« Back to story "You Are Smoking and Our Health Suffers"

Story Comments

Posted by: wtagg 11 months, 3 weeks ago

This page is a permanent archive of the comment below and its replies.
To view this comment in the context of the full discussion for the story, use this link.

All Comments Share Story Report

100%
wtagg11 months, 3 weeks ago

This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »

There is something that smokers do not realize. When someone walks by me, I can tell if they are a smoker or not, just by the air they move. The smoke and its smell travel farther than you can possibly know. Does that mean you are not allowed to walk by me, of course you can. I am pointing out that the smell and its aftereffects are much more prevalent than you may think. Can you tell the difference between a smoker and non-smoker when they walk by?

My viewpoint is that the smoking laws should not necessarily be against all smokers all the time. My position would be to allow the establishment to decide to be smoking or non-smoking. It would have to be all one way or the other. They would need to get release forms from employees stating that they understand they are working in a potentially hazardous environment and would not hold the establishment culpable in any health problems.

That said, as a businessman, I am not sure I would want to target a small part of the potential customer base unless I was pursuing a niche market, like cigar smokers, etc... I personally would always look to the larger potential market share.

I would agree with your car analogy if you and the car were in an enclosed space. Since the environment is not the same, the analogy doesn't really fit.

Actually, the non-smoking law here in Ohio has done bar and restaurant business more good than bad, financially.

(comment_max_expanded_depth : 55) (comment depth : 6) (recursion depth : 1) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 55)
Reply
4 Replies

loading ...
- mntnman444Comment removed: Spammer, Hard Banned3 Replies
  - 100%
    wtagg11 months, 3 weeks ago
    
    This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
    
    "We smokers had no problem with seperate smoking areas but it's not about accomodation...it's about forcing their will on others."
    
    I think the issue here is that you cannot have a smoking area in a restaurant and not have non-smokers affected by it. Someone must sit next to the smoking section which is the same as being seated in the smoking section. Hence the rationale of letting the establishment deciding what they want to be and accepting the benefits and risks of such a decision.
    
    If you can find a solution regarding seating smokers and non-smokers in the same establishment without smokers affecting non-smokers, you could probably make a ton of money.
    
    I remember a time when the stigma was on the other proverbial foot.
    
    What you do in your own home should be up to you. Then again, I believe any one who started smoking after the surgeon general warnings appeared in the 60's should have no legal recourse against the tobacco manufacturers. It is a decision you choose to make and with that, as in everything in life, comes the responsibilities associated with it.
    
    I do find it humorous that almost all people who smoke drive with a window open. I never understood that.
    
    (comment_max_expanded_depth : 55) (comment depth : 8) (recursion depth : 3) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 55)
    Reply
    2 Replies
    
    loading ...
    - mntnman444Comment removed: Spammer, Hard Banned1 Reply
      - 100%
        wtagg11 months, 3 weeks ago
        
        This comment is below the standard viewing threshold View It »
        
        In Ohio, a smoker could be seated in a smoking section one table away from a non-smoking table with nothing more than a piece of partial glass separating the two table. One common ventilation system and no air barrier between.
        
        I guess that each state has its own conception of what was an acceptable separation. I would most likely find the scenario you describe as acceptable providing that smoking was not permitted in common areas like entrances, restrooms, and checkout, if they were not separated.
        
        Restaurants and Taverns here have come up with a seemingly workable solution in creating decks and even enclosed outdoor areas. If a non-smoker decides to sit in one of these areas, it is their personal choice and they must live with the environment they have chosen. I play in a band and it is interesting to see how many patrons decide to sit outside, even in colder weather, and don't smoke. Either it is more *fun* or maybe it is a reflection upon the band. ;-)
        
        (comment_max_expanded_depth : 55) (comment depth : 10) (recursion depth : 5) (max_comment_reply_depth : 40) (comment_max_render_depth : 55)
        Reply
        0 Replies
        
        loading ...