Tobacco Smoke indoors (relocate, work, hospital)

[Lutz Lady]

I think I heard on the radio this morning that smoking is allowed in all offices and businesses in TN. I think they are trying to get a law passed to stop this- like the indoor clean air act or something like that. I am in Tampa, FL right now and we cannot smoke ANYWHERE inside a building and certainly not in restaurants. What is the status in TN? Reason I ask is for asthma problems and before we think about moving, would like to know if this is a factor.

[klosk]

Well, I really can't be of much help about Tennessee. I do think most states these days do not allow smoking. I live in New Mexico and smoking is not allowed within 50 ft. of a building or in Restraunts. I realize your problem about your asthma but, I have a bigger concern, is alcohol allowed there. As it is here and it really worries me. We have so many drunk drivers here people are being killed on a daily basis because of them. I mean whole families are wiped out. What a Shame!!!!

[SouthernStar]

We're originally from FL as well, and when we came up here househunting we stopped by Ace Hardware to pick up a tape measure and they were smoking inside. We flipped out about that one for a while, because I can't remember the last time you could do that in FL. But since we moved here we haven't had any other issues with it, except for one gas station up the road. Doesn't really bother me as I don't go inside much, and I can always go another mile to a different gas station. It's not like they smoke in Wal Mart or anything

[hiknapster]

I don't think it is allowed in government buildings, and most businesses are smoke-free. However, most restaurants allow smoking but most also have non-smoking areas. It is not the law and up to the individual business.

[insanesmooch]

As of Nov. 1, there is no smoking in government (at least State gov) buildings. There may be local laws against smoking in their gov. buildings too. Other than that, I think it is up to the stores/restaurants or other places to make their own rules.

[akm4]

Without a doubt the worst part of living here. Restaurants, shops, concerts, lots of places. Last year I was referred to a doctor (specialist) in Nashville for cancer treatment. He came highly recommended. Imagine my shock when I walked in and smelled cigarette smoke! I was stunned, but sat down with the usual clipboard, then came to my senses and handed the forms back to the receptionist. I asked her, "This is going to sound crazy, but is that smoke I smell?" She got red in the face and told me it was. Someone in the back. In the back?!

Now I've seen it all.

Just seek out the nonsmoking places and make the best of it.

[mbmouse]

Something you have to remember about TN/KY/VA. This is where the countries tobacco is grown. There are still a lot of property that has a tobacco allotment that comes with the property you buy if you are looking for anything with more than a few acres. To some of the older generation and some of the newer, saying you can't smoke is like telling them they can't make a living. Not saying it is right or wrong, just explaining.

[willowslady]

We grow the tobacco your fussing about. Yes, we do smoke in buildings, outside of buildings and around the buildings. We smoke in our convenience stores, restaurants and everywhere else they will let us. I still don't get that at all. Why can't those that do not want to breathe in the smoke go outside and get the fresh air they are looking for instead of making my tobacco allotment smaller and smaller every yr?

[LauraC]

Originally Posted by willowslady

We grow the tobacco your fussing about. Yes, we do smoke in buildings, outside of buildings and around the buildings. We smoke in our convenience stores, restaurants and everywhere else they will let us. I still don't get that at all. Why can't those that do not want to breathe in the smoke go outside and get the fresh air they are looking for instead of making my tobacco allotment smaller and smaller every yr?

It's important to know if you plan to relocate and work in places that permit indoor smoking. Consumers can choose to go or not go to places where smoking is permitted but you should be able to make an informed decision about where you want to work before you relocate yourself and the family, if smoking is an issue for you, pro or con. Knowing that Tennessee leaves it up to the individual business, just means the original poster now knows they need to ask and not assume wherever they are going is smoke-free.

[Mrs.Bewitched]

Originally Posted by willowslady

We grow the tobacco your fussing about. Yes, we do smoke in buildings, outside of buildings and around the buildings. We smoke in our convenience stores, restaurants and everywhere else they will let us. I still don't get that at all. Why can't those that do not want to breathe in the smoke go outside and get the fresh air they are looking for instead of making my tobacco allotment smaller and smaller every yr?

I like LAuraC's explanation better than the above one. Why does it have to be "fussing" about? It is a lot easier said than done to have to cart my son to...as you say "convenience stores, restaurants, in buildings, outside, around, on top of, underneath of...everywhere else", to get some necessities, and as he has severe asthma that has put him into the hospital and he has to carry around an inhaler wherever he goes..oh, and by the way, he is ONLY 6...then why does it have to be "fussing about"? He very well couldn't just "step outside", and I very well would have to take him with me instead of leaving him home byhimself...so how can this be "fussing", rather than just being concerned over a very important area?
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