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?

[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.

[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.
:(

[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.