I hate smoking and on a personal level, I love the smoking ban in Austin. But that said, I agree with DaDa. People have a choice whether to go to a restaurant - I don't see the need to ban it. If enough people want smoke free places, the market will take care of that. That said, I would be curious what the effect has been in Austin - have 6th street places lost business, etc.
Certainly true - but there are lots of jobs with health risks or uncomfortable work environments that we don't make illegal.
I guess the smokers better get comfortable. When state Attorneys General collect multi-billion dollar class action tobacco settlements over health care costs, they look like hypocrites if they don't then do preventative maintenance.
Maybe you should give an example of health hazards in other occupations that are as simple to fix as this one (going outside to smoke). I'd guess that if you can, then you'll likely think whatever you come up with should be banned.
What if there was a national smoking ban? It would be great for my allergies. It's unlikely to come as long as Obama is president.
It already a statewide ban in Georgia. I love it, and nobody really seems to complain. If people want to smoke while they eat, they sit outside, or go to a bar. I love the law.
The first time I encountered a smoking ban was San Fran and it was awesome - now we've had it in Austin for a while and it is equally awesome. It's kind of cool to step out on the patio or walk out front to have a smoke - i've never had the slightest problem with it. Now if they start banning public smoking on beaches/ parks and nonsense like that -- well that's just dumb.
I agree this statement is crazy: "We are not telling smokers whether they should or shouldn't smoke," Crownover said. "We are simply asking them to step outside." basically We not saying what you can or cannot do . . but we going to making it incredible inconvient, and bothersome for you to do the thing *I* don't want you to do. Rocket River
interesting point Would anyone be oppose to repealing the open container laws? I mean . . .I should have the ability to drink and smoke together right? as of now . . I cannot take my drinks outside. . . Can you take you drinks outside in San Fran? Georgia? I think that was one of the most awesome parts about New Orleans walking down Burbon Street with a drink in hand .. . going from bar to bar We need that in Houston!! let's compromise. . . you get ya smoking ban . . .but repeal the open container laws! Rocket River . . . and i don't even smoke
It's a bad comparison. The place I work at constantly has employees loitering around smoking so every time I go in our out I'm engufled in smoke cloud which makes me cough and gag. Why should I have to endure that crap just to go in and out of work? It's more than annoying, it's a health issue.
So that means when I walk down the street there will be smokers left and right puffing the smoke out on the street? Sounds like they are just moving the smoke from restaurants and adding it to the street or road.
