Corpus Christi Passes Smoking ban (Austin, Burnet: sales, credit, restaurants)

[bb54321]

A ban on smoking has been in effect for restaurants for several years now. But, today the city council extended this ban to bars, pool halls, and bowling alleys.

As an occassional smoker, I support this all the way. This is definitely a step forward for the city of Corpus Christi.

[gabetx]

I think they should take bars and pool halls off the list. Bowling alleys I completely understand. Families are around and it gets all hazy in there. But if you are at a bar or pool hall, its mostly people over 21. It is what you would expect in a bar or pool hall. Alcohol and smokes. So I think that is kind of stupid. It probably lowers the desire for possible future bars or pool halls want to open up in CC.

[bb54321]

I'm a smoker and I support it all the way. Adults deserve the same right as families and children do. And that right is to breath non-toxic air. It's not going to kill the smokers (including myself) to step outside for a smoke (or might kill). Heck, it might even encourage more open air seating and patios. We all know Corpus Christi could use more outside spaces. This is a great decision by the city council. Not an easy one either. I give them credit for taking the issue and making the most logical decision.

[gabetx]

Ok, that was pretty persuasive. I kind of agree with you. I don't smoke or go to bars so I guess I really wouldn't know as much as you. And you are definately right about the open spaces.

[achtungpv]

In Austin, bar owners thought it would hurt business but what they found was, if I remember correctly, a 15% increase in alcohol sales since smokers don't nurse their drink along with their cigarettes and end up drinking more.

[Marlow]

Originally Posted by achtungpv

In Austin, bar owners thought it would hurt business but what they found was, if I remember correctly, a 15% increase in alcohol sales since smokers don't nurse their drink along with their cigarettes and end up drinking more.

I was in Austin in October and we ate at Trudy's and they asked us "smoking or non?" and I was surprised. Doesn't Austin ban smoking in restaurants? Now that I think about it, it's possible that we were in a suburb north of town...

I hate cigarette smoke, but telling people what to do on their private property still makes me uncomfortable.

[achtungpv]

Originally Posted by Marlow

I was in Austin in October and we ate at Trudy's and they asked us "smoking or non?" and I was surprised. Doesn't Austin ban smoking in restaurants? Now that I think about it, it's possible that we were in a suburb north of town...

I hate cigarette smoke, but telling people what to do on their private property still makes me uncomfortable.

I think they grandfathered in a few restaurants that have a smoking room completely contained with its own ventilation separate from the rest of the restaurant. If it's the Trudy's on Burnet, then I'm sure that was a case since you always had to go upstairs to the glass box to smoke.

[Marlow]

Originally Posted by achtungpv

I think they grandfathered in a few restaurants that have a smoking room completely contained with its own ventilation separate from the rest of the restaurant. If it's the Trudy's on Burnet, then I'm sure that was a case since you always had to go upstairs to the glass box to smoke.

Yes, that must be it. Thanks!

[gabetx]

Originally Posted by Marlow

I was in Austin in October and we ate at Trudy's and they asked us "smoking or non?" and I was surprised. Doesn't Austin ban smoking in restaurants? Now that I think about it, it's possible that we were in a suburb north of town...

I hate cigarette smoke, but telling people what to do on their private property still makes me uncomfortable.

It doesn't ban people from smoking on their own private property. It's just from inside restaurants. If you are outside its ok to smoke too.

[TexasHorseLady]

Austin used to have a great compromise, but those who, contrary to the claim that it's that THEY don't want to be exposed to smoke, don't want anyone to be allowed to smoke anywhere ever, just couldn't stand it and got it overturned.

The deal was, all venues were nonsmoking, UNLESS the owner of a particular venue (of certain kinds only) felt that it would be in the best interests of his business to be a "smoking allowed" venue. If so, he could apply for a permit, pay a heft fee, and comply with certain conditions, including posting a large sign on the front door notifying anyone entering that it was a smoking allowed business, and smoking would be allowed there.

So, there would be thousands of non-smoking venues available for those who wanted them, and a few smoking permitted venues for those who wanted a cigarette as part of their evening out.

Sounds perfect, right? Fair to all (with the nonsmokers actually having more than the smokers, but at least everybody has a place to go). But, as said, it was overturned by those who are, when it comes right down to it, more about controlling the lives of other adults than about not wanting to have to be exposed to smoke when they go out.

No, I don't smoke. Tried it once, about 40 years ago, it doesn't agree with me. But I do value my civil rights, and am well aware that if I tromp all over the rights of others that I don't particularly care for, I've lost any right and any high ground in protesting when my rights are overruled because someone else doesn't care for my having them.