Question Inspired by the Smoking Brand Thread

[Christian73]

I'll admit upfront that I'm a smoker and so I'm biased. That said, I think the "smoking bans" that are flying up all over the country are a) an outrageous affront on the rights of business owners b) a cheap and easy political victory and c) a distraction from realpolitik, such as foreign policy, the economy (which smoking bans hurt, ask your local bartender) and the fact that Bush and other repukes are leading this country to hell in a handbasket.

Thoughts?

Questions?

Comments?

[wuushew]

1. Businesses have fewer rights compared to individuals

The same arguments could be used to reject all governmental regulation of business.

People truly don't have work in bars, but with bush economy the number of alternatives is limited. Its true that is an instrusive action by government however the net effect on business is not negative so if a business owner is still profitable what is the beef?

[Christian73]

3. The economic effect on bars in NYC has been really bad

because the fact remains that the majority of drinkers smoke (even if only socially) and tourists are outraged by being asked not to smoke when they can in their native countries.

I know for a fact that numerous "house parties" have sprung up in response and I personally will not go to bars anymore. I don't drink and, if I can't smoke, I can stay home and have people over.

[Pillowbiter]

2. Of the many things I have learned in my life

the biggest one is: never debate smoking with a smoker.

The second is, never be in a relationship with someone quitting smoking.

PB

[whoYaCallinAlib]

4. I used to smoke. Smoking bans hurt some, help others.

I don't know who the "net winner" is but I gotta believe the harder we make it for people to smoke, the better it is. I'm basing that on my observations a few years back when my office building went "non-smoking". I know of at leat 4 people who quit because it was such a pain in the ass and "stigma" to have to leave your desk 3 or 4 times a day, put on a coat (in winter), wait for the elevators, go outside and then revers the process. It just wasn't worth it anymore. By the way, all 4 quitters say they are "glad" the smoking ban was put in place or they would still be smoking.