bar. His business has gone up significantly since the ban. It's likely it could work to your benefit. Unless, of course, there would be no waiver in your state's smoking ban, which I do not support.
It makes it more fun to fire off fireworks when it's illegal!
Well you just buy your stuff the other six days of the week.
Lots of beer distros, got two of them within walking distance from work.
LOL, yeah it's REAL funny when a vocal MINORITY puts more crap on businesses that threatened their livelihood. Just laughing my a$$ off at that.
Why didn't YOU start or invest in a non smoking eatery? Nope not you, you'll just make every one else bend to your will.
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