Up In Smoke

[notyoubob]

Originally Posted by Highwayman

Note that New York City banned trans-fats.

What's a trans-fat? A rolly-polly dude dressing up like a Fat Chick?

[jackknife]

You know what? I couldn't take my little grandma out to breakfast anywhere in Dodge because she needs to use an oxygen tank and pushing her into a smoke filled establishment doesn't make any sense. It just sucks.

I live in a city where there is a smoking ban and I absolutely love it. Granted, I am not a smoker or a small business owner. I don't have any political jargon to throw at you or statistics, I only have my opinion and that is that I love the smoke free environments. It's great coming home from dinner and not needing a shower.

There are cigar bars and things like that where the owner chooses to allow smoking and if I go in there then I choose to be exposed to the smoke. Otherwise, I'm glad I'm not having to breath anything more than the horrible LA smog. It's worse for me than the smoke I am sure.

[Highwayman]

The question that I keep asking myself Jackknife is with all the demand that I hear for smoke-free restaurants why aren’t more owners choosing to make their places smoke-free. One would think that there would be a line on the sidewalk of non-smokers waiting to get in. Smokers are supposed to be a minority.

[Flying Dutchman]

If our commissioners were truly serious about the safety and health of their citizens.........then make the selling of tobacco illegal in the city. If not, then they are full of crap. How can you ban something, but sell the same product you are banning?

[Detector]

I agree FD, I think the whole concept is just so hypocritical it's pathetic. I guess the bright side is from what I hear these "smoking bans" actually tend to improve a smokers environment. I hear even in the model city of Lawrence smoking is still allowed. The smoking ban is working because both sides of the issue are happy.

Before the ban smokers would slip out front to have a quick smoke where they were seen by the anti-smokers and exposed to the elements. Now smokers go to places like their cars, or as in the case of the Wichita hospital, in the parking garage, and smoke. The anti-smokers are happy because they don't see those damn filthy smokers, and the smokers are happy because they don't have to smoke outside, and get a longer break.

Bring on the ban cause baby it's cold outside.

Point is we have regulations now that aren't enforced so why create more? If business owners were to enforce current regulation we... well forget that idea, the anti-smoker types will complain no matter what.

Has our drug laws stopped people using drugs or innocent people being hurt by them? Has our theft laws stopped thefts or innocent people being hurt by them? Has our immigration laws stopped illegal immigration or innocent people being hurt by them? If these people really gave a shit they would address the cause of the problem not the results.

Obesity cost more in health care in one year than second hand smoke does in ten. Alcohol cost more in innocent lives in one year than second hand smoke does in ten. The plan has already failed, again. The idea of stopping the new generation from taking up smoking and letting the old die off has failed. Smoking is once again on the rise with young people.

Have you actually ever read the study on second hand smoke? Do you realize there is no direct connection to most of the so called second hand smoke deaths/health problems and second hand smoke? The actual evidence that can be linked to second hand smoke health problems and death is very small. The problem is, like Michael Moore's movie, people will believe what they want to believe. If they want it to be true is doesn't take much proof for them to believe it.

As far as the casino not in the city. Thats the problem, people don't think beyond today. Do you really believe the casino will never be in the city limits?

The real danger of second hand smoke is that being blown up the public a$$.

[wordsmythe]

Originally Posted by Highwayman

The question that I keep asking myself Jackknife is with all the demand that I hear for smoke-free restaurants why aren’t more owners choosing to make their places smoke-free. One would think that there would be a line on the sidewalk of non-smokers waiting to get in. Smokers are supposed to be a minority.

Because of the stupidest reason ever... We've always done it this way.

My wife and I went out for you 9 year anniversary last night and the non smoking section was full but the health risk section had one lonely table with a single smoker abusing those who went to dinner with her.

The hostess said we could sit in the smoking section right away or wait for non smoking. We both said we'd be happy to wait. Shortly thereafter 3 more groups came in behind us and were told the same thing. They all waited.

I asked one of them if they thought the management would figure it out and the entire crowd started discussing it.

So there IS talk and it will happen.

As soon as enough people figure out that they don't have to subject themselves to the one smoker's habit they are trying to appease by sitting in the health risk section. People it’s OK to tell aunt Edna to take her filthy habit outside and not harm you or your children by smoking while you are eating.

Or you can keep doing it like you’ve always done and businesses can keep losing money by pissing people off who have to wait when they could have all those seats full.

[wordsmythe]

Originally Posted by Detector

The anti-smokers are happy because they don't see those damn filthy smokers, and the smokers are happy because they don't have to smoke outside, and get a longer break.

This won't last long either. The trend in my office is if they can take time off from work to minister to their addiction then everyone else is demanding an equal amount of time to add to breaks or leave early.

Nothing makes me smile bigger during the day than to see a group of smokers out in the street huddling together around thier cigarettes for warmth but alas that simple pleasure will be gone soon too.

[Detector]

Interesting analogy Wordsmythe. Although it seems to be just the opposite from what I see from day to day. I see the smoking section full, with smokers, and the non smoking section near empty.

Perhaps it's the restaurant we each choose to visit? I can say the places I visit are always full.

This won't last long either. The trend in my office is if they can take time off from work to minister to their addiction then everyone else is demanding an equal amount of time to add to breaks or leave early.

My experience has been that the smokers take less time on break than the other non smokers who use up their entire 10/15 minute break. If anything the smokers will simply be getting the same break time as non smokers.

Nothing makes me smile bigger during the day than to see a group of smokers out in the street huddling together around their cigarettes for warmth but alas that simple pleasure will be gone soon too.

Yes it should make you smile to know smokers will no longer need to huddle together for warmth. They will now set in their warm cars or other out of sight warm locations. Thanks for your concern just the same.

[Highwayman]

Originally Posted by wordsmythe

Because of the stupidest reason ever... We've always done it this way.

My wife and I went out for you 9 year anniversary last night and the non smoking section was full but the health risk section had one lonely table with a single smoker abusing those who went to dinner with her.

The hostess said we could sit in the smoking section right away or wait for non smoking. We both said we'd be happy to wait. Shortly thereafter 3 more groups came in behind us and were told the same thing. They all waited.

I asked one of them if they thought the management would figure it out and the entire crowd started discussing it.

So there IS talk and it will happen.

As soon as enough people figure out that they don't have to subject themselves to the one smoker's habit they are trying to appease by sitting in the health risk section. People it’s OK to tell aunt Edna to take her filthy habit outside and not harm you or your children by smoking while you are eating.

Or you can keep doing it like you’ve always done and businesses can keep losing money by pissing people off who have to wait when they could have all those seats full.

Did you ever see that commercial on TV for the Royal Bank of Scotland? It says “Less talk, more action.”

So four groups of people sat around complaining about having to wait. The restaurant still got your money. Try walking out, it sends a stronger message. It’s hard to take someone seriously that only complains and expects the government to take care of a perceived problem and is not willing to do something for themselves.

[K C Muffin]

Wordie - I see your point. We're a smallish office, but over half the folks smoke. We took a look at the numbers. The non smokers were putting out 'X' more work. Because they were either at their desk all day or made a quick walk to the restrooms, maybe had a short chat with a co-worker and were back to work. The smokers, on the other hand, one got up and put her coat on, then went to the next and waited while she put her coat on, till there were all five going outside. Now, in our office, outside is through two different departments (where they gather more smokers) and down a long flight of stairs and out the back door. Then they're smoking at least 2 cigs per break, neither of them quickly. Talk about solving world hunger!

So, we made a new rule. Smokers, or anyone who wanted to break for a longer period of time, must be there at 8:00 (our normal start time is 8:30). That one is hard to enforce, as the one that smokes the most is one of the VP's and she's rarely in before 9. The thing is, it's not fair to the nonsmokers, who always turn out 25% more work. (except my newbie - he is always there after 5 and puts out equal work to the nonsmokers). We've decided to offer a smoking cessation program free of charge in the new year. Then those that still don't quit will be paying 10% more for their health insurance, because we've been told our health insurance is uprated by 10% due to the number of smokers. There's no free lunch, folks.