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The Extrovert
Metromix blogs you into Chicago nightlife
« Happy Wednesday! | Main | All Bottled Up: Buenos Aires Forever »

Originally posted: May 2, 2007

We were delighted to find this in our morning news surf:

But what do you think—are you in favor or against a statewide smoking ban?

in Chris LaMorte, Trends | Permalink

Comments

I am so sick of smokers!! I think it's ridiculous that NY, California, Ireland and France all can pass a bill, but Illinois can't. It's about time.

Posted by: matt c. | May 2, 2007 2:53:04 PM


There's a reason why most bars, clubs, and restaurants allowed smoking - smokers bring in revenue. To shun smokers is to push away a profitable demographic. I haven't gone out since the ban and neither have my friends. Non-smokers will be happy we're gone, but they'll pay the price, literally, for their contempt. They won't notice it, but drink and food prices will escalate to compensate for dwindling patrons. I won't be surprised if some establishments close down. Not our fault.

Posted by: Mike | May 2, 2007 3:29:12 PM


Hi--

Chris LaMorte here--hope you don't mind me butting in to the conversation (pun, of course, intended). But I think Mike makes a point that bar owners will often make. But isn't it also true that sometimes people would rather stay home than go to a bar where they are they know once they will have to wash their hair, their clothes and everything else in order to get rid of the smoke stink? I know that's the case for me! So isn't it possible that some places will actually attract new customers?

Posted by: Chris LaMorte | May 2, 2007 4:35:25 PM


Cities and states that have baned smoking have not had any negative impact to overall business. Smoking is an offensive habit that impacts others. I wonder when smokers will quit treating the world as their ashtray and dropping their trash on the sidewalks. Great law!

Posted by: Kurt Knipp | May 2, 2007 6:07:24 PM


Awesome law...next all we need is the swearing ban, offensive music ban, and short skirt ban....the trans fat ban, drinking ban, and ugly people ban...we sould allow our ever so intelligent politicians to impose bans on everything they see fit...I'm sure they know exactly what's best for us.

Posted by: David | May 2, 2007 8:05:42 PM


Nothing worse than being subjected to someone else's toxic fumes while trying to eat, breathe and enjoy at restaurant/bar.

As for business, the non-smokers will stay out longer supporting bars and restaurants because they can breathe! Can't tell you how many times I've left a place because the smoke was unbearable. And yes, I have plenty of money to spend and will do so at the places that offer the healthiest environments for me to do so.

Make bars/restaurants for smokers only and let them kill each other off.

Posted by: jlh | May 3, 2007 9:34:13 AM


MIKE,
Bars will not lose business because you are forced to comply with a smoking ban. If you choose to stay at home instead of going out to protest, more power to you. Have fun smoking and drinking alone.

DAVID,
Excellent point. Since scientists prove that swearing, offensive music, and viewing women in short skirts is hazardous to my health, i too can see them putting a ban on all that you mention as well.

Posted by: Mortimer | May 3, 2007 10:53:10 AM


MORTIMER,

I'm glad you agree with me that it is troubling when the government makes decisions for people and businesses in society. I believe scientists have also proven that people have the right to utilize their free will and not enter establishments that permit smoking in order to preserve their own health. Some in society would rather the government make these tough decisions for them as they do not trust their own judgement in determining what is in their own best interest. I would like to think we live in a world where people are smart enough to make their own decisions, but I understand that some weaker minds prefer to be dictated to. A better idea would be for some wise entrepreneurs to develop non-smoking restaurants and bars to capitalize on the vast population of non-smokers allowing freedom of choice to prevail.

Posted by: David | May 3, 2007 11:45:05 AM


This just in....Scientists have determined that unprotected sex may lead to sexually transmitted diseases...there is a new ban entering legislation that bans all formas of unprotected sex. Thank God the government is looking out for us.

Posted by: David | May 3, 2007 11:53:04 AM


I agree with David's "Awesome Law". I don't think it's our politicians pass these kind of laws. Why don't they deal with the important stuff and let us deal with our personal preferences in life. I'm a non-smoker but I still don't like laws being passed like this. Is this still a free country?

Posted by: June | May 3, 2007 11:53:48 AM


Smoking is disgusting and it kills people. Even most smokers acknowledge "Yeah, I know I have to quit, but...." This might give them that opportunity.

As for your so-called "lost profits" - NYC has not lost any of its late-night appeal or revenue since their ban so get some facts before predicting an Armageddon of the bar/restaurant industry. "Although one of the most common sources of resistance to bans comes from businesses concerned that they will suffer financial losses due to lost customers, research seems to offer them some reassurances. A review published in 2003 of 97 studies on the economic effects of smoking bans on the hospitality industry shows that all the best designed studies report no impact or a positive impact of smoke-free restaurant and bars laws on sales or employment." See: Scollo, M. et al. "Review of the quality of studies on the economic effects of smoke-free policies on the hospitality industry" Tobacco Control 2003; 12: 13-20

Besides, if you want to talk about financial impact - the amount of money that tax payers are forced to pay in state health care costs EVERY year for smokers is astronomical.

In the meantime, for people like Mike (May 2, 2007 3:29:12 PM) who have not been to the bar since the ban, perhaps you should consider a healthier lifestyle other than becoming a hobbit. If you must smoke, just do so outside and avoid killing people like me, the bartender and the waitress. Thanks.

Posted by: Abby | May 3, 2007 12:54:02 PM


For a more educational and in depth analysis of this issue, please see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_ban

Footnotes, info, etc.

Posted by: Abby | May 3, 2007 12:57:21 PM


So Abby is one of those who would like to have the government dictate laws of personal choice to her as she feels they are better suited to make decisions for her. No one is saying that smoking is a good habit to have, but it is an enjoyable one for many, just as sex, drinking, and eating unhealthy foods that are served in restaurants are. It is a matter of the freedom of personal choice, which you are so quick to leave in the hands of our government. Short term benefit to non-smokers but not a wise decision in the long run to surrender your freedom of choice.

Posted by: David | May 3, 2007 1:29:25 PM


It is the principal of freedom of choice which is being attacked with bans of this nature. I hate second hand smoke as well, but I think governmental interference in our personal lives is a much more troubling problem that poses a much greater threat to our future. Anyone who cannot understand that concept does not understand much.

Posted by: David | May 3, 2007 1:41:37 PM


Those who would give up their freedom in exchange for security deserve neither - I think I might have heard that one before. Oh, Ben Franklin, Right. I do not understand why this is not a market rules issue. Nor do I understand why all of these 'don't stink up my clothes' people don't ban together and open up a chain of non-smoking bars and restaurants. In a real 'free' society, we would have a choice to patronize a smoking establishment or a non-smoking establishment. We even, this may come as a shock, have a choice on whether to work in a smoking establishment. Politicians and the 'don't stink up my air' people are so caught up on having things their way. Why not simply let the market handle the issue. Hey, you can open up your on place, and according to you and your theory that more non-smokers will come out - you might turn a profit. This is a slippery slope people. Give the government too much reign to dictate how we live and we have Gorge Orwell's 1984 or Hitler's 3rd Reich again. Take a stand for yourself, and do something about it yourself. It's a free market, exercise your right to not frequent smoking establishments or even open your own non-smoking establishment. Currently we have a situation where either way, before or after the law, we have a group of people who are un-happy. If we let the market handle it, both sides can have their cake and eat it too.

Posted by: Rick | May 4, 2007 12:25:53 PM


Good point, Rick - enjoyed your comments while eating my lunch today. Thank you. As a human resources executive I work within the law every day. I also work in the “constant complaint department.” Everyone’s got a complaint: Holidays – make sure we hit ALL the religions or someone’s going to complain or file discrimination. Attire – make sure we all wear the same thing or someone will be offended. This is just a small example, but my point is this: what a ridiculous issue this is – smoke or no-smoke. Sure, rules and laws are made to protect and provide order. But - there’s a war going on, people – there’s more important things to address. Not every human being will be pleased with any and every social or governmental decision. Immigration, Mad Cow Disease, sexually-transmitted diseases, traffic laws, neighborhood jurisdictions – ‘should we allow sidewalks?’, gay and lesbian issues, and even ridiculously banning an energy drink because of the name. (Don’t want to offend or convert children to try real cocaine. I worry that Coca Cola is next. Oh, and let’s not have a gay or lesbian teach children because it may turn them gay! Gosh!) This is all so ridiculous. Good God, we are given the capability to make sound judgments and decisions. And I would hope that all of us use the judgment of not bothering or harming our fellow man. Be respectful of ALL. Find a spot that doesn’t allow smoking and you don’t have to worry about your designer duds smelling funny. Enjoy your energy drink with a cigarette in a place that allows you do to so. Unfortunately, now this is not an option in Illinois. Thanks to all the members of the complaint department who make enough noise to get government involved in our personal lives. Make your own damned decisions, respect others who maintain their own values and decisions, and live and let live.

Posted by: Judy | May 9, 2007 12:07:21 PM


For the smokers.. go ahead smoke, light up and breath in that crap. BUT DO NOT EXHALE in my direction, I do not smoke. You want to smoke but are griping about the non smoking laws etc. When Cigarette makers make smoke able to only to cling to the person that smoking it, fine by me. But I do not ask for 2nd hand smoke, I do not ask for cancer, I am making a choice that is healthy and life saving for my family and I.
Oh by the way.. pick up your butts- stop flicking them out the window,on the sidewalks, on the road, etc. Its your trash, your cancer sticks. Be responsible and dispose of your death certificate the appropiate way.

Posted by: sherri | Aug 16, 2007 2:34:25 PM


Why do the non smokers have to open up their own restaurants to appease you? Why dont you smokers open up your own restaurants and sit in the smog filled cancer air and enjoy it.

Governement should not tell us what to do but when the majority of people are saying I WANT TO BE SMOKE FREE, let them pass the law and get it do. Especially for my children -who have a right to into cafes, restaurants and eat w/o having smoke 'cling' to their clothes.

If we go out to eat at a place that has smoking? I make the kids stop in the laundry room ,strip down - and go take showers as soon as we are in the house- I immediately wash all our clothes to get the stinky cancer filled smoke out of house and out of our bodies~. Let me say this- we dont go to many places like that anymore

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