Smoking ban? (Houston: live, restaurants, moving to)

[JPodz]

I suppose I could look on some Texas or Houston govt website, but I figured this would be easier.

I'm from Chicago, moving to Houston in a few months. In IL there's a public smoking ban in bars/restaurants/etc.

So is there a smoking ban down there?

[XodoX]

Yes.

[Poltracker]

Yep! You must also be at least 50 ft from the entrance of a building before lighting up in public as well.

[Oildog]

Yes...Its one of the best things that happened IMHO. Lived in Chicago when it happened there too...It was nice to go out and not smell like an ashtray when you got home. Also no stinky clothes the next morning.

[AlexTx]

I believe it's only in the city limits of Houston. I've gone to some places that are in Houston but outside the city limits that still allow smoking. I wish it would be banned everywhere.

[JPodz]

Awesome...very good to hear!

[TexasTheKid]

Originally Posted by JPodz

Awesome...very good to hear!

I disagree, but then I'm totally opposed to the whole concept of a nanny state.

[amirelez]

Originally Posted by TexasTheKid

I disagree, but then I'm totally opposed to the whole concept of a nanny state.

I wish there were more people that thought like you TexasTheKid.

I don't smoke and quit about five years ago but I agree with you. I am a let the free market decide kind of person.

If the non-smoking patrons are fed up with it and want the bar owner or restaurant owner to stop allowing other patrons to smoke in their establishments then why do we need a law? The proprietor can stop the smoking in his place or let him figure out how he can make both smoker and non smoker happy. [Ventilated smoke rooms, patios, etc.]

If the the establishment owner told the non smokers NO, then there would be non smoking bars and restaurants pop up to fill the void. A perfect free market solution.

I think that we forget that we can do things on our own without the stupid nanny government getting involved. Government is not reason it's force.

[MrsMtnsOnTheMind]

Originally Posted by amirelez

I wish there were more people that thought like you TexasTheKid.

I don't smoke and quit about five years ago but I agree with you. I am a let the free market decide kind of person.

If the non-smoking patrons are fed up with it and want the bar owner or restaurant owner to stop allowing other patrons to smoke in their establishments then why do we need a law? The proprietor can stop the smoking in his place or let him figure out how he can make both smoker and non smoker happy. [Ventilated smoke rooms, patios, etc.]

If the the establishment owner told the non smokers NO, then there would be non smoking bars and restaurants pop up to fill the void. A perfect free market solution.

I think that we forget that we can do things on our own without the stupid nanny government getting involved. Government is not reason it's force.

Owners of restaurants never take sides when it comes to patrons. In this economy and even before, they can't afford to take one side over the other so they just let things ride. We need "smoking" laws because people who smoke don't care about those of us who don't smoke. Some how they justify the right to ruin their own health AND others around them.

[amirelez]

Originally Posted by MrsMtnsOnTheMind

Owners of restaurants never take sides when it comes to patrons. In this economy and even before, they can't afford to take one side over the other so they just let things ride. We need "smoking" laws because people who smoke don't care about those of us who don't smoke. Some how they justify the right to ruin their own health AND others around them.

I wholeheartedly disagree with you. Government shouldn't tell owners how to run their businesses. If you hate cigarrettes stay out of the restaurant and if enough people stop going there the owner will have to compromise. Especially in this economy!

Whats next, "Stop smoking in your front yard it offends me and gives me cancer?" The government doesn't need to come referree every detail. If you allow that they will get bigger have more power and demand more money and liberty from you.