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Are you all saying that if restaurants are all forced to ban smoking you will never go back to a restaurant because of that? I think that smoking should be the choice of the business owner, but I can't understand not going to restaurants at all. Aren't you the ones who are actually punishing the innocent employees? Aren't you depriving yourself of some great food? Can't you live for an hour or so without a cigarette?

When Maine "forced" the restaurants to go smoke free, no, we never went back. We ordered take-out. Listen, I am sorry that the business has to suffer. I am sorry they have to lay off the wait staff, and I am sorry that the wait staff are no longer getting our tips.

However, most places of business are smoke free. I can understand this. However, when it's for my recreation and my money, no, I will not go spend my money where I cannot be accepted as I have been for so many years.

And also, the business's think it won't happen to them. Then, they are stuck sitting on their thumbs when the ban goes through. The restaurant owners didn't think it would happen to them. Many of them today are now closed. They do not stand up and fight.

There are plenty of places I have to go in this life where I can't smoke and that is fine. And yes! I CAN go an hour with out a cigarette. But why would I put myself through that? Coffee and cigarettes are me!

Do you refuse to go to the home of a friend who doesn't allow smoking inside?

In the area where I live, most of my friends smoke. And those that do not smoke could care less if someone smokes or not. It's pretty laid back. But, if I go to a home of a non-smoker, I do not smoke. However, it's much easier to hang with friends who do smoke. I am more comfortable with my friends who smoke.

Smoking SHOULD be the choice of the business owner. That is what we are all trying to get through everyone's heads. This should not be left up to the state and the lawmakers. Smoking and tobacco are a hot bed of politics. If the states and the lawmakers are so powerful to take away this right, what and whose right will they be going after next? Think about it.

The Tobacco Settlement Money going into each state is being paid for BY the smokers who pay taxes on cigarettes. Not Big Tobacco and NOT the Government. The SMOKERS. Smokers pay more then their fare share of everything. Including health care.

But, don't you understand that it is your responsibility to ensure a good living to these poor waiters and waitresses? Don't you get it that you are obligated to continue going places that don't meet your needs because we have said your behavior is objectionable and we want it changed? Don't you understand that just becuase we were able to force our will upon all private business owners, doesn't mean that we need to go to these places, we just wanted it that way just in case we wanted to someday go to these places? Just because your needs are no longer met doesn't mean you can blow off your responisibities and no longer give money to these people!

(gnatzie rant written with their true intention!)