[roxy08fox]

Is anyone else bothered by the fact that people are allowed to smoke inside bar and clubs? It might be because I didn't grow up around smoking or because California (where I'm from) has a no smoking law and that's what I'm used too, but I can't stand this about Florida!

Does anyone know if anyone has tried to rid this in Florida? I'm highly considering looking into passing a bill to rid smoking in establishments.

If you want to smoke, smoke outside. I really don't want to inhale your second hand smoke and the cancerous fumes that come with it...thanks.

[Alyzza]

I couldn't agree with you more!! Since it's so hard to find a Floridian who doesn't smoke but does like to drink, they had to find a way around that somehow. The law says that the revenue from food has to be greater than some percent of the total for smoking to be banned. So open a bar that doesn't serve much food (but some) and there's the way around it. There are even signs on the doors of these places that welcome smokers.

I like going out to watch the pay-per-view fights, so I'm glad that there are places like Wings, where we can go and enjoy the evening out without having to be covered up in smoke. Of course you still have to walk through the live ashtray to get in and out of the place but other than that…

[rogerrabbit]

here's a thought. why don't you move back to CA, where they have laws you like, rather than trying to change FL to the way you want it.

[JustinsMama]

I thought the bars and clubs there were already non-smoking? Hell, even here in NC (tobacco country) they passed a law last year that only private clubs can be smoking now and they seem to be few and far between...

[beckycat]

There are select bars that allow smoking if less that 20% of their sales are food. I can't stand it either, but there are plenty bars that are non-smoking which I go to. You just have to know where to go. Restaurants do not allow it. I can't agree with you more.

[roxy08fox]

Originally Posted by rogerrabbit

here's a thought. why don't you move back to CA, where they have laws you like, rather than trying to change FL to the way you want it.

LOL

I'm going to guess you're a smoker? Trust me, I would move back to Cali in a heart beat. It's at least not so backwards as it is here in Florida. But since that's not happening, I'd rather change this state to achieve more civilized standards and a ban on smoking will be one of them.

It's a disgusting habit. Just because you'd like to send yourself to an early grave, don't drag me down with you.

[roxy08fox]

Originally Posted by beckycat

There are select bars that allow smoking if less that 20% of their sales are food. I can't stand it either, but there are plenty bars that are non-smoking which I go to. You just have to know where to go. Restaurants do not allow it. I can't agree with you more.

I'm glad that at least I can enjoy restaurants here without being tortured. I guess when I go out to downtown Orlando, I will just have to do more research before heading out.

[Coconut1]

Originally Posted by roxy08fox

LOL

I'm going to guess you're a smoker? Trust me, I would move back to Cali in a heart beat. It's at least not so backwards as it is here in Florida. But since that's not happening, I'd rather change this state to achieve more civilized standards and a ban on smoking will be one of them.

It's a disgusting habit. Just because you'd like to send yourself to an early grave, don't drag me down with you.

Ditto!

[kyle19125]

Approximately one in four Americans smoke, so the fact that 75% are being forced to deal with an unpleasant/unhealthful habit of such a minority fails all reason. Florida is somewhat lacking in community involvement in comparison to other states, which is probably why grassroots effort to add laws in local municipalities hasn't happened yet. Not surprising given the overall lack of other quality of life components such as decent public transit.

[gypsychic]

I don't smoke and I abhor the habit. However, I am grateful we have laws here now about no smoking in public places and restaurants. I don't need to go to any bars.

Personally, I know very, very few people who do smoke. I think rural areas have more smokers.

ETA: I also hate it when people come here from another state and talk about how "backwards" Florida is compared to "back home". No, it is not. I would rather live here than in a nanny state like California with cities that ban McDonald Happy Meals and circumcision! I think it's OK for people to retain some freedoms, even ones I don't care for like smoking.