quote:

Originally posted by theyamqueen:
I respect everyone's decision to quit smoking and I also respect that people don't want my smoke around them. I have friends who don't smoke and when I am around them I respect their wishes.

I also respect the wishes of business owners. Should a restaurant be able to choose to go smoke free? YES! Would I patron that restaurant versus a smoking establishment? Probably not, but if the food is good it would be worth it.

Should a bar owner be forced to go non-smoking? NO! The business owners should be able to choose how to operate their businesses. Should all bars be smoking? NO! If a bar chooses to not be a smoking establishment, that is their right.

Smokers, in theory, are adults and we should be treated as such. Personally, I don't believe smoking should be allowed in places that cater to anyone under 18. Bars on the otherhand cater to adults who can choose when and where to spend their money.

I make my own decisions and do not look for government to decide how I should live. It's repulsive that so many people are on the smoker-bashing bandwagon. I don't ridicule people for not smoking, so please don't pass your judgements on me and where I choose to smoke. You have every right to choose another non-smoking establishment.

quote:

Originally posted by canon_photo:

quote:

Originally posted by theyamqueen:
I respect everyone's decision to quit smoking and I also respect that people don't want my smoke around them. I have friends who don't smoke and when I am around them I respect their wishes.

I also respect the wishes of business owners. Should a restaurant be able to choose to go smoke free? YES! Would I patron that restaurant versus a smoking establishment? Probably not, but if the food is good it would be worth it.

Should a bar owner be forced to go non-smoking? NO! The business owners should be able to choose how to operate their businesses. Should all bars be smoking? NO! If a bar chooses to not be a smoking establishment, that is their right.

Smokers, in theory, are adults and we should be treated as such. Personally, I don't believe smoking should be allowed in places that cater to anyone under 18. Bars on the otherhand cater to adults who can choose when and where to spend their money.

I make my own decisions and do not look for government to decide how I should live. It's repulsive that so many people are on the smoker-bashing bandwagon. I don't ridicule people for not smoking, so please don't pass your judgements on me and where I choose to smoke. You have every right to choose another non-smoking establishment.

Again, another vote from a smoker who thinks the non-smoker should be making the all the sacrifices.

Yes, smokers are adults and should be treated as such. Along with that, smokers shouldn't have to be reminded their smoke contains hazardous elements and it is *their* responsibility to ensure non-smokers don't suffer because of *their* habit. You want to be seen as an adult? Take responsibility for your actions.

Businesses should make the decisions? Let's apply your philosophy across the board:

*Should a business be able to utilize child labor because it's cheaper? "Oh, those against child labor could just not go to establishments where they use child labor."

*Should a construction company be able to make up their own building codes because they are easier or more cost efficient? "Oh, people who want safe buildings could hire safe contractors."

*Should a restaurant be held to certain health codes when they don't want to spend the money on it? "If the patrons don't want to eat amongst filth and contaminated food they can just stay home and cook it themselves."

*Should I be allowed to spray paint my car in my own driveway even tho the spray is going to get on my neighbors house and vehicle? "If they don't want paint on their stuff they can just move away."

We could do this all day, but u see where it's going. Before you advocate the government stop meddling in your affairs, think about why they might be. The laws, ordinances, and rules of society serve to protect consumers and citizens. Smoking is harmful, why you think it's a right to be able to smoke anywhere you want is beyond me, but highlights the very reasons we need a law. Smokers are unwilling to accept the responsibility of their actions. Businesses would allow the harmful practice in exchange for profit.

Keep in mind the non-smoker has always been in the position of being the one having to make the sacrifices if they want to avoid a smokers exhaust. Now the tables are turned and you're unhappy? Isn't there anything in you that says "ok, they've been doing this for so long I don't mind being the one not going somewhere or simply stepping outside". The reason we need a law is because smokers see smoking as a right and do not behave as adults when it comes to accepting responsibility. Laziness... just step outside for crying out loud. How freaking hard is that?? Oh, but it's easier for you if all the non-smokers just stay home? Again, real convenient for you eh?

Using your own logic again... if you think a fair solution is that smokers simply find somewhere else to go, maybe you could take a dose of your own medicine. There are plenty of other cities, states and countries where smoking isn't banned. It's your decision to stay and abide by the rules aimed at protecting those who have decided to not smoke.

If that offends you, good. I hope you're so mad you quit smoking.