[bugbox]

Once again the Detroit Democrats turned down the smoking ban in Michigan. It just goes to show how much of a strangle hold Detroit politicians have on the rest of the state. So goes Detroit so goes the State of Michigan. Between the unions and the democrats its never going to change.

[Nephler]

I don't live in Michigan any longer, but if you want to go to a bar, live with the smoke. I don't feel there should be a smoking ban in bars. Deal with it.

[kimba01]

Originally Posted by Nephler

I don't live in Michigan any longer, but if you want to go to a bar, live with the smoke. I don't feel there should be a smoking ban in bars. Deal with it.

Agreed. Reps to you.

[mkfarnam]

In CA. and much of the West smoking bands were set back in the early "90's" on everything including public places.
I smoke, but I'd gotten so use to the band that I was kind of shocked when I drove back east and saw people smoking in truck stops.

[nessatar]

Originally Posted by bugbox

Once again the Detroit Democrats turned down the smoking ban in Michigan. It just goes to show how much of a strangle hold Detroit politicians have on the rest of the state. So goes Detroit so goes the State of Michigan. Between the unions and the democrats its never going to change.

Oh, please. As if we didn't have Engler, a Rep., for so many years. As if the Senate isn't Republican-controlled. MI is pretty balanced, neither a die-hard red nor blue state. Besides that, I don't see how the House wanting to make an exception for casinos and smoke shops is so terrible. It seems like a pretty moderate position to take. And frankly, now doesn't seem like the time to start sticking it to businesses, large or small.

[cjhsa]

Smoking in restaurants and even bars - anywhere that non-smokers might also gather - should be a no brainer - ban it. It's a simple thing when you think about it. The laws are written such that if an employee, say a waittress, gets sick from the smoking customers, she's gonna sue your a--. Insurers don't want to deal with that, so they will force employers to put smoking bans in place.

Not to mention that smoke-free places generate tons more revenue than smoke filled dives. End of discussion.

[mewith3]

once again behind the times

I grew up in NY state and they have had this law for years now
same law in Pennsylvania, etc

[allbusiness]

Casinos are not the only reason. Many legislators statewide want an exemption for cigar shops, cigar bars and cigar lounges -- places frequented and staffed by cigar smokers. Not doing so will essentially kill a few hundred legitimate businesses who are selling a legal product to adults and allowing them to consume on the premises.

"One size fits all", heavy-handed laws that do not allow legal existing businesses to continue as such should not be passed.

If ALL smoking is bad, then make the product illegal! (We all know THAT will never happen due to the HUGE taxes government reaps from it.) They just a bunch of hypocrits.

[trudawg]

I live in AZ, and It's funny coming from MI when you go to a resturaunt and the hostess doesn't ask for smoking or non?
Good ridance! I hate being subjected to smoke just because I want to go out to a bar, have a couple drinks, and shoot some pool. Hate coming home and my clothes smelling like smoke.

[mofromcheboygankalamazoo]

I live in PA now and the statewide smoking ban went into effect last week!
I LOVE it! that is one thing i hate about going out when i am in MI is the smoke...bleh...
here casinos can still have smoking in certain areas and if a bar's food revenue is less than 20% then they do not have the smoking ban....

it is a wondrous thing to be able to go home not smelling like smoke!!!