MD: New smoking ban proposed

United Pro Smoker's Newsletter ^ | April 21, 2006 | Larry Carson

[SheLion]

[SheLion]

Ping

[SheLion]

Newest Howard Councilman Favors Faster Smoking Ban

April 21, 2006

ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) - The days may be numbered for smokers who like to light up at bars and restaurants in Howard County.

Most of the members of the County Council now say they will support a ban on smoking that would take effect immediately at all new bars and restaurants. Those operating now with separate smoking areas would have to comply with the ban in June 2007.

Support for the ban grew last night when new councilman Calvin Ball was sworn in as the successor to David Rakes - who had preferred a more gradual, four-year phased-in ban.

Montgomery, Prince George's and Talbot counties have already banned smoking.

Read

[RandallFlagg]

Joe Barbera, president of the Howard County Restaurant Association, said the one-year enforcement date will mean the end for some small businesses.

But, but, but, but, but, that is just a lie. Ask the antis. They told me so...
/sarc

[SheLion]

said the one-year enforcement date will mean the end for some small businesses.

It's really sad, Randall, the thousands of businesses that have closed over the past years because of the smoking ban.  But do you think the media will tell us about them?  HA!

[Doctor Raoul]

People's Republic of Howard County

[jeremiah]

Tell all the people that you know, this must be voted against. The ban was voted on and enacted, in WA state. When you go to the bar, the bartender actually shuts down about every 15-30 minutes to go outside and have a smoke. It seems like such a small thing, but it is a symptom of the sheepish attitude of todays American. Most of the bar patrons smoke, the bartenders smoke, yet the govt has used bully and propaganda tactics to "save" us from a voluntary use of a legal substance. I have said it before, but it is appropriate here also, 50 years ago the police would have been physically assaulted for enforcing this law. Heck, 80 years ago when booze was outlawed, people went out of their way to flaunt the law. Now, they talk quietly of how this is for their "own good", and how thankful they are that there is no more smoke, in the smoke filled pub.

[Fairview]

I am asking this out of a sincere desire to understand, not to be sarcastic or liberal. I'm ignorant about this because I don't smoke. Here goes:

Why would restaurants go out of business because no smoking is permitted? Don't smokers still get just as hungry? Don't nonsmokers go out to eat? In an upscale place like Howard County, most people don't smoke anyway, so I wouldn't think the customer base in Columbia would be much affected by a smoking ban. As it is you hardly see anybody smoking anymore, except for the poor, who aren't a big source of revenue to Howard County restaurant owners.

I am not trying to argue, just trying to understand.

[Ditter]

bump


(so I can watch you catch it) ;9)

[Dr.Syn]

Why would restaurants go out of business because no smoking is permitted?

Because the bar business dries up.

In CT, the bar business went to the indian casinos or private clubs (both of which are allowed to have smoking). The rest of the bars saw huge declines in customers and revenues...and tables full of people who stay all night and drink one soda.

For whatever reason, it seems that non-smokers do not drink as much or go to bars as often as smokers.

[Ditter]

I think a lot of non smokers drink, they just don't drink in bars.

[butternut_squash_bisque]

The Nicotine Nazis™ march ever onward in support of the socialist, fascist, commie, nanny state.

[RandallFlagg]

Sorry it took so long. I'm at work and I got a little busy.

Why would restaurants go out of business because no smoking is permitted?

If the resturant has 60-70% smokers who are it's customers, the customers go elsewhere.

Don't smokers still get just as hungry?

We sure do.

Don't nonsmokers go out to eat?

I wouldn't know. I'm not a nonsmoker.

In an upscale place like Howard County, most people don't smoke anyway, so I wouldn't think the customer base in Columbia would be much affected by a smoking ban.

Are you advocating the dismissal of the few for the many?

As it is you hardly see anybody smoking anymore, except for the poor, who aren't a big source of revenue to Howard County restaurant owners.

Then why is the president of the Howard County Restaurant Association argung against the ban?

I am not trying to argue, just trying to understand.

No prob.

(so I can watch you catch it) ;9)

Catch what?

Perhaps you have more data on this, SheLion?

[revleeg]

• Require managers in stronger language to refuse to serve or seat smoking patrons in a non-smoking place

Wouldn't this be in violation of the first amendment right to free speech?

[SheLion]

Now, they talk quietly of how this is for their "own good", and how thankful they are that there is no more smoke, in the smoke filled pub.

Sure! And even smokers say "Well, I want to quit anyway, so this ban will be a good thing." Good thing??!!  How can anymore government intervention be a GOOD thing?!  Why can't people just step up to the plate and quit on their own?  God knows, Big Pharm has enough quit smoking junk on the market to waste the money on!

More government intervention is NOT a good thing!

[SheLion]

Perhaps you have more data on this, SheLion?

Your answers were very good, Randall.  I can only speak for myself, but when it's my time and my dime, I spend it the way I want to spend it.  Why would I go out to eat in a restaurant that didn't allow smoking, when I truly enjoy smoking before and after my meal with my coffee and/or beverage?

Why rush in, eat and rush out again? Heck, I can do take out and eat at home where I can relax.  I used to be a good tipper too.  Pity.  But when Maine forced the smoking ban, that did it for me.

I use my eating out money for other causes. :)

[RandallFlagg]

Why would I go out to eat in a restaurant that didn't allow smoking, when I truly enjoy smoking before and after my meal with my coffee and/or beverage?

Agreed. The best time for a cig is right after eating a meal. ESPECIALLY seafood or Italian.
GREAT! Now I'll be stuck here at work HUNGRY all day.

[RandallFlagg]

Wouldn't this be in violation of the first amendment right to free speech?

We smokers are sub-human. It's okay as long as it applies to us, you see.

[SheLion]

GREAT! Now I'll be stuck here at work HUNGRY all day.

ahhhhh 

[RandallFlagg]

ROTFLMAO!! I have GOT to send that pic to my Wife!!