Smoking ban.

[LissaM]

I was just wondering how my fellow Minnesotans felt about the smoking bans in Hennepin and Ramsey. As someone who has severe asthma and has never smoked, I'm all for it. I don't have to take my inhalor everytime I'm out at a bar!! (woohoo!) Anyway, just wanted some other thoughts. Thanks! :)

[Spike from MN]

1. I have to say I'm in favor of the ban.

Prior to the ban, my doc had told me that restaurants, bars, etc. were completely off-limits to me because of my respiratory problems. Surprisingly enough, the smokers that I know were actually in favor of the ban. They said it wasn't fair to me that I wasn't able to go to bars and restaurants because of *their* smoking. They had absolutely no problem with going outside to have a cigarette and said it might even help them quit. However, these guys were all punk rockers and, IMHO, punks tend to be a bit more open-minded about these sorts of things and/or more aware of how their actions affect others. I doubt I would get the same response some other smokers that I used to know. In fact, I'm positive I wouldn't. I'm sure they're up-in-arms about the whole thing.

My only criticisms of the ban are that it needs to be uniform and that it should be state-wide (or at least Metro-area-wide). That's really the only way to keep it fair for all the businesses involved. Someone posted awhile back on the NY ban and he said that while there was a bit of an initial uproar, that has gone away and now it's not even an issue. Kind of like the MN Clean Air Indoor Act I guess.

[Love Bug]

2. I work in a smoke-free environment

Why shouldn't bar/restaurant workers have that same priviledge? Now, I really feel for the restaurant owners and workers in the places that are feeling an economic hit from this. That means the rest of the MN counties need to pass their own bans.

[petron]

3. Love the Ban

I went to a bar in Apple Valley a few weeks ago and it royally sucked ass. Smokey as hell...had the stink on me the next morning when I woke up. I love having a beer at Champps or the Green Mill without the choking stench of cancersticks!

The whole state needs to adopt the Golden Valley/Bloomington rule. No smoking anywhere near a restaurant or bar even the outside patios!

Ugg :mad:

[Divameow77]

7. I don't agree with no smoking on the patios

alot of people still smoke and this gives the bar owners an alternative to suggest to their customers, it also helps with security, some places won't let people in and out because of security reasons.

[petron]

10. Yea but I'm an anti-smoking freak

so I can say radical things like I did!

Also, what's your idea of "alot"? I beg to differ, last I heard smokers were in the minority.

[goodhue]

4. I'm a huge fan of the Minneapolis ban

It is simply amazing to go to places like Lees, the 400 or other venues and see live music in a smoke free environment. I'm now much less inclined to go to see a show at the Turf Club (in St. Paul) because it is not smoke free.

[yankeefanatic3]

5. The Hennepin Ban is awesome!

I love it...Restaurants are so much more cleaner.

[lakeguy]

6. Good deal, only wish Ramsey would have went all the way and

not given exemption to some places.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

8. In the past, smoke was one thing that kept me out of bars

Last week I went to Drinking Liberally in Minneapolis, and it occurred to me that in years past, I would have been kept away by the smoke. Now I don't have to worry about that.

In Portland, there was a bar near my apartment that was famous for its cheap, good tacos, and some of my apartment neighbors urged me to come along with them.

I went--once. The smoke in the air ruined the whole experience.

[stackhouse]

9. screw the ban!!!!

just what we need more rights stripped from us the whole thing stinks. what next ????

whether i'm a smoker or not don't matter all this is, is a begining to a slow and methodical way to strip rights and freedoms away from us.. braught to us buy neo- anti-right natzi's

[LissaM]

11. I don't know...

A lot of people would argue that it gives them the freedom to go out and enjoy the night. My asthma sucks and I hate carrying an inhalor with me if I want to go out and enjoy being with my friends. I'm not about to sit at home every weekend on my butt when my friends are out b/c I can't breathe where they go. I know a lot of people in my situation agree.

[Spock_is_Skeptical]

12. I hate it, personally...

Not that I go out that often, but it curbs me from wanting to go out to any bars, clubs or shows. Most of the people I know don't like the ban. Guess I'm in the minority here, though.

[Beausoir]

13. I like the ban.

I quit a 2 pack a day habit over 10 years ago and I can't stand the smell.

If I still smoked I would be pretty pissed-off about it, but as a non-smoker, it makes things MUCH nicer and healthier.

[cynthia]

14. Love it

Used to avoid going out to restaurants and clubs, and now enjoy having a new place to hang with friends. I wish it was statewide to make it fair for the business owners. I also think that St. Paul's policy is dumb, and I am reluctant to stop in St. Paul at all not knowing their percentage of food sales. I would rather just stay in the car and cross the river.

[DemonFighterLives]

15. I totally understand the love of clean air

Although the freedoms issue it what gets me. I have been known to have a smoke now and then.
What irks me is that now we are told when and where you can light up. The alcohol limit went to .10 and now to .08 and you must buckle your seat belt to drive around. Crying out loud, I grew up on the farm driving tractor at 7 or 8 and there was no dang seat belt on there.

Of course I understand how far in the minority I am in this respect. Many will tell me that smoke free is the best, alcohol free is the best and strapped in is the best. When I am told how to walk, talk and chew gum is where I will draw the line.

Patriot Act coming your way!
:hide:

[FiveGoodMen]

16. I'm with you

Never smoked, but I'd much rather take my chances with a little second-hand than have more restrictions placed on my freedom (or anyone else's).

Same w/ seat belts, etc.

[DemonFighterLives]

17. Thanks for some agreement

I was sure I would be flamed for sure.
:toast: :smoke:

[dpbrown]

18. I think St. Paul did it better

Smoking in a bar is more acceptable than smoking in a restaurant, in my opinion.

DPB