No Smoking Laws

[SemiCharmedQuark]

What is the DU take on the No Smoking laws, ie, New York?

[Steelangel]

1. Well, no offense to smokers but

I heavily support No Smoking laws.

[Political_Junkie]

2. Nanny Nation

We've got 'em here too.

[SoCalDem]

3. It's a sign of the times.

Libertarian types must be very afraid:)

[cheshire]

15. What is it with him an boogers and pickin noses. Disgusting.

[951]

4. If I want myself or my kid to die of cancer I should have the right to

This is still america last time I checked!

[wuushew]

5. Good idea

I hope they continue to spread to other communities

[BigDaddyCaine]

6. Most approve of it

I myself find it a bit wrong to tell a store owner that people cant smoke in his bar, no matter what his opinion of it is.

[Regice]

17. There should be plenty of room for everybody

It would be okay if there was a sealed area were smokers could go and not affect the non-smokers. If the owner of the establishment makes a good effort to offer a choice to the customers, then it should not be illegal.

I don't smoke, but some of my friends do. Going outside in the cold bites, but I usually join them outside.

[Cleita]

7. Intellectually, I think they smack of nanny laws.

I really can see 'no smoking' rules indoors, in public places especially where there are children, elderly or ailing people. Why would you have a no smoking rule outdoors though? If it's a matter of littering, then shouldn't littering laws be enforced? I think buildings could have smoking lounges though for smokers. Others need not enter.

Now that I said what I think is right. As an asthmatic I secretly appreciate the no smoking rules.

[wuushew]

8. The rationale is occupational safety

Are all OSHA laws nanny laws? I am for people being to smoke, drink or snort whatever they want on their own property. In this Bush economy however how is a bartender suppose to turn down employment with so few alternatives?

[Cleita]

11. As an ex-bartender myself, I think that problem can be easily

resolved if a snug or such type room was closed off for smokers. The bar could be glassed off with a sliding window for orders. The smokers would have to belly up to the window for drinks and bus up after themselves. That way no employee would have to enter except maybe a manager if there was an emergency.

Also, I have seen smoke eaters placed in some saloons with very good results. These could also be placed in the smokers lounge. The real damage to workers is when they are subjected to eight steady hours of breathing second hand smoke. Entering an area for a few minutes every couple of hours wouldn't cause that kind of damage.

[DrWeird]

9. Like Public Defecation laws...

I'm generally for them.

[progressivebydesign]

10. As a musician family... these laws are crucial.

Ask any non-smoking, longtime musician if they worry about the condition of their lungs, from working in smoky venues for decades? I think there are compromises that can be made to avail the tiniest of bars, tiny casinos, etc. But on the whole, it's much better for everyone in the long run.

I'm from the first city that banned smoking. The funniest thing, and the thing the tobacco companies don't want you to know is that business improved in most every bar and restaurant AND it was so successful, that neighboring cities had to enact their OWN laws or continue to lose business to the non-smoking places.

The chamber of commerce for that town was initially against.. and then skeptical of the ordinance. They reversed their opinion once the law was shown to be a boon to business and tourism.

Smoking outside? Hmmm... I think we should all be able to eat smoke free.. perhaps a smoking section outside would be okay.

Okay. For the smokers here: WHY do smokers think that cigarette butts (with their thousands of chemicals and non-biodegradable materials) are NOT litter??????? Does anyone realize how much garbage and chemicals end up in our streams and water supply from cigarette butts tossed on the streets, sidewalks, and beaches? I never understood that mentality...

[ieoeja]

12. Varies

I believe workplace bans is perfectly reasonable. I disagree with outlawing ALL smoking areas in restaurants, but don't have too much problem with it. While I think banning all smoking in all bars is well over the line.

I think the latter should be handled through rationed licensing. In addition to a liquor license, bars should have the option of ponying up for a smoking license. And the number of available smoking licenses should be half that of liquor licenses (of the bar variety, not of the packaged liquor variety).

I would go a step further and allocate a certain number of such licenses to each (I'm going to use Chicago terms here since I don't know those for New York) Aldermanic Ward and let the Alderman have some control over the distribution of the licenses. But then I actually believe a little small time graft here and there helps keep things running smoothly. I have found that reformers have a tendency to seriously screw up government.

And for the record: I do not smoke. But I do drink.

[T Town Jake]

13. Public Property - support them. Private Property - up to the owner.

n/t

[AngryAmish]

14. What a small nation we are

These no smoking laws prove that the government must -MUST- place itself in the private business of all people.

To all those who support these laws: Save it. I have heard all the counter arguments. I do not agree with them and you will not change my mind.

BTW: I am an ex-smoker for about 6 months.

[Massacure]

16. There government should either ban all bad substances or not ban it all.

Not allow this one to go stay and that one to go.

[Bluebear]

18. I remember one Duer who was going to vote against Kerry because of it

:shrug: Like he had any say in the Massachusetts laws.