I have to ask about the poll on the main page of the website. The question asks "Do you agree with the ruling Friday by Jefferson Circuit Judge Steven Ryan which overturned Louisville's smoking ban?"

The only options I have are "Yes, I oppose the smoking ban" or "No, I support the smoking ban".

What about another option? I support the ban, but not the exemption for Churchill Downs. So yes, I agree with the judge's decision, but no I don't oppose the ban.

The judge ruled the exemption for Churchill Downs was unconstitutional, therefore the whole law was illegal. I agree... and hope "our health" isn't sacrificed for the financial success of horse racing. If we're going to tell every business in Louisville they risk losing their customers to neighboring Indiana businesses, the same needs to apply to The Downs.

And the Wave3 poll should reflect the real issue behind the judge's ruling, not a general position on the ban itself. We're talking about the constitutionality of a city government hand picking exemptions to a city ordinance which will ultimately translate into either profits or losses for privately owned businesses.

Just my .02

This message has been edited. Last edited by: canon_photo,

to allow smoking or not should be left to the business owners and not legislated by the metro council who is more interested in arm chair legislation than actually doing something constructive!
When was the last time that any of them looked beyond their own office door to what is going on? Oh, sure they are in touch with the folks in their jurisdiction, but are they really so short sighted as to believe that is ALL they are responsible for? Wake up. Our city has significant crime issues and YOU need to be stirring things up, even if the victim is white.

Unfortunately, the negative effects of smoking aren't limited to the person holding the cigarette. While you say it's not anyone else's right to tell people they *can't* smoke, why is it ok for a smoker to tell me *I am going to smoke* (via second hand smoke)? I quit smoking a little over 2 years ago, why is it fair for a smoker to decide that I'm going to continue breathing in harmful smoke?

The release of the details for the new ban looks like it will also include banning smoking at Churchill Downs. Good. I wish it was a nationwide ban on tobacco.

canon, it is your option to choose to not go to a restaurant or bar that allows smoking.
My point is that if a business owner believes it will help his business to allow smoking or ban smoking, it should be his option. Trust me, if his profit margin were negatively impacted by allowing smoking, he would ban it.
Yep, smoking is a nasty habit. Yes it affects others. It is also a VERY hard habit to kick. I am down to 5 smokes a day, but I know it should be zero.
I just love it when a incredibly overweight person tells me how disgusting I am because I don't have the self discipline to stop smoking!

A business owner's decision to allow smoking shouldn't have a negative impact on the health of the patrons or non-smoking employees. Consider the kids who don't have the ability to decide where they go. It's a restaurant... I think smokers can make it for an hour without a smoke.

As for bars, I recently went to Phoenix Hill to see some local metal bands. I hadn't been to a bar in years, but the one thing that stood out was the absence of the lingering smoke. My eyes didn't sting and I didn't walk out of there smelling like an ashtray. What a change.

I smoked for 25 years, I know how hard it is to quit. Once you finally get rid of that source of poison in your life, you want to make sure it's gone. I won't even go to my mom's house if she's going to be smoking inside. I don't want it in my lungs anymore.

I understand it is difficult to quit. But you're arguing that a smoker shouldn't be inconvenienced by having to step outside. This results in thier smoke getting into my lungs if I'm in the same room. If *you* are smoking, it is *your* responsibility not to let *your* habit negatively affect those around you. This isn't simply a bad smelling smoke... it contains carcinogens. How much asbestos would you voluntarily ingest? How about lead? What's a tolerable amount you need to consume because it helps a business owner turn a profit?

I know it's hard... believe me. We can agree to disagree, but I'll be expecting an update from you once you're finally smoke free as to your position on this issue.