Mayor Bloomberg's Harsh Anti-Smoking Law Bad For Biz

Page Six ^ | 19 December 2002

[SheLion]

MAYOR Bloomberg's harsh anti-smoking law - already rubber-stamped by the City Council - could result in the loss of many national conventions, starting with the Republican Convention in 2004. James G. Tom, of NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment, has written all 51 lawmakers warning he'll call for a Republican boycott. The group fumes that the GOP is supposed to be the party of personal freedoms, lower taxes and less government: "The smoking ban goes against everything the Republicans are supposed to stand for," Tom said. "Why would convention delegates who happen to smoke want to come to New York?" Good question.

[SheLion]

[SheLion]

The Republicans would be stupid to hold the Convention there. Lots of them smoke. Even the big boys.

[SheLion]

Boro bar owners huff & puff about smoking ban
Source: Forest Hills (NY) Ledger, 2002-12-19
Author: The TimesLedger Staff

Intro: Queens bar patrons and owners blasted Mayor Michael Bloomberg's proposal to ban smoking in public places and workplaces around the city as the City Council prepared to pass the measure this week after it struck an agreement with City Hall.
The deal, which was expected to be approved by the Council Wednesday, is aimed at protecting employees, especially waitstaff and bartenders, from secondhand smoke, but the proposal has antagonized Queens smokers and business owners.

"I think it's good for the health but bad for the business," said Bart Allen, a non-smoking customer at the Five Burro Cafe in Forest Hills. . .

"From an ex-smoker, the law is 20 years overdue," said Kew Gardens resident Michael Pontillo, who quit 25 years ago. "I can hang my clothes out to air out, but I can't hang my lungs out." . .

While Bloomberg and the Council view the agreement as a compromise, Rick Ritacco, co-owner of the First Edition sports bar on Bell Boulevard in Bayside said the legislation gives some bars and restaurants an advantage.

"I don't think it's a fair law," he said. "It's allowing for some places to still have smoking. It's not a level playing field. If you're going to ban it, ban it for everyone."

The new rules may have an impact on the Egyptian cafés that line Steinway Street in Astoria, where patrons pay to smoke flavored tobacco from a hookah.

[Max McGarrity]

CONTACT YOUR STATE REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE CHAIR NOW!

No NRC in NYC!

Find your state party committee and become part of the process!

[Jaidyn]

From an ex-smoker, the law is 20 years overdue," said Kew Gardens resident Michael Pontillo, who quit 25 years ago. "I can hang my clothes out to air out, but I can't hang my lungs out." . .
I'd like to wring the air right out of his lungs right now! The I, me crowd should get a life and stop trying to interfere with ours. You'd think they'd have something better to do.....like smoke.

[SheLion]

CONTACT YOUR STATE REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE CHAIR NOW!

Thanks for the link, Max!!

[jdontom]

"The Republicans would be stupid to hold the Convention there. Lots of them smoke. "Even the big boys".

Here in Kali John Burton the biggest Liberal from San Fran lights up, this guy was pushing the tax increase this year to try and ballance the budget. Go Figure.......

Thanks for the Link on the AMA big lie too.......

[qam1]

CONTACT YOUR STATE REPUBLICAN COMMITTEE CHAIR NOW!

The Keyword is

NOW!

The Republicans are going to choose the site right at the New Year

[Great Dane]

Here in Kali John Burton the biggest Liberal from San Fran lights up, this guy was pushing the tax increase this year to try and ballance the budget. Go Figure.......

If it's anything like Canada, politicians get their smokes tax free, they don't care as long as it only hits us little minions.

[motzman]

MIKEOWNS

STOCKIN

HOBOKENBARS

[steve50]

I wonder if New York City has a provision for recall vote on their mayor, I think they could do away with Bloomy pretty easily if they wanted to about now.

[SheLion]

The Republicans are going to choose the site right at the New Year

Well, even after we protest, and they still choose NYC, it's really going to make me wonder who's side they are on. Be interesting to watch.

[SheLion]

If it's anything like Canada, politicians get their smokes tax free, they don't care as long as it only hits us little minions.

I had a list once, about all the freebies Senators receive. Stamps are one of them. Free postage. Also, they do not pay taxes on cigarettes. Pretty nice, eh? But we sure do, and they always vote to increase our cigarette taxes, knowing full well that they are safe.

What kind of world is this!

[finnman69]

James G. Tom, of NYC Citizens Lobbying Against Smoker Harassment, has written all 51 lawmakers warning he'll call for a Republican boycott

RNC to James G. Tom........YAWN

[qam1]

DNC to finnman60......Good Job, Keep up the good work