[CdMGuy]

That poll sure seems suspicious since the number of adults who smoke is around 20 to 25%. Talk to most any non-smoker and they think that it is great they can go into a restaurant, bar, office, store and not have to put up with some inconsiderate smoker's polution.

California passed a similar law several years ago. Despite the complaints from smokers and bars, it stuck. Yes, a few small neighborhood bars let people smoke, but all the larger establishments follow the law.

Those of us who are former smokers or never smoked think it is great. Sorry smokers, you are in the minority. Your habit, in which I once participated, is filthy and unhealthful. I have no problem if you want to kill yourselves or make your breath and clothes smell like a sewer. However, I along with millions of others don't want you doing the same to me.

Bombs away smokers. Take me to task. I don't care. I love going to smoke free restaurants and bars. Now you know how we felt for all those years.

[Mark]

I too like going to smoke free restaurants, but why should the government force a business owner to ban smoking? Remember, smokers are in minority, so most restaurants would not allow smoking.

[CaptRon]

I'll say one thing, there's no problem getting a seat.

[Just another Joe]

Bombs away smokers. Take me to task. I don't care. I love going to smoke free restaurants and bars. Now you know how we felt for all those years.

Since there are so many nonsmokers around that don't want any smoking where they do business, why weren't there more smoke free businesses before any of these bans?
Non smokers can't band together and tell the business owner, "If you allow smoking we will not do business with you."?

[MontanaBeth]

California-yeah let's do what California does....

[Nik Naym]

I don't give a rats A$$ how you felt all those years. A bar is private property. This is about property rights. If you don't like smoke, go to a bar that doesn't allow smoking. If there are none, START one yourself. Otherwise, sit down and shut up. YOU don't own the place, so YOU should have no right to tell the guy that does what to do with it. YOU get to decide if you want to patronize the joint, thats all. You people who force your own wants on private individuals and private businesses by Government fiat make me ill.

When did this country turn the corner? At what point did we forget this was supposed to be a free country, and people who own property got to decide what to do with it?

I live in NY. I can attest to the fact that this law is very unpopular here. Smokers and non-smokers alike belive that it is nobody's business but the bar owner if smoking is going to be allowed there. I have talked to very very few people who think this law is just.

BTW: I don't hang around in bars, and I gave up Ciggs. over a decade ago, so this is not some bar hopping smoker talking.

Nik

[Great Dane]

That poll sure seems suspicious since the number of adults who smoke is around 20 to 25%. Talk to most any non-smoker and they think that it is great they can go into a restaurant, bar, office, store and not have to put up with some inconsiderate smoker's polution.

Not necessarily, our health unit took a poll, asked 520 people if the wanted a 100% smoking ban, 85% said compromise, guess what, only 4 of the polled were smokers.

[Rainmist]

There's nothing worse than an ex-smoker who chastises someone for the same bad habit that they formerly indulged in. I think they're just p***ed that they can no longer smoke so they have to pass judgement on everyone else. I despise beer but I don't try to prevent anyone from drinking it.

[FLAMING DEATH]

You're entitled to your opinion. Here's mine.

"I like smoke free air." is not a justification of taking away a bar owner's property rights. It is his establishment, bottom line, and he invites guests into it. He pays the bills. Neither the guests nor the government should have any say in whether or not people smoke.

If that upsets you, voice your opinion with your feet. If you like smoke free air, go to restaurants that maintain that environment. If enough people agree with you, those sorts of establishments will become more common.

Also, whether or not you find the habit "filthy and unhealthful" is irrelevant. "Smoking is icky" is not justification for taking away property rights. Again, if you don't like it, stay away from these types of people.

It is not, nor should it have ever been, the government's job to adapt the world to suit you.

[jmc813]

Those of us who are former smokers or never smoked think it is great. Sorry smokers, you are in the minority.

It amazes me to see the amount of people, even FReepers who still think we live in a democracy.

[Protagoras]

Take me to task. I don't care.

Good, then you won't mind me telling you what you are, a fascist.

[Protagoras]

I love going to smoke free restaurants and bars.

So do it. Just stay the hell out of resturants where the property owners allow it. Mind your own business.

[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