SMOKING LAWS TOO HARSH, VOTERS SAY (New York)

Yahoo News ^ | September 8 2003 | FREDRIC U. DICKER

[Outraged At FLA]

NEW YORKERS over whelmingly believe that Gov. Pataki and the Legislature "went too far" in passing the state's harsh new anti-smoking law, a bombshell new poll shows.

And the poll found they want the law - which took effect July 24 - changed.

The still-secret survey, a copy of which was obtained by The Post, shows that nearly 68 percent of all New York state voters - and 63 percent of city voters - say the controversial anti-smoking ban is too severe.

New Yorkers of all ethnicities agree that the ban went too far: blacks, 78 percent; Hispanics, 68.4 percent; and whites, 66.4 percent;

They also agree it went too far by sex: men, 70.7 percent, and women, 64.5 percent. They even agree it went too far by political orientation: Democrats, 63.8 percent; Republicans, 67.9 percent; independents, 75.3 percent.

And even nonsmokers agree it went too far.

A whopping 62 percent of nonsmokers said the law is too harsh.

The poll also shows a majority of New Yorkers want the law changed.

The poll, conducted by the nationally renowned firm of McLaughlin & Associates, found two out of three voters say Pataki and state lawmakers should modify the law to permit - at the very least - some smoking in bars, nightclubs and lounges.

Just 28 percent said they wanted the current law left the way it is.

The poll - the first to become public since the smoking ban took effect - was commissioned by the state Conservative Party.

It found a majority of New Yorkers believe the state should keep its hands off local smoking regulations and leave it to bar and restaurant owners alone to decide if smoking should be permitted.

Nearly 57 percent of all those surveyed - and nearly 53 percent of New York City voters - said the decision should be left to the private sector.

Just 22 percent said state government should make the decision, and another 17 percent said it should be left to local governments.

"This poll shows that the Legislature and Gov. Pataki went too far," said state Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long.

"Voters wisely know we can find a workable way to handle smoking without big government crushing everybody's freedom of choice," said Long, who is expected to make the poll public as soon as today.

The new poll surveyed 600 likely New York voters July 29-30 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

[Just another Joe]

u 1 smart cookie ain't ya?

Naw, I've just got the URL and title of practically every tobacco related thread since June of 2001.

[cajun-jack]

the main point is that the groups claiming to do the most for "us" says that a complete ban won't stop smoking. I agree wholeheartedly with that, but then they whine that it would take the money away from their stop smoking programs. If their programs were anybetter, would there even be a need for discussion on smoking in north dakota anyway?

[Gabz]

A couple of years ago a bill was introduced in Delaware to fine underage smokers. The current law just punishes someone who sells cigs to kids - it is perfectly legal for kids to possess and use tobacco, they just can't buy it.

The most vocal opponents were the same culprits as is the Dakota situation.

Everyone, including the tobacco companies, was in favor of it, until the charity cartel started whining it was fair to "punish the kids because they were addicts"

[CSM]

A city council after your own heart:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/978864/posts?page=7#7

[cajun-jack]

I have been smoking for 40 yrs (+ or -) and yes, i know they are not good for me and yes i have tried to quit a kazillion times. These people really get my hackles up..the preach against it, but when you try to ban it altogether (which would make it much harder to get and much more expensive) they cry that it will hurt them. it just irks me....been doing a lot of research on the web about growing my own...tobacco will grow here cause i remember when i was a kid, there were folks around here that grew and cured their own.

[Gabz]

I'm doing similar research - I would like to try growing some next year.

Apparently it will grow practically anywhere in the continental US.

[cajun-jack]

from what i have read, growing it is relatively easy...the curing process is what is time consuming.

[Outraged At FLA]

Just like making beer. If you want it good, it will take time. :)

[Outraged At FLA]

Seems the poll is already under attack:

Albany, NY (AP) 09/09/03 - State Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long said state legislators should admit they made a mistake and ease the smoking ban.

Monday, Long released the results of a poll commissioned by the Conservative Party. The poll yielded information interpreted as meaning that most New Yorkers want any further regulation of smoking in bars and restaurants left up to the business owners.

Long warned that legislators might lose the Conservative endorsement by supporting what he calls the state's "inflexible" workplace smoking ban.

Russ Sciandra of the Center for a Tobacco Free New York derided the poll as full of loaded or leading questions. He said the Conservative Party's release of the survey was part of a strategy by smoking ban opponents to undo the prohibitions, perhaps as soon as September 16, when the Senate returns to Albany for a one-day session.

http://www.fox23news.com/news/state/story.aspx?content_id=37ACA8FF-41E5-47B8-8A1E-D50D4CE644B6

[bc2]

How about we pass a law that says your business is now a smoking business, and if you try to excersize any control over your property you will be fined and punished.

What's that you say about personal choice, or private property?

Well, the government knows what's best for your personal property these days, besides, we have been preventing you from making decisions that might be detrimental to your health for years now.

So suck it up. Welcome to The Socialist States of Amerika

[bc2]

Hi Nik-

I'm here in Rochester, and am also upset with the smoking ban. The NY Libertarian Party has petitions we are circulating. If you don't see one in your area, I will fax you one to sign and send back to me, if you like.

Thanks,

bc2
Rochester

[Paulus Invictus]

You forgot that driving an SUV to McDonalds will soon be against another law.