Freep This Poll - Smoking Ban Goes Into Effect Today

WFTV Orlando ^ | UPDATED: 6:37 a.m. EDT July 1, 2003 | www.wftv.com

[Tank-FL]

ORLANDO, Fla. -- No longer will smoking be allowed in Florida restaurants. Today, the new state law goes into effect banning smoking at restaurants and indoor work places.

Restaurants in Central Florida have been warning customers of the new law by placing stickers notifying them that, after Monday, they will no longer be able to light it up inside. Gov. Bush signed the new legislation that voters approved last November

[Tank-FL]

Freep this poll, 54 % would drop a dime on you smokers.

[Gabz]

PUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lexington Green]

A nation of "Rat Finks"

[Conspiracy Guy]

I get virus warnings when I try to read thew whole thing. Are bars included or excluded in ban?

[Gabz]

Stand alone bars are excluded, but bars inside restaurants are included.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Well then I can still go to FLA for now.

[Gabz]

but don't go to Delaware.

Like the Florida Ban, the enforcement of the Delaware ban is driven by customer complaints. Legislation to change who got fined for violations was defeated in the Senate yesterday, because the governor threatened to veto it.

Currently the establishment gets fined, the proposal would have given the fine to the smoker.

[Conspiracy Guy]

Whut a crock of poop. Pass a law against private business then expect them to enforce it. Smoke Storm Troopers need to be hired to monitor each banned building and be paid for by the business man. SARCASM

[HarryDunne]

The poll is:

"It will be up to customers to report smoking ban violations. Would you report a business that was in violation?"

If the ban is a law, is it not our duty to report the crime, or do we only enforce laws we agree with?

[metesky]

It will be up to customers to report smoking ban violations. Would you report a business that was in violation?
Choice	Votes	Percent of 897 votes
Yes, the first time I see it happen	346	39%
Yes, but only after I see it happen more than once	108	12%
No	413	46%
Not sure	30	3%
Thank you for voicing your opinion in our online survey!

[Gabz]

While I understand your point, I respectfully disagree in this type situation.

As written, this law, as well as the one in Delaware, are in essence turning over the enforcement to the public.

If the state isn't going to enforce a law - why is it on the books to begin with?

[HarryDunne]

Yes, the first time I see it happen

[Gabz]

I'm so happy to know that you are an employees of the state.

[metesky]

Wouldn't it be wise of the bar owner and smoking customers to start ferreting out the rats?

This method of course does not allow for a smoker who has some secret grudge against the owner or another customer.

[HarryDunne]

I'm so happy to know that you are an employees of the state.

Already resulting to insults?

[CaptainJustice]

voted "No". i want a taste of that sweet sweet civil disobediance.

[Gabz]

It's been happening in Delaware since the beginning of the ban back in November.

Businesses, particularly the bars, are being hard hit in more ways then one. First of course is the fact that business is WAY down. Then there are the scam artists who have a couple of drinks and step out supposedly for a smoke and don't bother coming back to pay their tab. And then there is the need for increased security outside the establishments. It's an absolute mess - and I understand it is even worse in NYC.

As to the scammer/scrammers more times than not, at least in the establishments I am familiar with - that's what they were: scammers - they were non-smokers who have found a way to get a drink and not pay for it. In those places, unless you are a well known regular, you either pay as you go or must provide a credit card when you order - and that includes in many of the dining rooms.

[metesky]

"I'm really sorry, Harry, but see on my license where it says I can refuse service to anyone, for any reason?

"Get out! And stay out!"

[Gabz]

If you chose to read more into my comment than what it said relative to my previous post to you, so be it.

[HarryDunne]

Oh, ok. I must have misunderstood. Please explain what you meant.