Blowing Smoke
The Emerald City December 8th, 2005Today the strictest
What I don’t understand…is how this state actually came to treat smokers like criminals, and more striking, how it turned restaurant owners into state employees, forced to patrol their customers and limit the appeal of their establishment to a significant number of citizens.
For non-smokers, I’m sure that it’s hard to imagine how enjoyable it is to sit in a coffee shop or restaurant, order some food, and enjoy a cigarette with coffee while reading the newspaper. But believe me, it is a great joy to me and thousands of other Montanans.
I lived in
“The ban applies to all workplaces and public places, including restaurants, bowling alleys, skating rinks, nontribal casinos, private clubs and reception areas. Even cigar rooms and hookah bars are affected. Smoking within
See that last sentence? That’s right, it’s now illegal in WA to smoke outside! As I mentioned before when we were voting on this ban, I foresee this causing some issues in the compact areas of
December 8th, 2005 at 9:14 am
Well the law in California, which is quite similar, caused very few problems after its initial adoption. Yes, some problems, but not many.
I am split. I appreciate every ones right to enjoy a cigarette while eating their meal in a restaurant, but I just don’t want to smell it. Sorry, that’s how I feel.
Now, some restaurants used to get it right with an entirely separate smoking section where the stinky fumes couldn’t escape. PERFECT!!!
There was a restaurant in California we used to go to when I was a kid where there “smoking section” was a series of booths RIGHT NEXT to (with no separators!) non smoking booths. HUH???
If people wanna smoke and kill themselves a little earlier (just like people like me who are overweight do the same thing), that’s their business…I just wish it didn’t smell so bad! The cigarettes, not me!
Adam
December 8th, 2005 at 9:17 am
And another thing…can’t they stop passing little laws that go after smokers and instead focus on real important issues?
Like those ASSHOLES who bump their bass to high heaven! My god! I HATE those people! HATE ‘EM!!!!
December 8th, 2005 at 9:17 am
I smoked for years (only quit cz of my mini me), so I can feel your pain. On the other hand, I live in the most congested city in the country and I’m GLAD people can’t smoke in the office or in coffee shops. I never smoked in my own apartment, but I did smoke at work, in the car, in restaurants, etc. Now I understand how frustrating it is for non-smokers to be trapped inside with lingering second-hand smoke or to have a meal ruined by the smell of a cigar. There must be some sort of compromise, but I sure don’t know what it should be.
I think that 25 foot thing is crazy though. As long as smokers don’t congregate directly in the doorway of a building, that should be enough. 25 FEET? That’s nuts. In NYC that would mean being unable to smoke ANYWHERE outside except maybe in the park or in the middle of a busy intersection.
December 8th, 2005 at 9:34 am
Adam, No need to apologize. I wrote this post to open discussion on the subject and I realize after reading Montana David’s post that there would be plenty of opposition to what I had to say. I do understand that most non-smokers would rather cut off their big toe than be exposed to other people’s smoke. I try to be very considerate of others and I don’t smoke in the house or in the car if Lach is with me. The problem is that even before the law passed there were hundreds (if not thousands) of establishments in Seattle that were deemed smoke-free. Many of them I have frequented with friends (and my honey) who do not smoke. Like David quoted John Stossel as saying:
“But when the politicians ban smoking in bars, people who actually like old-fashioned smoky bars are stopped, by force, from enjoying the kinds of establishments they like. Smoky bars cease to exist. Can’t the smokers have some bars?” We now have nothing.
JG, Oh yeah, parks are out too since they are “public places”. Seattle is very condensed as well, which is much of the problem I find with the “25 foot” rule. Not to mention the “self-policing” that this will encourage. The ferry docks here are now waiting on word from the legislature on how to handle the new law because 25 ft from the doors would mean being in the water of Puget Sound.
December 8th, 2005 at 9:46 am
Hmmm…all the smokers in Seattle in the middle of the Puget Sound???
Don’t give the law makers any ideas!
A
December 8th, 2005 at 9:48 am
Former smoker here. A ban on smoking outside is nuts. Pure crazy talk. If they were, say, to make smoking completely and totally illegal, then I could see it. But its not and smokers aren’t second rate citizens.
December 8th, 2005 at 10:22 am
Hello, people- one word: prohibition.
There is no way smoking would ever be banned the way alcohol was. And we all know how well trying to dry the country out worked.
The 25′ rule IS stupid, but I support banning smoking indoors. I get to watch my mom decline from smoking and pneumonia-induced COPD, and so if this ban spurs someone to quit, then great. And as a non-smoker, I want to enjoy my life without inhaling someone else’s poison. Sorry that’s so harsh, but it is what it is.
I predict that given the anarchist roots here in Seattle, we’ll see some protesting and whatnot, and maybe even an initiative to repeal the ban partially. And if said iniative removed the 25′ rule, then I would support it.
December 8th, 2005 at 10:34 am
Prohibition…good point, dear. Do you think we’ll see dark little “smoke-easies” popping up in back alleys across the state? Hey, nothing would surprise me at this point.
I have no real problem with restaurants being smoke-free, especially family establishments. Yeah, it’s been nice in the past to have a smoke and a cup of joe but I’m more inclined to a smoke and a beer, myself. In some states, bars don’t apply in the smoking ban and have a choice of whether or not to go smoke-free. I think this would be a nice happy medium (IMHO- giving that there ARE lots of non-smoking bars already).
But anyways, my little vote was an underdog on this one so take the restaurants, take the bars…but for heaven’s sake at least let me step out of the door.
December 8th, 2005 at 10:45 am
I am from California and a nonsmoker also. Smoking was the thing that kept me out of bars when I was younger and was really glad when California passed the law. I freaked out a little when I went to Seattle last year and people were smoking in restaurants. This 25 foot rule though is a little crazy, and the Washington liquor law with the state liquor stores seemed out of hand to me too.
December 8th, 2005 at 11:16 am
I don’t go to bars for that exact reason, Patrick. I hate it. I don’t know that I’ll be any more inclined to go now, but we’ll see.
December 8th, 2005 at 11:34 am
After being in a bar for an hour or so for some reason the smoke doesn’t bother me anymore and later I wake up in the gutter. Weird.
December 8th, 2005 at 11:42 am
Patrick, I haven’t gotten used to the strange liquor store arrangements here either. Good thing we have enough for several emergencies on hand at all times.
And DAMN, Adam, what kinda bars have you been going to down there in TN?
December 8th, 2005 at 11:45 am
Wild and crazy places like “Billy’s BBQ” and “The Eating Place”. God help me, what the FUCK am I doing here?
December 8th, 2005 at 11:48 am
Excellent question! We’ve been asking ourselves the same thing.
Love ya bro!
December 8th, 2005 at 12:11 pm
“The Eating Place”? …you might want to make sure there’s not a sign on the back side that says something like “The Carcass Place”
December 8th, 2005 at 12:36 pm
No, there’s isn’t a sign like that BUT there are THREE restrooms signs “Fellers” “Misses” and “Good Luck”…
I have yet to use the “Good Luck” room, but one of these days…
A
December 8th, 2005 at 1:18 pm
We have “smoke-easies” in NYC. Smoking in public establishments has been banned here for several years, but there are bars known for allowing it.
Personally, I like the smoke-free bars. I wear contacts, so all that smoke blinds me after awhile. Add that to a few too many scotches and I’m in trouble!
December 8th, 2005 at 3:36 pm
I might have to wander into one of those when we come to visit you and Snickers!
What’s your scotch of preference, btw?
December 9th, 2005 at 10:36 am
Mine is Glenlivet
December 9th, 2005 at 2:48 pm
I need to try more Scotches. I think Glenlivet is the only one I’ve ever had.
December 9th, 2005 at 8:09 pm
I’d have to say my favorite for sipping and enjoying is Glenmorangie’s Port Wood Finish. I also like regular Glenmorangie. I usually save single malts for home or an after dinner drink. When I’m out at a bar, I drink blended scotches. No idea what my reason for that is; that’s just what I enjoy. I drink Chivas Regal, or Johnnie Walker Black if they have it.
December 10th, 2005 at 1:07 am
Wow…quite a discussion, just like on my post. It’s fascinating how the subject inflames such passion.
Miz B, when we all finally get together, you & I will sneak outside for a smoke together when Lach isn’t looking!
December 10th, 2005 at 11:35 am
JG, Thanks for the suggestions! I will have to get scotched out soon!
David, You are so right that this subject certainly inflames people…which is part of the reason I wanted to discuss it. I look forward to having that smoke (maybe even in a cigar?) in the snow with you before too long!