[Tickety]

Being orginally from Colorado, they wen't smoke free quite a few years ago. Recently they even banned smoking in the casinos. I know alot of bussiness were concerned that they would lose business but they haven't. I'm a smoker but I never liked eating with smoke around it's gross. I also don't like my kids eating with smoking is around. They are at the age now where they complain if we eat in a resturant here that allows smoking. I would like for find more resturants that don't allow smoking at all. I already smoke outside at my house and don't in the car with the kids so it's not a problem for me.

[Angel Bear]

I'm not a smoker myself...never have either.

But, I have to say as a former waitress who paid her way through college...I preferred the smoking patrons at the restaurants I worked at. The smokers stayed longer, spent more money on food and drinks, and were better tippers...This, of course, is a generality. It could have been just the places I worked at

I go to a lot of concerts and live music. Yes, there's smoke, but it's a good time and it's worth it to me.

[jacq63]

..my sweetie and I used to run a club in Adelaide. We encouraged smoking b/c it added to the atmosphere . (It had a 1920s Berlin feel). Long before new laws banning smoking in bars took effect, we banned it in the club. We were both sick from the continual exposure, and patrons were staying away in droves.
What a difference when we asked smokers to indulge outside. Loads more new business. The smokers were okay with standing outside...if they didn't like it, they didn't have to come to the club, but they were definitely in the minority.
I can't believe Oz is so far ahead, doesn't happen often y'know!
Just my 0.02 worth, I'll now return you to your regular 'argy-bargy'.

[mkfarnam]

Originally Posted by Angel Bear

I'm not a smoker myself...never have either.

But, I have to say as a former waitress who paid her way through college...I preferred the smoking patrons at the restaurants I worked at. The smokers stayed longer, spent more money on food and drinks, and were better tippers...This, of course, is a generality. It could have been just the places I worked at

I go to a lot of concerts and live music. Yes, there's smoke, but it's a good time and it's worth it to me.

Your right about higher revenue. In CA. after the no smoking bans were mandated, most of the bars and even the big night clubs shut down. One I remember that Nationally known and hosted famous Country and Western bands and singers like, Goerge Striaght and the OakRidge Boys, was called "The Branding Iron". Hardly any Bars or night clubs exist out there now.

The same thing could happen to MI. But if they're in the minority as you say maybe not.

[Peter B]

It was definitely just the places you worked at.

Originally Posted by Angel Bear

I'm not a smoker myself...never have either.

But, I have to say as a former waitress who paid her way through college...I preferred the smoking patrons at the restaurants I worked at. The smokers stayed longer, spent more money on food and drinks, and were better tippers...This, of course, is a generality. It could have been just the places I worked at

I go to a lot of concerts and live music. Yes, there's smoke, but it's a good time and it's worth it to me.

[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by mkfarnam

Your right about higher revenue. In CA. after the no smoking bans were mandated, most of the bars and even the big night clubs shut down. One I remember that Nationally known and hosted famous Country and Western bands and singers like, Goerge Striaght and the OakRidge Boys, was called "The Branding Iron". Hardly any Bars or night clubs exist out there now.

The same thing could happen to MI. But if they're in the minority as you say maybe not.

This is a really bizarre thing to say. Where were you in California - Lancaster?

[bluebird39]

I hate having to inhale smoke at restaurants. I have 2 kids, and I refuse to take them to most restaurants in MI. Come on... wake up! They banned asbestos in workplaces when they found out it caused cancer. Why not cigarette smoke? My son has asthma, plus it makes my eyes sting and lungs burn. Who would be against banning a substance that's illegal for minors to have, that burns your eyes and lungs? I'd love to go out and enjoy a meal out every now and then, but this state takes away that choice. And as far as "non-smoking" sections, give me a break! I ONCE sat at a non-smoking table that was seaparated by 4 inches of space between my smoking fellow diner. Ugh!

[Bluefly]

This debate over the "right" to smoke is a microcosm of the larger problem with our society.

People think they have the right to do whatever they want, no matter the impact on other humans, animals, or plants.

If you're killing me - be it with a bullet, a knife, a pesticide, or a cigarette - you are infringing upon my right.

When we evolve, human beings will wonder why primitive people would ever suck toxins into their bodies. Until then, we need to protect those of us ready to evolve.

[mkfarnam]

Going by the time span between bans and in the order in which bans were set in other states, I'd say that within the next 3-5 years the smoking exemptions will be lifted on, first restraunts then Bars and the very last thing will be banned are the Casinos. the reason for that is the Casinos are owned by the Indians and most of the Tabacco is grown, harvested and proccessed on Indian reservations.

Michigan House Passes Smoking Ban - Associated Content

[kimba01]

Originally Posted by bluebird39

I hate having to inhale smoke at restaurants. I have 2 kids, and I refuse to take them to most restaurants in MI. Come on... wake up! They banned asbestos in workplaces when they found out it caused cancer. Why not cigarette smoke? My son has asthma, plus it makes my eyes sting and lungs burn. Who would be against banning a substance that's illegal for minors to have, that burns your eyes and lungs? I'd love to go out and enjoy a meal out every now and then, but this state takes away that choice. And as far as "non-smoking" sections, give me a break! I ONCE sat at a non-smoking table that was seaparated by 4 inches of space between my smoking fellow diner. Ugh!

There are far more NS restaurants in MI than there used to be when my kids were younger. I know all the National Coney Islands went to NS. Plus many establishments that cater to young children also.