Smoking ban in Va?

[drmnbig]

Looks like Governor Kaine is trying for a smoking ban in restaurants again. I know this is a hot button topic for some just like it is for me. I sure hope this passes. I'd love to not have to pick and choose restaraunts to eat at based on whether or not it's smoke free. I'm trying to not only protect myself but my family as well from the dangers of second hand smoke.

[ftp]http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=845[/ftp]

[Fisher of Men]

It's not a state issue here in Texas, but alot of cities are enacting these laws.  I agree with you that I don't enjoy going into a smokey restaurant.  I've always thought that if the restaurants would have done a better job with the smoking areas in the first place (like using completely separate rooms, ventilation fans, etc.) these laws would not be necessary.  Even when I did smoke (back in late HS and early college), I NEVER had the urge to have one with my hamburger or steak dinner.

[drmnbig]

I somewhat agree.  The Chilis here has theirs completely seperated by a full glass wall.  You don't get any of the smell on the nonsmoking side.  

I do however believe that the employees should not have to be subjected to it either.

[Bass Dude]

They have had this ban in NY for years.  It's fantastic!!!   You can't smoke inside bars here either---so you can go home after a couple of beers and not smell like an ashtray.  

I'm not a smoker, but I do feel a little bad for them when it's 20 below zero and they have to go outside---but then again it's their choice!

[grimlin]

I'm somewhat a smoker....I'm actually in favor of it too.Unless they can subject different rooms with proper fans and ventilation i won't smoke in a restaurant.

I love a good cigar after a meal.  

[Siebert Outdoors]

Smoking is one of the reasons I do not eat out at many places nor go to bars anymore. The bars and some resturants around here have a smog in them. You open the door and can just see the smoke.

It messes with my allergies, eyes, and gives me horrible headaches. Worse then a hangover.  Let alone the stinch on my clothes and body when leaving.  Stinks up the whole house if I dont wash them once I get home.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I don't care about smoking in a restaurant, but a bar?

Gimmie a break...

8-)

[Siebert Outdoors]

Well, I don't care about smoking in a restaurant, but a bar?

Gimmie a break...

8-)

Yup.  Thats why I dont go.  People like to smoke and drink a bud is fine with me.  I just stay away.  I physically cant do it anymore.  My allergies get horrible.  Eyes turn red, sinus's flare up, throat burns, and a massive headache.  Its not because I wouldnt go I dont go because I cant unless I want to deal with the allergies.  To me its not worth it.  Around here there is Zero ventilation.  Zero.  Well unless you count the door opening when someone comes in. :

I'm getting old I guess.  

[grimlin]

Well, I don't care about smoking in a restaurant, but a bar?

Gimmie a break...

8-)

Yup. Thats why I dont go. People like to smoke and drink a bud is fine with me. I just stay away. I physically cant do it anymore. My allergies get horrible. Eyes turn red, sinus's flare up, throat burns, and a massive headache. Its not because I wouldnt go I dont go because I cant unless I want to deal with the allergies. To me its not worth it. Around here there is Zero ventilation. Zero. Well unless you count the door opening when someone comes in. :

I'm getting old I guess.

That was a main reason i turned to dipping tobacco.When I'm out fishing that's what i do.God forbids i blow smoke in some kid's direction.I actually care about others well being.

Why i still do it is beyond me....I've cut down a lot now since i don't have the extra money to smoke.

[drmnbig]

Well, I don't care about smoking in a restaurant, but a bar?

Gimmie a break...

8-)

We could knock out two birds with one stone and outlaw drinking in restaruants and bars also.  I wouldn't mind and believe the number of achohol related accidents would drop dramatically.

8-)  

[Siebert Outdoors]

We could knock out two birds with one stone and outlaw drinking in restaruants and bars also. I wouldn't mind and believe the number of achohol related accidents would drop dramatically.

[Simp]

We have had it in IL for a year now and I love it. Some people want to modify it to let bars have smoking and I'm just not sure how I fell about that. I don't visit bars but the main reason I didn't was because all the smoke. I just plain couldn't breath! So now I've actually thought about going once in a blue moon. Honestly the greatest thing this ban does for me is it forces my dad not to light up or request the smoking section. This was a big issue for my family and my pops is often the type of guy who would force everybody to hold there breath for an hour so he could have his cigs. I think if it would only affect him I wouldn't care but I don't want to breath that stuff. The last thing that find funny is the way the fast food employees took it upon themselves to fight for no smoking in the drive thru. This is still a gray area under our law but all of the fast food windows have hand written notes stating NO SMOKING IN THE DRIVE THRU!

[Olebiker]

Well, I don't care about smoking in a restaurant, but a bar?

Gimmie a break...

I guess I must be missing your point.  Why would a bar be any different than any other enclosed place?  I would love to be able to have a beer without having to endure cigarette smoke.

[burleytog]

The decision should be left up to the business owners.

[fathom]

The decision should be left up to the business owners.

x2...it's their money, it should be their decision.

[roadwarrior]

Well, I don't care about smoking in a restaurant, but a bar?

Gimmie a break...

I guess I must be missing your point. Why would a bar be any different than any other enclosed place? I would love to be able to have a beer without having to endure cigarette smoke.

If I'm drinkin', I'm smokin'.

Ventilation fans to remove smoke are readily available

and should be an option rather than banning smoking

all together. Last time I checked, tobacco was still a

legal substance.

8-)

[Tin]

Well, I don't care about smoking in a restaurant, but a bar?

Gimmie a break...

I guess I must be missing your point. Why would a bar be any different than any other enclosed place? I would love to be able to have a beer without having to endure cigarette smoke.

If I'm drinkin', I'm smokin'.

Ventilation fans to remove smoke are readily available

and should be an option rather than banning smoking

all together. Last time I checked, tobacco was still a

legal substance.

8-)

But how many bar owners would actually pay for them? Forget the health issue, it's all about money to most. Smoking up here isn't legal in any establishment up here with the exception of some cigar/smoke shops or ****** bars. And it is great that way.

[daviscw]

Although I support smokers and the tobacco industry, this really doesn't affect me either way. However, I really don't think its quite right that it is deemed acceptable to have kids around alcohol but not cigarettes. Yes I know alcohol doesn't put off smoke blah, blah, blah... But its practically the same situation.

I grew up in a time and place where the tobacco industry literally built my county and state. Anybody in NC knows how big of an asset RJ Reynolds is to our state. I can honestly say I would not be here today without the tobacco industry, and I mean that.

Growing up in the dead middle of tobacco country where you literally couldnt go 2 miles without seeing a tobacco field, it was perfectly acceptable to smoke in restaurants around kids. I grew up inhaling sidestream Camel Light smoke since the day I was born. I even grew up inhaling Eclipse cigarettes that weren't even on the market yet. I turned out fine. I am a sophomore in collge with a 3.4 GPA.

My point is, smoking did not affect my health. In fact, smokers provided me and my family a job, house, and a college education. Before bashing the tobacco industry I think everyone should take a step back and really ask what tobacco has done for you.

That's my rant for today. Thank you! haha  

[tyrius.]

The decision should be left up to the business owners.

I agree in principle, but it sure is nice to be able to go out to dinner or to a bar and not have to breathe in second hand smoke.

[tyrius.]

My point is, smoking did not affect my health.

It may not have affected you directly (yet), but it is a proven fact that being exposed to any type of smoke over a long period of time greatly increases one's chances for health problems later in life.

[Siebert Outdoors]

The decision should be left up to the business owners.

I agree in principle, but it sure is nice to be able to go out to dinner or to a bar and not have to breathe in second hand smoke.

Ditto

[tyrius.]

Ventilation fans to remove smoke are readily available

and should be an option rather than banning smoking

all together.

They're not a very good option for removing all of the smoke though.  Even if a bar installs ventilation fans those fans will not be able to remove the smoke from the air without it affecting people sitting around the smoker.  

Why should they have to suffer the side effects of someone else's smoke?

[Tin]

My point is, smoking did not affect my health.

Wait 50 years before you say that dude, you never know. Both my grandparents smoked but quit before I was born, so they have been smoke free for over 20 years. Last week we found out my grandmother now has lung cancer and my grandfather has had 2 battles with it in the past 3 years. Watching someone slowly die of cancer and breathing troubles should make just about anyone quit. It's what got me to quit.

Edit: I could care less if somone smokes. Your life, do whatever you want. Just don't go blowing smoke in my face.

[Siebert Outdoors]

My point is, smoking did not affect my health.

they have been smoke free for over 20 years. Last week we found out my grandmother now has lung cancer and my grandfather has had 2 battles with it in the past 3 years. Watching someone slowly die of cancer and breathing troubles should make just about anyone quit. It's what got me.

Thats what got my Grandfather.  He used to smoke a pipe for years.  Quite about 25 years ago.  Cancer got him about 5 years ago.  Seeing what he went through until he passed was aweful.

[daviscw]

My point is, smoking did not affect my health.

Wait 50 years before you say that dude, you never know. Both my grandparents smoked but quit before I was born, so they have been smoke free for over 20 years. Last week we found out my grandmother now has lung cancer and my grandfather has had 2 battles with it in the past 3 years. Watching someone slowly die of cancer and breathing troubles should make just about anyone quit. It's what got me.

I have heard the numerous stories. Fact is, cigarettes do not cause cancer. They accelerate cancer cell growth. Everyone is born with cancer cells. I don't like how people always pin cancer on tobacco use. If you haven't noticed, people who use tobacco are more likely to drink and use other substances as well as eat outrageous amounts that promote cancer cell growth.

My mom who never smoked a cigarette in her life had a thyroidectomy where they found cancer. I know people what smoke well in their 90's and die of old age.

I just don't understand how people can whine about side stream smoke while they drive behind and buy diesel trucks, bathe in cologne, and consume alcohol.

I understand people have the right to not breathe in side stream smoke. I think it would be perfectly fine if restaurant owners decided whether or not their establishments were  smoke free or not. However I don't think it's cool that the government is trying to take away more of our freedoms.