Smoking allowed in establishments? (live, restaurants, law)

[froggin4colorado]

Something my mother and I had noticed while visiting two weeks ago was that smoking was allowed in resturants. Really? We were floored. Here in CO, smoking was banned in resturants and bars and guess we are just so accustomed to that. We were in an Olive Garden and in the non-smoking section and could really tell there was smoking going on somewhere. Out of curiousity, is the state on the verge of banning smoking in public establishments at all?
It didn't detour me at all from coming there, just took me by surprise.

[mommamia b]

I don't think they can ban it because the state is a commonwealth. I could be wrong though...

[citydweller]

Smoking in restaurants will be banned beginning December 1 unless the restaurant provides a wall and door between the nonsmokers and smokers. Obviously I expect most if not all restaurants will be smoke free.

"Starting Dec. 1, smoking will be banned in many of the state's bars and restaurants, though it will be permitted in private clubs, on some outdoor patios and in separate ventilated rooms. " link

[froggin4colorado]

I saw that on wiki tonight...that come Dec 1st it would be smoke free. CO did theirs in 2006, but I thought it was long before that. But then I remember that many resturants had already done away with it and it was the bars who fought the no smoking law not the resturants.

[lawfirms09]

It's a good idea that restaurants are establishing walls between smokers and nonsmokers. I welcome this issue.

[Erma]

Originally Posted by lawfirms09

It's a good idea that restaurants are establishing walls between smokers and nonsmokers. I welcome this issue.

I do too, but if you're in a hurry to eat and wish to sit in smoking because it's faster, don't complain! I've seen this alot in restaurants. I also think they should post a sign that says "Parents, this is not a place for your childrent to run around in."

[kairi2]

Originally Posted by Erma

I do too, but if you're in a hurry to eat and wish to sit in smoking because it's faster, don't complain! I've seen this alot in restaurants. I also think they should post a sign that says "Parents, this is not a place for your childrent to run around in."

yes, alot of times we sit in smoking not to smoke, but to get away from all the screaming kids. BUT of course it's never a surprise when parents have their kids in the smoking section anyways.

[telemonster]

Eh, not like the kids won't be around it back at the trailer.

[towncentergal]

Can't wait till everything will be smoke free Dec 1st. Us asthmatics appreciate that.

[rtandc]

I think it is a stupid law and will be next to impossible to enforce, I understand the health benefits behind it and don't have a problem with that...I only sit in a non smoking section of a restaurant myself.......I just have a problem with the government telling a business owner what he can or cant do in his place of business