Corpus Christi Passes Smoking ban (Dallas, Austin: buying, school, college)

[TexasHorseLady]

One thing that I really liked about the Austin compromise was that those venues that chose to become licensed for smoking (much as they have to become licensed to serve alcohol) had to post a sign on the door announcing that they were a smoking venue, so there was no way a nonsmoker would go in unless they deliberately chose to do so, thus they would have no gripe coming.

[Cathy4017]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

One thing that I really liked about the Austin compromise was that those venues that chose to become licensed for smoking (much as they have to become licensed to serve alcohol) had to post a sign on the door announcing that they were a smoking venue, so there was no way a nonsmoker would go in unless they deliberately chose to do so, thus they would have no gripe coming.

We went to the new restaurant right after the ordinance passed, and they didn't yet have signs up.

Now, almost every building (including office complexes) states very clearly at the entrance whether they are all or none.

[Muhnay]

I like the idea of a business being able to register as a Smoking spot.. I could see many bars doing that. But to me it seems a bit over bearing by the city and state.. just another way for them to milk the local businesses. Kinda Socialistic eh?

[TexasHorseLady]

Well, they were trying to appease the anti-smoking crowd while allowing freedom for everyone. But the anti-smoking crowd here just flat couldn't live with that.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Well, they were trying to appease the anti-smoking crowd while allowing freedom for everyone. But the anti-smoking crowd here just flat couldn't live with that.

I know this is a volitle issue...and I have many friends who would be natural allies otherwise, but vehemently disagree on this one. LOL Anyway, lMHO, it comes down to private property rights vs. special interest rights. I quit smoking four years ago and never did like to smell smoke anyway. So I was never one of the "smokers rights" crowd at all.

Anyway, THL, you are right. It always starts with some kind of small controls such as mandating seperate areas for smokers and non-smokers. Then, as you say, that later becomes unacceptable and a complete ban is put in place. And then spreads to something so ludicruous as banning smoking in bars...for gods sake.

Is there any such thing a freedom anymore...?

[Muhnay]

Well REB, as a non-smoker, and one who suffers from allergies to tobacco and nicotine.. I'm all for the bans. But I do think it goes a bit far when the city says you can not smoke in a public park. A park, outside in the wide open spaces. Nuts.

[TexasHorseLady]

Muhnay, what do you think about the Austin compromise? Do you agree with the anti-smokers who don't want ANY place to allow smoking, even if it is licensed to do so and there are plenty of alternatives, or do you think it was a good compromise?

By the way, there are now movements afoot to do the same thing with certain kinds of foods and eating establishments. Those of you who are all in favor of a total smoking ban had best look to whatever your own personal pleasures are, because, trust me, sooner or later someone will do the same to you.

[TexasReb]

Originally Posted by Muhnay

Well REB, as a non-smoker, and one who suffers from allergies to tobacco and nicotine.. I'm all for the bans. But I do think it goes a bit far when the city says you can not smoke in a public park. A park, outside in the wide open spaces. Nuts.

I understand what you are saying, my friend.

[Muhnay]

I was recently living in Mississippi. And there you can still smoke in doors. Its funny because I smoke a pipe, and loved to after dinner there. I would get lots of people complimenting me on it. Never have I had anyone come up and complain. My wife smokes but she does it outside, one because our uncle is on Oxygen and the other because I am very allergic.

I have no problem with smoking in doors if you respect others around you. But the problem is the loss of that respect, so laws have to be put into place to enforce good manners.. and to me thats just sad. Let me commenit on Freedom, you have the freedom to do what you like as long as that freedom does not impose on someone elses freedoms. But too many people feel to self important to care for others around them and we have to have these stupid laws to remind idiots that there are others around them.

I think any business should be allowed to have smoking "IF" they take some minor steps in providing areas for non-smokers. Growing up there was a smoking section and a non smoking section.. I agree with that. I also had a smoke eater in our bar that would suck the fumes up and out of the business. I think business who do these things should be able to apply for a smoking permit at either very little cost, or free if the posting on the front of the business, and in their advertising that states they allow smoking in their business, just like places post signs that say no smoking as you enter.

So recapping, Smoke areas wth Smoke Eaters/Scrubbers, Signs posting smoke area, non smoke area. I dont see why we cant allow everyone to have their rights that way.

[DesertDog]

Muhnay's comments on "freedom" are correct IMO and as an ex-smoker I can't stand cigarette smoke but believe it's your right if you so choose. That being said explain to me what the difference is between throwing a cigarette butt on the ground and a candy wrapper or a straw or any trash? Why is it that cigarette smokers feel it's their right to litter wherever they go? Going outside to smoke is fine but why do I have to pick up your cigarette butts at the end of the day? Go sit in a park or on the sand at the beach and look around and I'll bet you see a cigarette butt. It drives me nuts trying to figure how responsible adults feel it's their right to throw their trash(butts) on the ground. If you're going to smoke then wake up before people like me regulate smoking to your bathrooms. I'll get off my soapbox now, thanks for listening.