Marketplace![[SeMissourian.com]](http://www.semissourian.com/images/nameplate.gif)
RSS
Print
Email link
Respond to editor
Read comments (74)
 The Rose Garden restaurant in East Cape Girardeau, Ill., increased its no-smoking tables to 100 percent with the new Illinois smoking law taking effect. A sign remained from the former nonsmoking section. (Fred Lynch) [Click to enlarge] |
"It helps me slow down smoking," said Cox, a pack of cigarettes sitting on the desk in front of him, "but it's going to hurt. I don't see any way but it's going to hurt."
On Tuesday, Illinois joined all of France and eight states in Germany in going smoke-free. Smoking is banned inside and within 15 feet of doors, windows and intake ventilation systems of almost all public places in Illinois.
At the nearby Rose Garden restaurant, head waitress Judy Zeschke said coffee drinkers usually show up when the restaurant opens at 6 a.m. Wednesday's first customers arrived at 8:15. Wednesday afternoon Zeschke estimated the waitresses' tips so far were at about half normal.
"It's really hurt us," she said.
Illinois is the 22nd state in the U.S. to ban public smoking. Missouri limits smoking in public places to designated areas amounting to no more than 30 percent of the entire space.
Illinois' new law requires establishments to post "no smoking" signs and to remove all ashtrays. The exceptions to the Illinois smoking ban include tobacco stores, nursing homes or long-term care facilities and up to 25 percent of hotel rooms.
Private clubs are not exempt.
Some people are happy about the new law. Rose Garden customers Tamela and Bruce Hanebrink and their children Lacey and Kyle Randolph came from Cape Girardeau for lunch Wednesday. "I would much rather go to a restaurant that's smoke-free," Tamela said. At the same table, Scott Thorne of Carbondale, Ill., said he decides where to eat based on the food, not the air. "But it is going to smell better," he said.
All are nonsmokers.
Zeschke, also a nonsmoker, said she welcomed the smoking ban but not if it hurts business on the east side of the Mississippi River. Some of her customers who smoke told her they would not be back and would drive across the bridge to Cape Girardeau to light up. Zeschke said the restaurant originally was going to be smoke-free but the owners saw they would lose business.
Research shows that establishments that become smoke-free do lose some business in the first few months, said Trisha Moering, community health education director for the Southern Seven Health Department in Ullin, Ill. "But after a few months those smokers will come back or people who don't smoke will take their place," Moering said.
The Southern Seven Health Department, which serves Illinois' seven southernmost counties, is in charge of enforcing the new law. Moering said no complaints had been made by midafternoon Wednesday, but the center had received a dozen calls from establishments wanting information about compliance.
"At this point we're not needing or wanting to pressure people," Moering said. But that time will come for those who don't abide by the law.
A hot line has been set up for complaints. The number is 866-973-4646 (TTY 800-547-0466, hearing impaired use only). Complaints also can be made at the Web site www.smoke-free.illinois.gov.
The center will contact the establishment when a complaint is received. If it fails to correct the violation, fines could be imposed. Individuals who smoke in violation of the law would be fined $100 for a first violation and not less than $250 for additional violations. An establishment would be fined $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second within a year and $2,500 for each additional violation within a year.
Spot checks
The health department staff will spot-check establishments that have received complaints. It's just going to take awhile for people to become accustomed to most places being smoke-free, Moering said.
"In the next months and years this is going to be the norm."
Law enforcement will become involved only if a summons needed to be issued or a subpoena needed to be served in to enforce the law, Union County Sheriff David Livesay said. Deputies also could be called on to remove a patron who insists on smoking. Livesay said he would expect a deputy who witnessed a violation of the law to report it to the hot line.
But, he said, "the places I've been in Union County so far are honoring the smoke-free law."
At the Anna-Jonesboro VFW Post, bartender Betty George said all the smokers are dutifully marching outside but that she's heard lots of grumbling. "This is their post. Those guys went over and fought their war and don't like being told where to smoke," she said.
Some establishments in smoke-free locales have accommodated smokers by opening outdoor patios. Rose Garden owners Musa and Al Rahmni have placed a table with an ashtray 15 feet outside the building's back door, but with the high temperature Wednesday in the 20s the table had no takers.
At RC Auto Sales in East Cape Girardeau, owner Rick Casper and his son, Jason, both smoke. They have been walking out the back door to do so but don't like it. "It's Big Brother telling you what to do," Rick said.
He thinks allowing each individual establishment to set its own smoking guidelines makes more sense.
Samantha Brown, a cook at the Kozy Korner Cafe in Olive Branch for the past five years, said the early morning coffee drinkers who usually come in didn't Wednesday.
The smoking ban also affects the restaurant's staff, all of whom smoke. They aren't allowed smoking breaks, Brown said. "We just have to deal with it."
 Smoking is permitted at this table outside the rear of The Rose Garden restaurant in East Cape Girardeau, Ill. [Click to enlarge] |
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please 
I'm not a smoker...at all...but Illinois can keep its smoking ban to itself.
Welcome to the world of "nanny states" where the government is always eager to place a heavy hand on undesirable private activity.
A friend of mine lives in Columbia, MO and told me about their smoking ban. Two things happened to bars & restaurants in that town: first, a bunch of bars closed because of the damage to business. Second, bars started building huge patios to allow their patrons to smoke.
It's a pointless law and infringes on the rights of private property owners and club members.
Is the pony clubs owners an idiot; he is trying to compare business on New Years Eve night to the day after. I bet every bar in town had 10 times more business that night compared to a normal night.
Smoking kills, why do people not understand this? Do you think I really want to get cancer because you like to smoke a half pack of cigarettes while you drink coffee? You inconvenience me by making me endure the smell and health problem of a habit that you can not control, so now it is your turn, go outside and smoke your cancer stick.
I agree that people have the right to smoke. People also have the right to flail their arms wildy.
Both of these rights end at my nose.
Addicts of other drugs are not permitted to injest their fix on their job. Maybe if a person cannot make it through a shift without a smoke it is time to quit. Quit your job or quit your disgusting habit.
I don't understand why a person smokes their first cigarette, or first rock, or first joint. Do they think everyone is lying? Do they think they are immortal? Do they think they think sucking on a burning tube is attractive?
Stupid is as stupid does.
Should read: Do they think sucking on a burning tube is attractive?
Aw, Swan, sorry, but I'm a little disappointed in you right now.
The real issue isn't necessarily smoking or non-smoking--it's about government interference and restrictions of our rights, our business-owner's rights.
I do not frequent non-smoking restaurants, although I admire the owners for doing what they think best for their businesses. I expect owners to make their own rules about what customers can or cannot do in their establishment. It should be up to business owners to have the nerve to ban smoking; no way should our governments be involved. When the business owners of an entire city or state do not fight against such government control, I consider that pretty cowardly on their part.
username: Who has forced you to go to places which allow smoking? You see, it's all about choice, or rather, it should be.
Perhaps I would change my mind about government control over smoking when the governments stop wanting our tobacco taxes to spend.
Elder, I agree with one thing you say: Why would a person in today's world, knowing the health damage and the addiction that smoking might cause, ever smoke that first one? Latest research shows addiction starts with less than two packs smoked. Incidentally, there are at least 3 good websites detailing the flaws and skewed statistics published in the EPA's Second-Hand Smoke reports.
I'm a little outspoken sometimes, and every time I see someone under the age of 20 smoking, I actually do ask them--Why did you start smoking, knowing what we know today?
I smoke. I work in many states that ban smoking. It's not a problem.. really. Most business people will say the really do like it.. Business is better because it brings the non-smokers out. For us smokers.. we all need to realize when we smoke in front of non smokers we do infringe upon their rights... bottom line.
Why in the world would someone smoke in a car dealership?
The No Smoking Ban is going to hurt a lot of businesses. If the government is so worried about the smoking, then why don't they pay that much attention to the dirty air all of us breathe each day and all the messed up water we consume each day. What are they going to do when they run the tobacco companies out of business and there is no more tobacco tax. Beer and Liquor will be next. They are so worried about smokers, but will not say a thing about the serious obese problem we have in this country, when that hit's our health care system the cost of obese will cost our health care ten times what smoking cigarettes does.
I think it's ridiculous for the government to tell us where we can and can't smoke. Maybe we should be allowed to open up smoking only restaurants, but then non-smokers would say those businesses were discriminating against them. Well, what do you think it's doing to smokers now? I do hope the smoking ban hurts the Pony. How disgusting of a place is that? I mean really, the signs outside. The kids on the school bus drive by this everyday and have to see that horrible pink anatomically correct horse up in the air. It's just disgusting.
I am a non smoker who does not like to patronize places that allow smoking. Case in point. Heard many good things about the Jackson Dinner and decided to take the family there a few weeks ago. As soon as we pulled up there was a customer sitting in a booth by the door smoking. We decided not to go in. We choose where to spend our money and until I hear different we will not be going there.
I agree 100% with SWAN. Why should I go home smelling like smoke.
As far as GURUSMOM. I am somewhat confused by your statements on how on one hand you are against government interference and restrictions but yet poke your nose in another persons business asking them why they are smoking if they are under 20. What should you care if this person smokes? Is that not interferering with that persons right?
The bottom line is the government is interfering due to health concerns. We all pick and chose which government laws we like and dislike such as helmet, seat belt, smoking etc. It is now the law and the business owners can complain all they want but its the law.
I think the only places that may be hurt are the places on the boarders of states that allow smoking, but I also believe that more and more states will pass similar laws which will level the playing field.
Interestingly, one of the more popular bars up where I live has experienced a record year since the town put a smoking ban in place last year.
Sad to think that some folks are so addicted to smoking that it prevents them from going places that don't allow it, but it's best for the overall public's health.
I have a friend whose parents smoke. Her parents go into another room in a different part of the house and smoke thinking it's making a difference. I go there sometimes and even if I don't go to that part of the house, my clothing stink of smoke. With that being the case, then couldn't it be true that you can get second hand smoke damage from 50 feet away in a different part of the house? With the ductwork connecting throughout the house, the air flowing through the vents is pushing all the smoke everywhere. And if that is true, then it is true that having smoking areas and non-smoking areas in restaurants isn't helping a damn thing.
Gman
Yes, Jackson Diner is a great place to go. I've been several times. However, the last time I went I was upset. My family and I was in the diner and we was away from the smoking section (at least I thought). A couple came in and sat right next to our booth which was by the front doors and started smoking. How disgusting!!!! In my opinion they shouldn't even have a smoking section in there because it's to small. The smoke is still in the air floating around. I don't mind to go to a restaurant that has a smoking section and non smoking; however when all the sections are put together in a small space like that, I don't think that's fair for non smokers. Why should we breath in smoke while eating. If I wanted to do that I would go sit behind a car when running and eat. Smokers need to have consideration especially around children. I wish Missouri would go Smoke Free too!!!!
Maybe the smoking ban will help some quit.....and just look at the money they will save....you could even look at it as though it's a cut in taxes.
Your right to smoke in a public place ends at my nose. PERIOD.
It has nothing to do with health problems, just my comfort. If you are 200 pounds overweight, it is not my business unless you are encroaching on my space. Sitting next to a lardo in a theatre or on a plane becomes my business. Just because someone has to squeeze through a double door to sit at the table next to me is not my concern.
I don't buy the second-hand smoke health argument, at least not in the context of occasional exposure in a restaurant environment. And nobody has a god given right to be free from being annoyed by other people. Would a law requiring people to shower twice a day make sense? There are after all a LOT of smelly people out there. Of course such a law would be seen as ridiculous. In California there are towns that have banned wearing perfume in certain places because of the 1 person in 10,000 who is really alergic to it. Where does is end? I'm not a smoker, but I hate the idea of the government further intruding in our lives. Unfortunately most non-smokers can't see past the end of their nose.
smoking is bad...for all. ban it completely. but of course it couldnt be done over night, otherwise we'd have smokers commiting mass murders to get a drag.
as we can all notice the govt is slowing taking the country off cigerettes.
I give it 5-10 years before the only place you will be allowed to smoke is your private residence.
And I am certain I will see a complete smoking ban in my lifetime.
The whole smoking ban issue smacks of PC nazism to me...or socialist fascism, if you will. I've seen studies that deem second-hand smoke, like global warming, as a complete leftist hoax. I do feel that smokers should try to be duly mindful of non-smokers...well, that is, however, until they cop a holier-than-thou attitude. Then by all means, smoke 'em if ya got 'em, right in their faces. I view PC nazis as a bunch of little Heinrich Himmlers trying to control every aspect of peoples lives. Besides, what is PC anyway? Just tyrannical control of thoughts, words, and actions, pretty much perfected by the Nazis and Stalinists.
Makes me want to take up chain-smoking in public places just out of defiance and to "P"apa "O"scar all the petty little Himmlers sticking their snoots in everyones business. If your health is so badly "damaged" by a little second-hand smoke, then don't even dare to hang around in parking lots of any establishment. That car exhaust and instant global warming will really get you!
One last thought. If I were a soldier in a foxhole during combat, and lit up what might be a last smoke, God help the PC idiot who jumps into that hole to lecture me about it! Semper der Hund!!
Fuzzy Alien Bunny,
If what you say is true, then aren't laws that force wearing seat belts and helmets also Marxism?
Really, you starting to sound like a mealy-mouthed bigot!
Herr,
Let's take the second-hand smoke thing out of play. Foremost, smoking is BAD for the smoker, just like "LIKE SAFETY BELTS" Banning smoking saves lives.
I love the two-faced comments on here~!
Yeah, Syrup guy. Kinda like your two-faced leftist comments, perhaps?
What we have here is the age old smoker vrs. nonsmoker opinions . They always seem to leave out that we elected the folks that passed this law & they will continue passing laws until we all wise up & take a look at the other party out there that most folks would find they truely blend in with . That would be the Libertarian party .
So first lets help correct where we have lost control of our rights & belifes . Your goverment machine has been allowed to get out of control & it may be too late with the way it has been snowballing over the last few decades . At the pace we are on we all will have chips implanted & they will know just what you ingest & weather you are insurable or not .
By the way i'm not a smoker & I don't care for the smell of 2nd hand smoke at all , but if they can tell a bussiness owner his patrons can't smoke in his/her establishment what next will it come to . no sick folks in the doctors office or willwe have segrigated waiting rooms soon to come?
come on.. we have lost public control here !
Herr,
You have no clue do you? I've voted Republican more years than you've been alive boy!
Funny Bunny,
Surely you don't consider yourself a Republican?
How many Republican precinct meetings have you attended recently?
As a non-smoker and someone who served our country in the military, I totally disagree with smoking ban in Illinois. Combat veterans are good enough to send overseas to get shot, but not good enough to be allowed to smoke in their own veteran's club. It's communism at its best. If you must ban smoking in public, ban selling tobacco products also. The state shouldn't make a profit from the tobacco tax while dictating what veterans and other tax-paying businesses allow in the confines of their building.
Restaurants that allow smoking feel dirtier, stinkier, and greasier than those that don't allow it. But, IMO it's up to the individual property owner to decide.
Someone brought up Jackson Diner. That place is too small to allow smoking. One person in there sucking on a cig stinks up the whole place. For that reason I probably won't be going there too much anymore. They won't miss me, they have a crowd in there every night so far.
Memo to smokers (and also people with indoor cats as pets)... you think your house and clothes don't stink...but they really do.
I am just ROFL at all of this.
First off--I don't support government legislated morality. Thus--I don't support smoking bans. If you wish to smoke and take the risks..that's your business.
If I don't want to smoke I can choose not to patronize places that offer it. And I can not whine about it because I'm making my own choice.
Secondly...I love to hear all the people whining about the "anatomically" correct pony. I think the majority of the whiners are the people in there on Friday night---they just don't want anyone to realize they frequent a strip club. This is not directed at the only poster who mentioned it--I have heard LOTS of complaints and seen a good portion of city council meeting time wasted on discussing advertisements for this place of business.
I can tell you that absolutely none of the children in my family and extended family have come home asking about the horse...or even about the "girls, girls, girls".
And if they did--I would tactfully answer because you have to function in real life.
So many people would just love to infringe on the rights of other people. If you don't want to smoke (which I don't)...then don't go to smoking places. If you don't want drink--don't hang out at a bar. And if you don't want to see T&A..then don't to the strip club. It's not your business if someone else wants to.
Swan, I wouldn't hurt your feelings for anything, but just disappointed that you would agree with government control over private businesses by instituting a smoking ban.
I railed against the seat belt laws, and the motorcycle helmet laws for the very reasons you stated...But like the smoking issue, there are always those who will come back and cite "our safety."
Damn it (can I say that here?)! CHOICE...don't go where there is smoking allowed if you don't like it...don't go where smoking is not allowed if you don't like it! And get a little frightened every time you see one more freedom of choice taken away by our government.
SuperBethie, you have my complete admiration! ;)
gman: You're confused that I could be against government interference but ask young people why they are starting to smoke? Yep, poking my nose in another person's business, but that certainly is not mandatory interference, is it?
I have smoked since I was 16. I have tried to quit numerous times. I CARE that young people are starting to smoke, knowing what a terrible addiction it can be for some people--Yes, worse than a heroin addiction, according the medical research.
Hope this clears up your confusion.
LOL..Thank you Guru.
I'll be hung out for it...but I feel compelled to rail against things of this nature...
because what happens when they decide soda isn't good for us? or that we shouldn't live in houses that are painted white..or something equally ridiculous?
My issues with the inhibited folks and the Pony comes back to the fact that I don't view sex (and yes..omg..I typed it..SEX) as something bad and dirty.
I realize everyone has different aspects to their pleasure--and some people are more private than others--
but as long as you aren't being forced to participate and everyone is a consenting adult...what the heck do people have to whine about?
We spend too much time worrying about what everyone tom, dick, and jane think about us.
Syrup Guy:
I have a couple of clues about you. But it doesn't matter to me if you're a Republican-socialist (infiltrative RINO)or a Democrat-socialist. Socialism is socialism, no matter what flavor you choose...it's as evil as it gets. And you sound like such an immature punk, I'm no doubt unfortunately old enough to at least be your father, God forbid.
As for major parties, well, they're both screwed up; however, the Democrat Party has been a socialist mob even longer than I've been on this planet. Read the Communist Manifesto...it's their playbook. There is no party that suites me, as I simply consider myself a Constitutional Conservative, and a "crude Christian"...still cuss and swear (especially at socialists), and only believe in turning the other cheek to test whether or not you're stupid enough to try it again. Heck, I even believe that socialists (& communists, if you're really in a hurry) can be hated, because they're like sub-human demons...much like Islamo-fascists.
When I took the oath to defend Constitution & country, who do think was, and still is, America's worst enemy, hmmm?
GOBBLER: Your comment "...if they can tell a business owner his patrons can't smoke in his/her establishment what next...no sick folks in the doctors office or will we have segrigated waiting rooms soon to come?" was good! Hadn't thought of that argument when it comes to government control, but you're right. So when MO institutes a smoking ban, I'll start fighting for the doctors' office thing.
I have an autoimmune disease, with treatments that suppress my immune system. Therefore, I am very susceptible to catching anything contagious...and sitting in a doctor's waiting room is probably one of the most dangerous places I could be...Yep, time to have the government tell all the sick people they cannot wait in public for their appointments, because I might catch what they have, and it could kill me! Wow, I'm excited about this one! LOL
Having a smoking section in a restaurant is like having a peeing section in a public swimming pool. Every restaurant that allows smoking is the same. You have to wait longer for a non-smoking table, then you are placed at times within a foot of a smoking table (i.e. Applebee's, Cracker Barrel). Then you say its all about your rights. What about the expectant waitress, or mother who doesn't want her child exposed to smoke. Is it fair that my clothes and family should smell like smoke just so we can enjoy a meal. If you want a smoking section, fine, but enclose it in glass with glass doors and a seperate ventilation system. If the cost is too high for that raise the tobacco taxes again to help pay for it.
As usual, SuperBethie, good points. Again, a matter of choice: I don't frequent sex clubs (not that I'm against sex!) or adult book stores. But I would defend the rights of anyone to do so if they choose.
In history, choices have been taken away from populations--supported by people who were brainwashed by their governments into believing that the restrictions of freedoms were a good thing.
The smoking issue has a history--American lawmakers have slowly made their case against it for a reason. It began when the government wanted to raise taxes on tobaccco, and pretty much ended with the falsified EPA reports on so-called Second Hand Smoke. There's a real story here, which I have followed & researched for at least 30 years.
An expectant waitress who does not want to be exposed to smoke should apply at non-smoking establishments.
Individuals who do not want to smell smoke or have smoke scented clothing should choose to frequent establishments that cater to their desires.
If you don't like the smoke--don't eat Cracker Barrel! Go to a non-smoking restaurant!
Maybe they should tax only the whiny non-smokers to build a specially ventilated room.
The smokers aren't complaining about the non-smokers who sat next to them...or across the room..or out on the patio.
Don't tax the non-smokers who choose other establishments though. They are exercising their freedom of choice.
(*wonders if the poster sees how ludicrous the statement was*)
sprintfan: Same old response--CHOICE! The freedom of CHOICE.
Here's a more reasonable and less scary solution for you than government control: Every person who has a problem with smoking in a restaurant write a letter to restaurant owner requesting that the business ban smoking in his establishment, and stating that until he does, that person will not come back.
A lot of businesses would probably ban smoking then. That's should be their CHOICE, not the government's.
No, SuperBethie: (*wonders if the poster sees how ludicrous the statement was*) As with most subjects, once people get radical and unreasonable, they can only see one side of an issue--their side.
For those who don't seem to comprehend-- CHOICE:
1. an act or instance of choosing; selection:
2. the right, power, or opportunity to choose; option:
I don't believe in seat belt laws. I believe they are an infringement on individual rights.
The only cases that I would consider acceptable are in relation to children in carseats. And if children are required to be in carseats--they should be safety belted in school buses.
swan, sorry about your asthma! That's a tough thing to deal with, in this age of pollution and pollen from so many different sources.
Did you know that every time a vehicle is started, the emmissions are equivalent to smoking 7 packs of cigarettes? Someday, the government may have to ban starting our cars? LOL
Ah, but SuperBethie, have you not seen the arguments about seat belts--that we all pay indirectly when someone is injured more seriously in an accident if they were not wearing their belt? See, there is always a "logical reason" for laws. ~tongue-in~cheek~
One thing I'm glad of: I grew up, and raised my children, in an age before government invasion became so predominant in our lives. You know what? My kids even ate cupcakes! ;)
I'm amazed the government hasn't already banned cars...
along with skydiving, mountain climbing, and other "risky" behavior.
Most of the very things they try to ban are for our safety--they use this for items like "assault" rifles and whatnot. Yet, more people die in car accidents per year than most people would like to think about. Does that make our cars unsafe? Are they required to protect us from our cars and ourselves?
Horse and Buggy outlaws would follow shortly thereafter...to be followed by outlawing bicycling to protect us from scraped knees.
No thanks..I have one mother and she's plenty. =)
Some of the arguments given for not having seat belts on school buses, with the first one maybe being a fairly valid reason, is:
1. If there were an accident, someone would have to try and unbuckle many of the children who are too young to manage it themselves...the kids might be trapped in a burning bus, etc.
2. The time it would take for the bus driver to buckle up the younger children, plus make sure all the kids were buckled in and stayed buckled in, would be pretty extensive.
3. If there were an accident, even one not caused by the bus driver, parents of any child who was not buckled in could then sue the school district.
I was inclined to be for the bus seat belts, but knowing two school bus drivers and looking at the other side of it...Not sure where I stand on it now.
SuperBethie you are SO clever and quick-witted! "No thanks..I have one mother and she's plenty. =)"
My grandma was a school bus driver for many many years.
She and I have talked about seat belts. She said the extra time would be worth knowing they were all in their seats and could help prohibit any extra distractions.
I'm not sure what to say for the "unbuckling."
I would think it might help in a rollover accident to not have so many bodies jumbling about in the open air space at the top of the bus. But I haven't looked at scientific reports on it.
I smoked for 9 years... yes nothing compared to others and I feel for all of you... I just wanted to say, "Chantix"... it's the best thing I've ever done. It helped me quit smoking last March and my husband quit dipping 2 months ago.
See someone smoking in a Bar? Report them! Not wearing a seatbelt? Call the hotline...report them. Someone not driving the way YOU think they should? (Might be drinking) Make an anonymous phone call to 1-800-RatMeOut.
People Policing people, that's how it all started in Germany.
To all you folks out there with your low self-esteem, who need to feel superior to some group, any group of folks that aren't living their lives according to your personal mandate…
Hitler would be so proud of you! You'd make a great NAZI .
Restaurants and bars (and every other type of public establishment) have always had the right to make their establishment Smoke-Free. Non-Smokers have always had the choice to frequent those places. What this law does is chip away at one more personal freedom, and we as Americans should ALL be outraged. Oh, and by the way…all you overweight folks are next! You cost all of us in higher Health Care costs and lost productivity because you're unhealthy and lazy. (I don't believe that… but I hope you get my point…where does it all end? )
Bottom line. If you can't be in public without doing your drugs then you have a problem. I don't like smoke and should be able to dine anywhere and not be subjected to it.
The law in Illinois is too harsh, but all restaurants should be smoke free. All stores should be smoke free. All public offices should be smoke free.
If a company wants to have a private smoking area on their property for their addicted customers, they should be able to have one.
It is against the law to drink liquor at Macy's, it should be against the law to smoke at Cracker Barrel.
Smoking does make it easier for a guy on the prowl. A girl that smokes is more likely to be 'accomodating' than her smarter friend who doesn't.
Geez. Smokers are scary. I knew they smelled awful, had bad breath, littered at an alarming rate, exhibited poor judgment, burned clothes, furniture and other property, and generally had a lower intelligence and education level.
To pretend that smoking in my presence is not an infringement on my rights is indefensible. There is a reason you can't have sex at White Castle. There is a reason you can't shop naked at Aldi's.
You can smoke at home and in your car. If that isn't good enough, seek help.
That's why I typed tongue-in-cheek, swan. Our government, and yes, many of our citizens, can always find a "good reason" to make a new law for any and everything that infringes upon our freedom of CHOICE.
As for elder...never mind, don't want to get personal here! But smoking women are looser? ROFLMAO
plastic87: Glad Chantix helped you! I got real excited about it--until I read more about some of the possible & very serious side effects, and knowing that it might be a few more years before even more data is published.
Women who smoke are easier, well known fact among bad boys.
i think that this is wrong thay say smoke causes cancer it states on a bottle of sacrin that it can and it is still put on the table . The next thing we are going to see is a ban on fast food this law will most likly say that if you are over weight you will not eat at fast food resterants that would turn some heads laws like this should be voted on by the citizens and not 12 non smokers
thay say dont smoke but thay will not close the tabaco companys because then thay dont get the tax would thay
I was totally lost by Elder in my interest when he proposed that you could not drink liquor in a department store.
It showed me that he is uneducated and hasn't been to many large cities...
where you can go to a Saks or a Bloomingdales are partake in their bar while the women shop. They are not the only upscale retailers to offer such perks.
Sacarrin. When was the last time that was used? 1975?
Nobody is infringing on your right to smoke. Your right to smoke, just like your right to swing your arm, ends at my nose. What is hard to comprehend about that?
Oh, yeah. Who expects intelligent decisions from smokers?
You can't drink in a department store no more than you can eat or smoke in a department store.
There might be a bar inside of one (I have never seen it) but you cannot take the drink and roam around the store. I have seen plenty of department stores that serve food in a restaurant.
I did shop at Macy's in Chicago right before Thanksgiving. Didn't see a single person drinking, smoking, eating, having sex or not wearing clothes.
Gosh, Elder..."Women who smoke are easier, well known fact among bad boys"...Guess I missed those statistics during all my research! Maybe a good thing I didn't know, back in my single, youthful days, that I was easier. ;)
BTW, Elder...it's CHOICE, and the almighty government taking it away from businesses (as well as individuals in other cases) that bothers us the most.
See, on the one hand, the government really, really wants us to keep paying cigarette taxes (millions alone per year just in Missouri)...on the other hand, government really, really wants to placate non-smokers. Hard to have both, isn't it?
I don't even smoke.
You are so quick to judge.
And I'm glad you've been stores in Chicago. But I can assure you that there are department stores in at least Dallas and New York City that I can tell you firsthand have a bar that is not in a closed off area.
If you don't like smoke...why would you go somewhere that is a smoking establishment?
Is it just so you can whine?
SuperBethie21 just for the record, I don't frequent the Strip Club with the anatomically correct pony out front. I happen to live in that neighborhood. And yes, kids do make comments about the pony and the "girls, girls, girls". I have talked to my child about this, but I think it's ridiculous to have this place in a family neighborhood. That was my point with saying I hoped the smoking ban put the place out of business. Would you like a strip club in your neighborhood? We were never asked or told about it until it opened up.
Smoke all you want, in private. You are infringing on my rights when you smoke around me. It is worse than someone with a booming car stereo.
Do you believe that someone should have the choice to play their stereo at 153dB wherever they want?
Generally, smokers are stupid and gullible - otherwise they wouldn't be smokers...
I live in the same neighborhood as you...and frankly..the presence of the strip club doesn't disturb me all that much.
They aren't stripping outside for myself and passerby to see and I'm not forced to go there.
I would begin to have an issue if they started having a large criminal presence in their clientele..but currently..that has not been the case.
I'm simply stating my viewpoint---and my opinion on children stated that from my family and extended family. I didn't say anything about your children. In my family/extended family that is...5 children ranging in age from 2-17.
Now--I'll give you the issue about not being asked. That issue is an issue with the town council..and won't be rectified until we begin voting some of the entrenched individuals out of office. They don't want items like that to go to a public vote...
hence they are a municipality council run amok.
I can disagree with you all day long over the Strip Club and where it should or shouldn't be located...
but I'll give you that something needs to be done to rectify the council issues.
If you don't want to get hit in the nose when I'm flailing my arms, don't come near enough. The same applies with smoking. Don't want second hand smoke at a private business or residence? Don't go in them.
If a business owner finds it more profitable to ban smoking, great. If they find having an unventilated box filled with tobacco smoke is more profitable, great. You don't have to go there.
Let the market decide. We (that's the market dumbass) will work it out without some other dumbasses regulating our health or morality.
We're on the slippery slope folks. It's amazing how close this country has come to a communist/socialist state in 20 years. Don't you remember Rocky IV?
Elder, were the chaparones from the County Workshop with you while you were roaming around Chicago or did you somehow escape your residential "facility".
You lack an understanding of the basic public vs. private knowledge commonly found in toddlers. Stick to the message boards at Sesame Street.
People should have the right to play their loud stereos on any public street they want, based on your sophomoric logic.
Your right to smoke ends at my nose, just like my right to swing my arms ends at your nose.
Smoking should be permitted at singles bars. It helps identify the women that are stupid and gullible, exactly what a guy is looking for in a one night stand.
The problem is most eating places have smoking sections except fast food joints. It's not fair to me or other non smokers that we can't go out and enjoy a nice meal without smelling smoke. How would you like if I didn't bathe for a week and came and sat by you in a booth--that's how smokers are to me. Smokers don't realize how they smell because they are used to the smell, us non smokers are not used to the smell. And by the way I don't go to Bars because I don't want to be around smoke, but I should atleast be allowed to go out and eat at a nice place. Non smokers don't bother smokers while out.
Then let the "nice place" know that you won't be a patron if they allow smoking.
If enough people complained the business would change their policy.
They don't need the government to do it for them.
It was estimated in 1999 that 66.8 million Americans smoked and if you take the average tax on cigarettes of .80 cents a pack nationwide if those smokers only smoke 1 pack a day every day of the year you arrive at this figure in tax dollars.....19 Billion 564 million dollars. Now do you really think the United States Government and State Governments want to lose this amount of tax dollars. The tax we smokers pay on cigarettes is used for health care yes, but it also is used by government to pass the laws just as Illinois and other states have done in banning smoking in public places and most states are considering raising the tax on cigarettes even more. Here in Arizona we currently pay $2.00 per pack in taxes which ranks us number 4 in the country at present time. The Government does not want us to quit, as they then would lose an enormous amount of money each year. It is my opinion that the Government already dictates to us what we can and can not do too much. Land of the Free........maybe it used to be so but not so much anymore.
Here is the tax rate for each state, so do the math and see how much your state is bringing in from smokers alone. You Non-Smokers if you were taxed as smokers are I believe you would be complaining just as we Smokers are now.
STATE EXCISE TAX RATES ON CIGARETTES
(January 1, 2007)
STATE TAX RATE
(¢ per pack)
RANK STATE TAX RATE
(¢ per pack) RANK
Alabama (1) 42.5 40 Nebraska 64 31
Alaska (3) 180 7 Nevada 80 26
Arizona 200 4 New Hampshire 80 26
Arkansas 59 33 New Jersey 257.5 1
California 87 24 New Mexico 91 23
Colorado 84 25 New York (1) 150 13
Connecticut 151 11 North Carolina 35 44
Delaware
55 36 North Dakota 44 39
Florida 33.9 45 Ohio 125 16
Georgia 37 41 Oklahoma 103 19
Hawaii (3) 160 10 Oregon 118 18
Idaho 57 34 Pennsylvania 135 15
Illinois (1) 98 22 Rhode Island 246 2
Indiana 55.5 35 South Carolina 7 51
Iowa 36 42 South Dakota 53 38
Kansas 79 28 Tennessee (1) (2) 20 48
Kentucky (2) 30 46 Texas 141 14
Louisiana 36 42 Utah 69.5 30
Maine 200 4 Vermont 179 8
Maryland 100 20 Virginia (1) 30 46
Massachusetts 151 11 Washington 202.5 3
Michigan 200 4 West Virginia 55 36
Minnesota (4) 123 17 Wisconsin 77 29
Mississippi 18 49 Wyoming 60 32
Missouri (1) 17 50 Dist. of Columbia 100 20
Montana 170 9
U. S. Median 80.0
Source: Compiled by FTA from various sources
(1) Counties and cities may impose an additional tax on a pack of cigarettes in AL, 1¢ to 6¢; IL, 10¢ to 15¢; MO, 4¢ to 7¢; NYC $1.50; TN, 1¢; and VA, 2¢ to 15¢.
(2) Dealers pay an additional enforcement and administrative fee of 0.1¢ per pack in KY and 0.05¢ in TN.
(3) Tax rate is scheduled to increase to $2.00 per pack on July 1, 2007 in AK and to $2.00 on Sept. 30, 2007 in HI.
(4) Plus an additional 25.5 cent sales tax is added to the wholesale price of a tax stamp (total $1.485).
Return to FTA Home Page
BabyGirl: How much did you invest in these restaurants?
Not only is it fair that smokers are allowed to smoke in the places that allow it, it allows a person with $ and desire to choose how they operate their investment. Your well done steak covered in ketchup does not allow you, or any other socialist moron, the right to decide for the person sticking their neck out while risking their family's future. Your kind will burn one day Pinko.
Azjimmy, you say, "You Non-Smokers if you were taxed as smokers are I believe you would be complaining just as we Smokers are now."
I feel there is a real simple solution to your tax problem. Don't smoke and you won't have to pay the $2.00 tax per pack. I don't care if they tax cigarettes $10.00 a pack. It won't cost me anything because I don't smoke. I don't smoke, because quite frankly, I like to breath.
Again, logic and good decision making are lost on smokers; otherwise they wouldn't be smokers.
I think if you see a sign that says this is a smoking establishment then don't go in. Many people won't go into a restaurant if they sell beer. If you want to ban something, ban unruly children.
I never light up in a restaurant but if I stop by a pub I like a smoke with my beer or I won't go there.
As many have said Hillary's health police will make sure everyone eats correctly and doesn't smoke or they will be denied health care. Be careful what is being started.
You say that since you are a non-smoker, then why should you have to smell our smoke? Hmmm. Well, I dont have kids, but I have to listen to your uncontrolled loud mouthed little brats. I am an attractive person, but I have to look at all you ugly and overweight people. If my rights end at you nose, then maybe yours should end at my eyes and ears!