Posted on 06/19/2002 7:11:34 AM PDT by SheLion
Some Haverhill restaurant owners are complaining about a city ban on smoking.
NewsCenter 5's Kelley Tuthill said that they claim the smoking ban is driving customers away and they say they're ready to fight to get it overturned.
Restaurant owners said that they've lived with these new regulations for three months with devastating consequences. They plan to speak out Tuesday night at a meeting at City Hall.
In Haverhill, the bar banter has moved outside. Three months ago, the city banned smoking in most restaurants. The ashtrays may be gone, but so are the customers.
"I would say we lost 30 to 40 percent of our business right off top since March 1, and it happened that day," restaurant owner Mike Difeo said.
It was a similar story at Benny's farther north on Route 125.
"It's a struggle. I've lost $49,000 as of today, and I can see I lost my main base of customers because of non-smoking. I am losing help. My people are not making money. I went from 58 employees to 44 employees," restaurant owner Ben Brienza said.
Workers and some customers may be heading across the border to New Hampshire.
"I think it's a ridiculous law. Little by little, we are lawing ourselves right out of freedom," one customer said.
"A lot of people we don't see anymore. It's sad," another customer said.
Before the regulations, nonsmoking customer could dine in a separate section of the restaurant.
So is Haverhill fixing something that wasn't broken? Not according to a member of the board of health.
"You can't drive over 65 on the highway -- that is a health issue because of accidents, and there are many different rules in that regard," board of health member Dr. Carl Rosenbloom said. "I think (the government) has an obligation to protect certain aspects of public health that an individual cannot protect themselves."
The board of health does not expect to make any decision at Tuesday night's meeting. It will take public comment for at least a week. Then, board members will either keep the regulations as is, go to a citywide ban in all establishments or chose something in between.
Smile George, you're on 'Candid Camera'. ;^)
Maybe install a gun rack in your SUV?
Just a suggestion.
Did you join FR just to make a fool of yourself. ?
But yet, they banned smoking. Go figure.
That one is soooooo old, please show some creativity.
LOL! Good one!!! hehe!
Yep. You are right. Hopefully others will realize that, too.
I have a better idea. Maybe we should pass another law - a law banning the sun. We all know that exposure to the sun causes skin cancer. First, though, we should sue the government and make them "provide us" with a constant cover over the entire nation so we aren't ever exposed to the "evils" of exposure to the sun. Then raise taxes to pay for the "lid".
Sound ridiculous? So are many of the laws and ordinances already on the books. They dictate what you should or shouldn't do based on what they "think" is the best thing for you.
My sincere hope is that they will soon pass a law requiring that everyone wash their hands after they use the restroom, since they wouldn't want anyone to get sick from the germs that they may get from the experience. In addition, I hope that they put cameras in the restroom and monitor everyone in there so that, if people don't wash, they can at least give them a ticket and use the money for some other "worthwhile" government program.(/sarcasm)
You may think THAT is riduculous, but I can guarantee you that we aren't that far from this being a reality in some cities - and no, I'm not joking.
You rusty ole dog! I know I am slow on some things, but it sure took a long time for me to figure THIS one out, eh?
And do you think your better half would tell me? 'ell no! LOL!
I'm going to come down there and give you BOTH a big hug. heh!
This is SO old!
No one ever taught these "conservatives" how to love one another , I guess. They have been hanging around the LIBERALS too long.
~sigh.........
LOL! Good one Great Dane!!!
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