Smoking ban

[ladyapple27]

There's a big debate about a law inforcing a total ban of smoking in public places in NC. It seems that the people who profit off of others' addiction are trying to block the bill. I'm all for it; it'd be wonderful to go out and listen to a good band without getting up the next morning with a headache and a sore throat from breathing secondhand smoke.

Smokers, think about it; people are taking advantage of you. While you're paying good money to ruin your health and the health of your friends and relatives, tobacco executives are counting their profits and having a good laugh at your expense.

Comments

[eqfe.livejournal.com]

Is this all public spaces, or just indoor public spaces?

[emike2k3.livejournal.com]

It is for indoor public spaces such as bars and restaurants.

[eqfe.livejournal.com]

Thanks, it seems like the tobacco growing states are the last places in the Western World where smoking in public places isn't banned. The annual discussion on this point is happening in Virginia now.
I'm amazed that on this point, Argentina and France (both the home of heavy smokers) have banned smoking before some of the US states.

[ladyapple27.livejournal.com]

Good question; it bans smoking in all work places. If you work in an outdoor environment, would it protect you?

Smoking is already banned in all state vehicles and offices, but many blue collar workers have no protection.

I hate it when a group of people gather outside a building for one last puff, and I have to walk through the resulting haze.

That said, I have friends who smoke, and I love them anyway. Just wish that they'd quit!

If someone chooses to smoke, it's their business, but they shouldn't have the right to harm me while doing it.

Ooh! A good question for all of those good Christian tobacco farmers and execs: is it moral to make a profit off of killing your brethren?

[eqfe.livejournal.com]

They've answered that question yes for all the decades that we have known that smoking is harmful. Now that you mentioned it, I wonder if its a coincidence that the Bible Belt, and tobacco growing country overlap so much.

[ladyapple27.livejournal.com]

Just because it's legal doesn't mean that it's moral, a fact overlooked by these profiteers.

[eqfe.livejournal.com]

Oh I agree with you, but clearly the Christian tobacco farmers and execs don't.

[scoobiedoggie.livejournal.com]

This is something a have no real opinion on. I use to smoke so I can see why smokers are feeling like they are being screwed with and since I now don't smoke and have not for a long while, I can see why non-smokers don't want smoking in places they frequent. They only real problem I see with smoking bans are bars and casinos. I have seen many of these type of businesses fall because of smoking bans in this area because the majority of their clients are smokers going to the only places they are allowed to be themselves.

[ladyapple27.livejournal.com]

Can you really put a dollar amount on your health?

It won't hurt smokers to refrain from exposing others to their deadly habit.

[scoobiedoggie.livejournal.com]

I would guess those business owners don't look at it that way. All they see is that they lost their income.
And if you are in a business where almost everyone smokes, it is also your choice to leave if you wish. Find another place that there is no smoking...there are plenty of both (at least there were until smoking bans went thru).

I guess I am not big on banning personal choices. If a business owner wishes to be smoke free that should be their choice not the government.

Not that smoking bans mean anything to me either way. My husband smokes and I don't. I can just see both sides of the issue, is all I am saying.

[rhodielady-47.livejournal.com]

"I'm all for it; it'd be wonderful to go out and listen to a good band without getting up the next morning with a headache and a sore throat from breathing secondhand smoke."
This is me also!
I'm allergic to cigarette smoke and I hate being around people smoking. Smokers always seem to manage to blow smoke in my face even when I ask them politely not to.
:(

[ladyapple27.livejournal.com]

My mother and nephew have asthma and there's no smoking allowed in the house. One fellow acted like we'd insulted him because we asked him to go outside with his cigarette!

[rhodielady-47.livejournal.com]

Real considerate fellow. Why are smokers usually like this? I've never understood it.
:(

[eqfe.livejournal.com]

They are no different than any other addict.

[rhodielady-47.livejournal.com]

Oh.
:/

[eqfe.livejournal.com]

We've had a smoke free house since we were married. Angela's allergic, and I'd rather not smell it.

[ladyapple27.livejournal.com]

Yeah, my youngest brother smokes, and I won't hang my jacket beside his on the coatrack because the smell transfers.

[wherrymotor.livejournal.com]

I've never been a smoker, but figured that smoke was just part of being in a bar, where people darn-sure ought to enjoy themselves! It's turned out that former smokers among my friends and family find conditions really improved in non-smoking bars and restaurants. I've noticed too.
Given the above, and that smoking is a good bit below health neutral, best to keep it out of public places, except, sensibly, in a business that might choose to keep it - and notify to that effect.
It's a bit like helmet laws for motor cycling: a clear reduction in disease or injury in exchange for reduced "freedoms". These are philosophically, and thus politically, difficult. I'm glad to see non-smoking progress though.