This has already been covered by Steve and Decatur Guy, but I thought I’d drop in my two cents about Dan Thomas’ smoking ban bill which is gaining steam (login) in the state Legislature. Most of where people are taking issue with the ban is it outlaws smoking in restaurants and [maybe] bars. It is a public health issue, both to bar and restaurant patrons but particularly to wait staff. The flip side is, the legislation reeks of moral policing and government unrightfully telling private businesses how to operate. There’s no perfect answer, because someone is going to be pissed off no matter what. Because second hand smoke is a public health issue, I don’t mind seeing a ban in restaurants and most other places, but to take it out of bars is to take the last public haven for smokers away. I think the legislation should be modeled after DeKalb County’s ban, which still allows smoking in bars. If an establishment’s sales are 51 percent alcohol or higher, there can be smoking. Otherwise, no.
That said, from a political perspective, I wouldn’t mind seeing the Republicans pass a total ban and then have hell to pay with smokers, civil libertarians, and tobacco farmers in 2006. They like their tobacco in rural Georgia, if you’ll recall. Not only do they like it, they make a living on it. Banning smoking becomes a very anti-business position.
Most of this has already been discussed in the comments sections of the other two posts, just thought I’d write a summary of where I’m at with it.
UPDATE: I somehow missed this line in the AJC article the first time I read it:
The bill, as written, exempts standalone bars, but Thomas said he might consider striking that exception.
Depends totally on what is meant by standalone bar, I reckon. Does that mean a 51 percent rule? If so, I could live with the legislation if that provision remains in. Not that anyone is asking me.
Yeah, you are dead on about moral policing. That’s a great line.
[...] of the state legislature. Looks like the anti-smoking bill may pass this year. Steve and Rusty are both kinda sorta against the proposed law. Decatur Guy agrees with [...]
The countdown to July 1 begins, freedom at last for the asthmatics, emphysema patients, cancer patients, children, cystic fibrosis patients, hospitality workers, nursing mothers, elderly, cardiac patients, and anyone else that wants to exercise their right to breath freely in America. Poison yourself in the privacy of your own home, poison your pets, your children, your husbands, wives and friends, just don’t touch my lungs. Smoking is a disease for the poor, the ignorant, and the addicted, and those who just don’t care.
God, I hate hippies.
I’ve battled respiratory problems since the day I was born. I had a mother who smoked 3 packs a day while pregnant with me. Not only that, I had prayed for this day to come for a long time. If God had wanted us to smoke we would have been born with a cigarette in our mouths. Furthermore, I feel anyone who smokes do not have the consideration for others. If they did, they wouldn’t subject their smoke to anyone around them. Banning it outdoors and in cars would the the ultimate wish!!! It wouldn’t come soon enough!!
FYI: The smoking ban isn’t going to prevent selfish ignorant women from smoking while pregnant.
I have smoked since I was 16. I am 30 now and would love to JUST QUIT! Those who never picked up the habit, pat yourselves on the back and pray for those who need it.
Cristy-KY.
The article “Smoking Ban Bill†triggered some thoughts I have regarding smoking and alcohol.
According to recent research, long-term smoking negatively affects the brain’s higher functions. Research has also shown that alcoholism affects the brain in a similar manner. If 50 to 80 percent of alcoholics smoke, and both smoking and alcoholism negatively impact the brain’s higher functions, then most alcoholics are doing a double whammy on their mental proficiency when they smoke in bars. Pardon the pun, but this is a sobering thought indeed.
DennyS
http://www.alcoholics-info.com