One of the hot button topics in Chicago as of late is a proposed smoking ban. This ban would make it illegal to smoke in many, many public places – and one version of the bill would make it illegal to smoke in bars, as well.
The arguments against the ban? It’ll cost business owners good money to do this – fewer people will come in if they can’t smoke. And there’s the issue of workers who smoke. It looks like many are threatening to quit if they can’t have their cigarettes.
In California, where a statewide smoking ban in bars and restaurants exists, restaurants were claiming a 12% drop in business. But tax records show a revenue increase of about 5.9% at restaurants, and 5.1% at bars.
I don’t smoke, and I have no problem with the ban. Why? Because it affects other people’s health negatively. It’s not just something that affects the smoker; it affects the people around the smoker, too. Not wanting to be around smoke isn’t just a matter of personal preference – in which case, I would say the ban is silly. Smoking has real implications for those with weak respiratory systems, for instance – and why should those people be excluded from going places due to smoke?
Smoking is bad for everyone. It’s time to put it out wherever possible.
Posted in In the News
Al April 25, 2007, 3:41 am
Quit sharing your inhumane ignorance like the petty fools that you are(Ryan). People don’t quit their jobs because they can’t smoke, even if it may be a catalyst. The fact that people quit when they can’t smoke is simply because “the man” is infringing on their workers personal right and freedom. The fact that we have the choice to exercise these sort rights is what is making this country – i don’t know – this country isn’t really all that great anymore
sujay December 12, 2007, 5:07 pm
love the discussion will join tomorrow at same time.
Joseph December 12, 2007, 10:57 pm
I know what you mean, Al. But now that we can’t smoke at work, shooting our coworkers has caught on like wildfire. I hope they ban that soon.
You know, this site is just too much work anymore. I can’t get the stinking code numbers right. The lower case looks just like the uppercase. I’m trying the fourth time now.
No wonder I don’t post anymore.
Here goes . . .
4AV