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Yes, restaurants are "open to the public" - but the public is not forced to be there. As a member of the public, you can walk into a bar, see people smoking, and turn around and walk right back out.
This is what we've been doing.
By that logic (taken to an extreme), if the majority of the populace were to feel that homosexuality should be a crime, then such behavior could rightfully be outlawed.
Homosexuality was considered a "crime against nature" until recent years in practically all states and against the law although it wasn't often enforced.
Bringing this down to less hyperbolic level - if the majority of the populace is anti-smoking (and needs a law to protect it from smoking-related harm) why don't we simply pass a law making smoking illegal - period?
When the opportunity arises, we probably will
I thought I had read (on this very board, not long after I moved here) that, at least in Meck. Co., it was about a 50-50 split between smoking-permitted and non-smoking establishments (all decided voluntarily by their respective owners). Is that incorrect? Going back to my Ayrsley example, 5 out 7 restaurants here are voluntarily smoke-free. If that is representative of the larger community, that would seem to refute your claim.
Agreed - this is nothing personal against you - we just disagree (strongly) about this issue. We might have a fine old time if we hung out and had a few drinks.
I am sure we would. If the smoking law had not passed, I would have accepted the status quo. It is just that it did work out on my side.
However, as I have stated before, my feelings about this law have nothing to do with the fact that I smoke. I have no problem going to smoke-free establishments, and do so quite frequently. If I'm at a bar where I can't smoke - no big deal - I'll happily step outside without complaint and do not feel put out. My opposition to this law (like other posters on this topic who have clearly stated that they do not smoke) is that I see it as an infringement of the rights of those who own these establishments to decide for themselves, without government interference, what legal activities they choose to allow within the confines of their privately-owned establishments.
It seems like I am starting to repeat my points, so I think I'm pretty much talked out on this subject.
Next issue, they should pass laws banning brats from entering resturants. Nothing worse than a screaming baby or a two year old with parents that let him/her run around because thay think that everyone will think he/she is cute. Geeeezzz!
Next issue, they should pass laws banning brats from entering resturants. Nothing worse than a screaming baby or a two year old with parents that let him/her run around because thay think that everyone will think he/she is cute. Geeeezzz!
Oh I so agree! That's a whole other can of worms though, with the terrible parenting...
I do not think that the government has a place to legislate such. The funny but sad thing is that those that are screaming, down with smoking are the ones who are doing one of two things:
a. drink like a fish and well if one was to be honest alcohol does more damage and harm than tobacco. But of course that is *their* vice and don't dare take that away.
b. scream that the government is getting way to big and treading where they shouldn't but yes, please stop smoking because I do not care for it.
People in this country have become way to self centered instead of standing for what is right!!!
People with an addiction will defend their "right" or use of the substance to the end. Health and safety trumps a persons "desire" to light up - or a business' desire to make a quick buck.
People with an addiction will defend their "right" or use of the substance to the end. Health and safety trumps a persons "desire" to light up - or a business' desire to make a quick buck.
you are kidding, right???
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