SpringfieldNewsSun.com

By Phatts

August 2, 2008 2:21 AM | Link to this

Smoking is a disgusting habit. People who smoke smell terrible and have bad breath. Bars that consistently violate the ban should have their liquor license taken away. “Ok John, your breath smells like fresh cut flowers” Responsible drinking negatively impacts only the person partaking in the action, NOT everyone around that doesn’t want to be affected. It is an invalid argument to talk about alcohol in this discussion. “When was the last time someone was killed by a driver lighting up?

By fred

February 12, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

I AM AMAZED AT THE IGNORANCE AND HYPOCRICY OF THE ANTI-SMOKING ZEALOTS. THEY DON’T WANT THEIR HEALTH JEOPARDIZED BY SECOND HAND SMOKE, BUT THINK NOTHING OF DUMPING THEIR CAR FUMES ON ALL OF US. ONE AVERAGE DAY OF DRIVING PUTS MORE TOXINS IN THE AIR THAN A FULL YEAR OF ONE SMOKING. ONE JET LINER TAKE OFF IS EQUIVALENT TO 214 BILLION CIGARETTES. I’LL QUIT SMOKING WHEN YOU ALL QUIT DRIVING!

By CC to Julie

February 10, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this

Julie, Thank you for pegging me perfectly. Wait…you didn’t. You twisted it to what smokers want…again. fyi.. I have been playing in a band in Springfield and Dayton local bars for 20 years. I go to bars at least 3x a month just to hang out. I also have been in a bowling league for 20+ years. The bowling alleys are getting busier and busier with kids birthdays parties. Ya gotta start somewhere. Let’s be honest..the bar scene was pitiful way before the smoking ban.

By Bio major to JimB

February 10, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

And if anyone had ever taken an Econ course, you would know that the overall cost of a decision must include more than just the money concerns (i.e. the overall health of the workers and customers, air quality, etc.)

By Bio major to JimB

February 10, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

Ok Queen of Sheba, I do major in Biology, and am also pre-med. I haven’t gotten below an A in any of those classes either… So I am pretty successful at what I do. Anyway, if you had ever taken an ethics course, you would know that you have just committed an abusive fallacy, invalidating your argument by attacking the opponents character rather than the argument.

By JimB to Bio Major

February 10, 2008 8:34 AM | Link to this

If you’re a bio major, I’m the Queen of Sheba.

By Julie

February 10, 2008 4:32 AM | Link to this

To Common Courtesy and all who defend the ban by stating how they like the ban so they can go into a BAR and not leave smelling like smoke: Just exactly what bars are you going to? I know… none. ALL the bars are now empty. Especially throught the week nights. How ironic is it that you are attempting to blow smoke up our hind ends? I haven’t seen a new non-smoking customer in the bar yet. As I already stated, hold up your end of the bargain or give us back the right to smoke in bars.

By Common Courtesy

February 9, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Why is it that smokers, in general(not all of them)only worry about themselves and can’t stop smoking for a few hours when in a bar? If I’m wrong then why do they not care that nonsmokers have to smell and breathe smoke? Why do they not care that butts are discarded anywhere and everywhere? (Even around the front of restaurants and bars, where there are receptacles just for butts.) Why do they not care about other motorists getting pelted with little fire bombs? I ride a bike and get hit often!

By tammy

February 9, 2008 1:36 AM | Link to this

i m a bartender an yes i smoke but i cant while im at work an i dont get breaks to enjoy a lunch an cigarette. i always tell people to take their cigaettes outside or put it out. if they dont an the health department comes in an see them smoking its the bars that get fined not the person how is it that fair for the health department to do that. they dont want the little guys money they are only going after the businesses.not to mention its hard to pay my bills an jobs are hard to find.

By Bio major

February 9, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this

If you know anything about scientific papers, scientists never “prove” anything. They only disprove facts. This link is so skewed it is ridiculous.

By Michael J. McFadden

February 8, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

Smoking bans are bad laws based on lies, lies about the “deadly” health effects of normal levels of smoke in decently ventilated modern venues and lies about the economic effects of the bans. For a brief but detailed examination of those lies see

http://www.smokersclubinc.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=4472

and download and print out the .pdf version of the “Generic Stiletto”.

Michael J. McFadden Author of “Dissecting Antismoker’s Brains” www.TheTruthIsALie.com

By Bio major

February 8, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

Responsible drinking negatively impacts only the person partaking in the action, NOT everyone around that doesn’t want to be affected. It is an invalid argument to talk about alcohol in this discussion.

By Ben Dover in Ohio

February 8, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

A whole bunch of us screamed SCAM when it came to Issue #5. The private clubs assumed they were exempt. Ha, guess again. The way it was written NOT ONE private club falls under their interpretation of the rules. THEY knew this when they wrote it, WE knew it, WE warned you, YOU did not listen. Ohio, YOU are pathetic. Oh BTW their next ban is going to be alcohol, they’ve already made that public statement, 2009…

By Renee

February 8, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Dear Doco: How many drinks do you have at the bar, before you drive home? Is that healthy?

By Lin

February 8, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Excuse me, did everyone forget that the failing businesses have owners who pay the bills and perform the labor?

Have you wondered why a company who pays for smoking bans also profits from smoking cessation products> Wake up Ohio, you have been had by a big pharmaceutical company who is laughing all the way to the bank while Ohio business suffers Sucker Ohio

By John

February 8, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

Smoking is a disgusting habit. People who smoke smell terrible and have bad breath. It is nice to finally go to a tavern and come home without reeking of smoke. Bars that consistently violate the ban should have their liquor license taken away.

By Roy D Mercer

February 8, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

I did not vote to ban any kind of smoking. If I am at a drinking establishment with some friends who are smoking, no problem, I sometimes join them. Bars and smoke, you can’t have one without the other! I do feel that private clubs should be left to decide for the issue for themselves. Now for my pet peeve. I do take issue with the smokers who feel it is alright to discard their butts anywhere they please! If you are smokinh in your car, that’s where it belongs! Not bouncing of my windshield!

By smokem

February 8, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Hey mr A, We also drive the hour to Ky and spend our money as do all our smoking frends. The amount of Ohio license plates down there is staggering! I hope the businesses here NEVER pay their fines. Make the health dept spin their wheels for NOTHING! All you non smoking NATZI’S out there must have forgot the “PLEDGE OF ALLEGIENCE” “AND TO THE REPUBLIC for which we stand, we are a REPUBLIC NOT a democracy. We can thank our socialist schools work for that way of thinking!

By John Ferris

February 8, 2008 7:43 AM | Link to this

Dear Reggie: So you look to government for the definition of either a recession or a full-blown depression? Wonderful! I am so happy that you — unlike me — have such trust in the current economy and the Wall Street boys who evidently read the same “Mickey Mouse News” that you do. Folks thought the same way in October of 1929, but I forgot, you probably didn’t learn about that where you went to school. History only began when you were born, right?

By Bio major

February 8, 2008 2:42 AM | Link to this

I have a solution! How about the smokers take this as an opportunity to take their health into their own hands, quit smoking, and take that money that they save and invest it into the businesses that they seem to care so much about. Then everyone would be happier and healthier, and also these businesses will have more income, maybe even than before the ban.Or are these businesses that are continuously brought up on here not truly the issue at hand that (apparently) so many people want addressed?

By Bio major

February 8, 2008 2:03 AM | Link to this

Thank God for the smoking ban! Hopefully Saint Louis will follow suit soon too…

By Bar owner

February 8, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this

If the ACS lied about the damage to businesses & they can’t produce the 53,000, how come Issue 5 hasn’t been overturned? They gave 5 reasons on the Sec. of State’s website to vote YES. Those are 2 of the 5. Issue 5 was based on lies. Business owners should sue to overturn it based on the fact voters were lied to. Do some research on the RWJF. Very scary. THEY are making the policies of this country. You can tell what bans are next by reading their active grants. WAKE UP PEOPLE PLEASE!!

By wizman

February 8, 2008 1:47 AM | Link to this

Ok. I am tired of hearing how bad smoking is for us. If it kills us and the supposedly 53,000 SHS deaths I want names and PROOF that it is directly related. No more of this smoking ‘might’ and ‘could’ cause cancer I want the direct link of proof! Good luck finding it cause it is not there! Wake up sheeple its just one more right taken away. Time to keep them out of private business and our own homes! And if non smoking bars were so hot before the ban why were they not opened everywhere!????

By wizman

February 8, 2008 1:46 AM | Link to this

Ok. I am tired of hearing how bad smoking is for us. If it kills us and the supposedly 53,000 SHS deaths I want names and PROOF that it is directly related. No more of this smoking ‘might’ and ‘could’ cause cancer I want the direct link of proof! Good luck finding it cause it is not there! Wake up sheeple its just one more right taken away. Time to keep them out of private business and our own homes! And if non smoking bars were so hot before the ban why were they not opened everywhere!????

By Bar owner

February 8, 2008 1:32 AM | Link to this

And these studies..of the 81 spousal studies done, only 17% showed a statistically significant risk increase. And the ACS claims 57,000 people die annually from SHS. Have you ever seen one named? If they can claim that many die every year, who are they? This is the biggest, most corrupt thing done to the American people all for profit. Ohio’s economy is spiralling down. 6% unemployment, $1.9 Billion budget deficit. Sure..kill the small businesses. Why not?

By Bar owner

February 8, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this

Have any of you researched smoking bans? Ever hear of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation? The RWJF PAID the ACS, ALA, etc. over ONE BILLION DOLLARS for them to lobby for smoking bans. The RWJF PAID the ACS almost ONE MILLION DOLLARS to promote NRT. They PAID the ACS $70,000+ to lobby Medicaid to pay for NRT. Why? Because RWJF is Johnson & Johnson who owns Nicoderm & bought Pfizer to get Nicorette in 2006 for $16.6 BILLION. They created the market & paid the ACS to market their drugs.

By blross

February 8, 2008 12:32 AM | Link to this

I feel the smoking band should be lifted in VA clubs and bars. There is plenty of place for the nonsmokers to go and enjoy them selves. The goverment should take care of the important things and let the people live the life they want. We have people going hungery, homeless and people who are about to lose thier homes or have lost them already. Goverment if you want to do something take the tax money from smokers and help these people.

By Bar owner

February 7, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

What business do you own, Doco? It’s not ignorance. It’s panic. They’re just trying to keep their doors open. Have you ever put everything you own on the line to open your own business? It WAS the American Dream for these people. All they want to do is to keep from losing their businesses, their homes and possibly families. Why can’t you antis see that? You’re so full of hate for cigarettes that you can’t see what’s happening to these businesses. The businesses aren’t buildings. They’re people

By Shabbychic

February 7, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

To Doco - Those old cronies you say that need to get off their a*s for 5 minutes to go outside and smoke fought for your country. No big deal you say, wrong Mr. Hot Shot. Our Vietnam vets were treated horrible when they came home. Let me play a guessing game with you were you in Nam - doubt it how about the Gulf war - nah,and I know you’re not in Iraq. Quit whining and crying with all of your comments here.

By Shabbychic

February 7, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

To Doco - Those old cronies you say that need to get off their a*s for 5 minutes to go outside and smoke fought for your country. No big deal you say, wrong Mr. Hot Shot. Our Vietnam vets were treated horrible when they came home. Let me play a guessing game with you were you in Nam - doubt it how about the Gulf war - nah,and I know you’re not in Iraq. Quit whining and crying with all of your comments here.

By Bar owner

February 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I just love how people who don’t own a business think this smoking ban is good for businesses. Anheuser Busch sales to bars are DOWN 7.8% since the ban. Draft beer - down 8.1%. But, sales to drive thrus and carryouts are UP 1.7%. FACT. It proves people are not going out, they’re going home to drink (and smoke). The ACS LIED to voters to get Issue 5 passed.

By john

February 7, 2008 10:46 PM | Link to this

I am a smoker and will continue to. My family has been as far back as I can find out. I do agree it may not be healthy but it is the individual who pays for their health. Insurance companies charge extra for smokers so I pay the extra for my health care not anyone else. My life insurance cost extra. they know I am going to die sometime they just want higher profits at smokers expense. The government taxes tobacco and gives back nothing. we have no representation..WHERE IS FEEEDOM

By MR A

February 7, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

I do not agree with the smoking ban, and finally the Springfield business owners are feeling the effect by way of diminished and perhaps lost forever revenue generated from us foul disgusting lowly life forms. I make it a point to accept and respect a persons opinion, and their right to have one, but when I constantly read these post from people that have breathing problems, or use their children in a first line of defense of issue 5 as justification it angers me. In simple equation having breathing problems and going into a bar where smoke is present is like being allergic to bee stings and walking barefoot through clover rich grass. Lets ban bees. Forget about the idiot who knew that he/she made the decision to aimlessly disregard their problem, get stung then cry about it.

Protecting our children should be paramount with no questions asked, but why are you bringing your child into a bar? You should be criminally charged for stupidity .

The Ohio E-check was a flop, it mainly effected the economically disadvantaged segment of the few counties that forced it upon us. If this was such a great idea and needed as they said it was, why did it get booted? You non smokers bitched, moaned, and whined because you had to foot out 20 bucks per vehicle, what happened to your conviction about carbon monoxide being omitted into your healthy air? Go ahead and deny it, say you didn’t, but you know you did, and you’re lying to save face.

On the other hand there’s a couple of neighboring states that just loves Ohio, more and more people are recreating, buying their vehicles, spending their money outside the buckeye state, and for that those states hope things stay the way it is. I even know people who completely relocate and set up shop in these other states! If you haven’t got the message yet, you will soon. Simple math, when you keep subtracting from and never giving back, well you get it don’t you? If not then your bubble you live in is to cloudy, or your eyes are voluntarily shut. Lets ban closing our eyes.

Have you heard about our sales tax going up?

Facts are facts, smokers didn’t vote, if they would have, this stupidity would have never passed. Ninety percent of Springfields bars and restaurants are hurting to the point where business is so bad they will be forced to close, that’s ok because you non smokers don’t mind yet another tax increase, not to mention the families of these businesses with no income and large debts they can’t pay back to the bank, shut your eyes again it makes it easier if you can’t see it. Sure glad the health department and you intelligent non smokers are at the helm, I’m anxiously waiting for your miracle solution to this real and present problem? Thank you for covering our backs ! Gotta go, a group of about 50 of us are heading out of state, about a one hour drive, going to eat and buy gas and cigarettes, just not in Ohio. We are also doing our weekly grocery shopping, isn’t this free enterprise a wonderful thing….

By Bar owner

February 7, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this

I just love how people who don’t own a business tell you how great this ban is. Business is great since the ban, huh? How can it be great if Anhueser Busch distributor sales to bar are down 7.8% and draft beer down 8.1% since the ban? These same distributors show a 1.7% INCREASE in sales to drive thrus and carryouts. People are going home to drink (and smoke). These are FACTS. The ACS LIED to voters to get Issue 5 passed.

By BK

February 7, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

The smoke Nazis won, you might as well live with it. Just remember the next time someone wants to tell you how to live your life whether you agree or disagree with that life style, tell them to stick it up their a$$. Are you listening strip club patrons?? A little too late for you too isn’t it? Just keep going to Johnnys soccer game and Sallys ballet classes and ignore what’s going on around you……Let’s see, no smoking at bars, bowling alleys, or pools halls = NO F’ING JOBS!!!

By KAF

February 7, 2008 10:05 PM | Link to this

The only attempt to mislead voters was the smoke less ballot issue paid for by Big Tobacco. Voters didn’t buy it and now there is even more public support for the comprehensive ban than when it was on the ballot. Any changes to the law are highly unlikely. Since fines for repeat violations increase exponentially, those flouting the law will soon be facing much stiffer fines and violations will drop to next to nothing.

By Middle Ground

February 7, 2008 10:00 PM | Link to this

The law is the law and it was placed on the ballot box. There’s not a lot complaining will do about it. If people want the law changed, get petitions and get it back on the ballot and vote again. Another option could be that the State take some of the billions in cigarette tax dollars and give it to the restaurants and bars to build designated smoking areas. Smokers pay a ridiculous amount. Give something back to them.

By Susie

February 7, 2008 9:58 PM | Link to this

The idea that a “private club” should be exempt simply because they are a “private club” in ludicrous. I am a member of a “private club.” I qualified for membership in the “private club” because I’m married to a U.S. Marine who was wounded in Viet Nam. I joined the “private club” because I believe and support their efforts to assist our American Veterans. I did NOT join the “private club” so I could smoke. One has nothing to do with other!

By sam

February 7, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

I smoke anywhere I go now. I used to have repsect for non-smokers in the right places, but now that they banned smoking all together, I don’t abide by this law. I smoke at the airport, at the movies, and at McDonalds or any other place I want and I haven’t got a ticket yet, and if I do, so what, pay a little fine and move on. They took our right to smoke, Next fat people will lose thier right to choose where they eat, and soon every one of you will lose some rights in one way or another.

By art

February 7, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

The voters were bambozzled at the ballot box. Pure and simple. Another way to tax businesses….And I am not a smoking advocate.

By Dennis Kelly

February 7, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Most of those who complain about our laws are the same ones who never vote, obviously cannot read a ballot, don’t study the issues, etc, etc. We have a new law actually voted upon by a large majority of those who DID bother to vote - I would suggest this law be enforced, fines levied, etc. I for one appreciate going into a sports bar, restaurant or other public place and not having to gag on second hand smoke.

By Jim

February 7, 2008 8:14 PM | Link to this

I am a non-smoker. I think bars, even if they serve food, should be exempt from the smoking ban. I am also think that restaurants, that also may offer drinks with the meal, should not be exempt. I think that private organizations, such at The Elks, AMVETS, et. al. should hold it up to an internal membership vote and be exempt from the enforcement of the ban. If the above changes would be adopted, I would invite anyone who dislikes being in a smoke-filled room to leave.

By Jaycooljay788@ameritech.net

February 7, 2008 6:39 PM | Link to this

That person who said she’s thankful to be alive thanks to smoking bans, are you suggesting that you will die in walking into a smoke-filled bar?

Yeah, you should be thankful to be alive. I wish you good luck in staying alive. Because if you ever end up being a crime victim, even a smoking ban can’t save your life in that situation.

Smoking bans don’t save workers’ lives. They make the workers’ lives worse. No customers = No revenues. And then the bar has to close down with no revenues.

By Steve

February 7, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Has everyone lost there minds on this issue and all others like it. Weather your for or against. Ohio voters voted for this Crazy Law and our Revenuer’s LOVE it. Face it, “People” IT’S ALL ABOUT THE “MONEY” PERIOD!!!!!!!!! Another way for the politicians to put there hands in our pockets.

By Paul

February 7, 2008 5:37 PM | Link to this

I smoke in places where allowed. I don’t smoke in places where banned. Courtesy for non-smokers has been lost. I have always complied with non-smokers requests to put it out or move away from them when I smoke. I will go outside to smoke. I am the one with “the problem”, not someone not addicted to cigarettes. I will comply to non-smoking rules. Non-smokers: don’t join forces with other “ban promoters” to come after my Second Amendment weapons. I’ll “smoke” you so quick, you’ll ask for a smoke.

By Caroline

February 7, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

the original issue that was voted on in November 2006 did not include private facilities, only public facilities. Places like Eagles Clubs, AmVets, etc are private facilities and were originally allowed to choose to be non-smoking or smoking. It was not until this past summer of 2007 the legislature changed it, unvoted upon, to include private clubs.

By Floyd

February 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Why do a small handful of people think they are above the law. I say collect the fines and use the money to fund some worthy cause such as a youth center for our “bored” teenagers who have no place to hang out. The smoking ban is just like the seat belt law. Lots of people don’t like this law either, but thousands of Ohio residents have been cited into count and fined $100 plus court cost. These fines help pay for our court judges and their court expenses.

By Jeanne

February 7, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this

Banning smoking helps to keep me alive. Almost four years ago, I experienced a brain hemmorhage and am very blessed and thankful to be alive. Being in a room where someone is smoking can take my life away. I want to go to hear my sister and friends sing karaoke, I want to be able to go to a movie, go to watch others bowl. When someone smokes, I cannot be a part of others pleasures. Thanks for not smoking and giving me life.

By Kathy

February 7, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

I am a non smoker and do enjoy no smoking in the restaurants. However, bars, bowling alleys and the like should not have to ban smoking. To me it just goes with it. The more freedoms that are taken away the more will follow. Beware of what you think should be banned!! What you enjoy may be next. I think the ban should be lifted.

By Mar Kemper

February 7, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

I can understand not smoking in a restaurant, but come on……….a bar???? I think that bar owners should have the right…..it’s their business and their profits that are hurting because of this stupid law. What’s the next right that’s going to be taken away from us???????????? TIME TO WAKE UP PEOPLE………smoker or not………………!!!!!!!!!!!

By eddie

February 7, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

The cigarette gestapo had to go in after-hours?

By JimB

February 7, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

Wake up, everybody! They’re coming for the smokers now, but the obsessive control mentality doesn’t sleep. They will come for group after group until they get everybody. When they come for you, don’t panic. Sit down and relax, take a deep breath, put your head between your knees and kiss your butt goodbye, because there will be no one left to speak out for you. Speak out now whether you’re a smoker or not!!

By debbie

February 7, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Re: The guy who now spends more time in bar Hurrah for him but I will still take my chances driving behind the guy who spends time smoking!!!! what a stupid comment! If its my bar I should have the last say but I still say 12 cigs or 12 beers moron

By JB

February 7, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Using some of your logic, the businesses should be allowed to do whatever they want. If they chose to have gambling, so be it. If they chose to have prostituion, so be it. if they chose to allow 16 year olds to drink, so be it. The laws are made to protect the people. And second hand smoke is hurtful… period! It is proven. If you chose to engage in something in a public location that poses risks to others, you should be made to refrain or take it outside, no matter what the issue is.

By alice

February 7, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE I have been trying to find some examples of a person who was forced to breathe in second-hand smoke - I think this would be a good argument to convince smokers they are wrong and I am compiling testimonials from non-smokers who have had their rights to be healthy violated. Unfortunately, my project hasn’t been successful because I CAN’T FIND ANY

By no problem

February 7, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

I am and have always been a non-smoker. But why does our government feel they can tell restaurant/bar owners what they are allowed to do in their establishments? It should be up to the owners to decide for themselves if they want to allow smoking or not. Let the people decide if they want to frequent smoking or non-smoking establishments.

By me

February 7, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

I am and have always been a non-smoker. But why does our government feel they can tell restaurant/bar owners what they are allowed to do in their establishments? It should be up to the owners to decide for themselves if they want to allow smoking or not. Let the people decide if they want to frequent smoking or non-smoking establishments.

By Andy

February 7, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

I for one spend more at bars now that I don’t have to worry about waking up for work the next morning and coughing up a lung the whole day. It is funny smokers refuse to go to bars and hang out because their right to smoke indoors is taken away. So basically because you have to take 20 steps outside you have decided to hole up in your house rather than take part in humanity? NICE LIFE. The fact is second hand smoke negatively impacts everyone’s health, I certainly didn’t choose to die early

By joe

February 7, 2008 3:34 PM | Link to this

I still believe it should have been up 2 to buissiness owner to make thier place smoking or not…you people who voted for the non smoking law took thier rights away by saying what they can do in thier own place. If they didnt want smoking in thier place they would have made it that way. You have cost these buissness’s money that they support thier families with I think you people owe these owners an apology.

By joe

February 7, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this

I still believe it should have been up 2 to buissiness owner to make thier place smoking or not…you people who voted for the non smoking law took thier rights away by saying what they can do in thier own place. If they didnt want smoking in thier place they would have made it that way. You have cost these buissness’s money that they support thier families with I think you people owe these owners an apology.

By Gary K.

February 7, 2008 3:23 PM | Link to this

For those that claim smoking bans are the vote of the majority of people. Only four states actually let the people vote on smoking bans.

The only majority is a majority of those that insist on bossing others around. The four state average for voting ‘Yes’ on smoking ban laws is only 38.4% of the non-smoking registered voters and only 26% of the non-smoking adults!!!

By Angel

February 7, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this

No Smoking in Ohio-FANTASTIC!! Yep I voted for it! When the smoking ban passed, most of my smoking friends had enough respect for others to smoke outside so the non-smokers do not have to inhale their 2nd hand smoke. I have yet to meet one of the die hard- “you are taking my rights away”-“I will smoke and no one will tell me what to do” smokers who are not rude in other aspects as well. WAKE UP!! Your 2nd hand smoke is hurting others. Who cares about your health-you don’t-but leave mine alone

By Rick

February 7, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

As far as no smoking, I voted for it, but I think it is stupid that were I work they took the sides off the “smoking hut” to be within the law. Fix the law so smokers CAN go outside in a closed area and smoke. I thought I was voting so AMVETs & VFW’s and the so called “private clubs” could choose to be smoking bars. The law is good, just needs some fixing. There are plenty of bars for both, don’t punish an owner for making a living, or someone who has smoked all their life, especially veterans.

By Julie

February 7, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

It saddens me how the non-smokers have to resort to trying to put down and shame the smokers. Like they are so perfect. So fine, non-smokers, you’re right. Smoking stinks and is unhealthy. It’s no longer allowed in bars. So why don’t you come out, every night, and start celebrating your victory to make up for the smokers so I can pay my bills again? Support your decision ALL AROUND and not just in resturants. If you do, I’ll gladly shut up and go outside to smoke.

By Voter

February 7, 2008 3:11 PM | Link to this

I think that everyone is missing the point. The article is talking about citations being written and none ever paid. “we the people” voted for this smoking ban and it is now the law. Regardless of how big a mistake we think we made, these establishments are violating a law and need to comply! It is also my personal opinion that for a lot of the businesses (restaurants/bars) the pick up of business from the non-smokers is off-setting the loss of the smokers.

By KAF

February 7, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Phoney Argument #1: “Cigarettes are a legal product and thus people should be able to use them wherever they wish.”
Answer: Society regulates a variety of products and behaviors for the common good. Sex is legal, but you can’t do it on your front porch or on a playground. Drinking is legal, but you can’t do it and drive. Ohioans have decided the issue of secondhand smoke democratically.

By valarie

February 7, 2008 3:00 PM | Link to this

If you were not displaced to a Church for your voting rights,you would not have seen the WHOLE REFERENDEM/they mean to target ANY FORM OF TABACCO….. this does include smokeless , this does mean everyone that has a semi-swollen bottem lip may/maynot have Skoal stuffed in there, gonna rip their lips off!!, wake up and don’t smell the pipe, or cigar,it’s all getting taken out of your hands for your own good whether you like it or not..HELLO BIG BROTHER KNOCKING??!!chip chip no rights

By someone who likes their liberties

February 7, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

I’m right there with you Sharon. What happened to Civil Liberties? When did we become a “people” who needs everything decided FOR US? Shouldn’t it be MY CHOICE to go to an establishment that allows smoking? Applebees decided to become non-smoking years before the ban came into effect, as a smoker, I respect that decision. It’s their establishment, they have the right to make that call. And I can decide to NOT go there if I so chose. Its common sense.. Not so common…..

By Rosewell Kennel

February 7, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

As a smoker who use to eat out 7 nights a week, until December, 2006, I am in favor of NON-KID establishments. The screaming, yelling and running around by unsupervised children is disgusting to those of us who raised our children to behave in public places and not bother others. This new crop of parents seem to think their kids should be allowed to misbehave wherever they wish to or, perhaps, the parents are afraid of their children.

By BarPatron

February 7, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Here is a question you should ask your local bartener or wait staff: “How has the smoking ban affected your income?” I guarantee you they will tell you that their tips are down 1/3 - 1/2 of what they were before the ban took place. I have friends to are bartenders- its killing their income. Bottom line is that if you need to be over 21 to enter then it should be up to the business owner whether or not to allow smoking.

By Donna

February 7, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this

IN TODAY’s PAPER:

NEW YORK (AP) — Tobacco use killed 100 million people worldwide in the 20th century and could kill one billion people in the 21st unless governments act now to dramatically reduce it, the World Health Organization said in a report Thursday. Governments around the world collect more than $200 billion in tobacco taxes every year but spend less than one fifth of 1% of that revenue on tobacco control, it said.

“We hold in our hands the solution to the global tobacco epidemic that threatens the lives of one billion men, women and children during this century,” WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan said in an introduction to the report.

The WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2008 calls on all countries to dramatically increase efforts to prevent young people from beginning to smoke, help smokers quit, and protect non-smokers from exposure to second hand smoke.

It urges governments to adopt six “tobacco control policies” — raise taxes and prices of tobacco; ban tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship; protect people from second hand smoke; warn people about the dangers of tobacco; help those who want to quit smoking; and monitor tobacco use to understand and reverse the epidemic.

By Rick

February 7, 2008 2:50 PM | Link to this

To Choking in Ohio, for your information, I’m a Fire Chief and we do not write burn permits, RAPCA does. There’s no open burning in Clark County. An open fire is only allowed for cooking or “ceremonial purposes” or must have a permit. It would be more fair to say certain Fire Departments do not enforce the rules. Know the facts before you bash Fire Chiefs who are put in a position to decide if a family is having a small recreational campfire or criminals for trying to enjoy the outdoors.

By Don Herrmann

February 7, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

The emotional argument of a great communist ( or even nazi-like) conspiracy continues to be the only type of argument smokers can develop in support of their lost cause. The scientific and fact based argument of the non-smoking majority remains the only intelligent argument to be made. Give it up smokers, you damaged innocents with your fool hardy habit and arguments enough.

By Doco

February 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

To Renee, I’m a non-smoker and spend approx. 40 hrs/month at a bar. That doesn’t include once a week at my bowling league. I also exercise 4-5 times a week. It’s possible to be a healthy bar-goer, and no I’m not going to hang out at Applebee’s. And Sharon, “WE THE PEOPLE” voted. Democracy. Here’s an open question. Should sex be allowed in bars or public places? It’s legal like smoking is. Or is the government being oppressive by asking that it’s kept behind closed doors?

By Owen Marshall

February 7, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

And the ridiculous railing continues. What is the fastest growing movement in America? Why voters deciding at the polls that they want a smoke free environment. OH isn’t the only state that bans indoor smoking. Places like New York, FL, CO, CA, WA, IL, DE, CT, ME, MA, NJ, RI, VT, NV, AZ and PR do. Initiatives are pending in many other states as well.

Hardly an embarrassment unless seeing a yellow eyed dried up person with a cigarette hanging out of their mouth is somehow attractive.

By Tom

February 7, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this

There are two reasons for smoking bans and one of them is not about health.

1. Quarantine/isolate the smoker.

2. Denormalize smoking.

Unfortunately, the hospitality industry is caught in the cross-fire

By Tom

February 7, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

There are two reasons for smoking bans and one of them is not about health.

1. Quarantine/isolate the smoker.

2. Denormalize smoking.

Unfortunately, the hospitality industry is caught in the cross-fire

By Doco

February 7, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Let’s lay to rest this thought that only degenerates or “people who aren’t exactly health nuts” hang out at bars. People who like to drink, listen to music, and socialize hang out in bars. All walks of life hang out in bars, even health nuts. Not just smokers. And if I had the money, I would open my own bar. I would welcome smokers and non-smokers alike. I would just ask that the smokers step outside to fire one up. Maybe even heat the patio for them.

By Sharon

February 7, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

Non Smokers have BRAINS.. and are able to MAKE CHOICES.. Thus they can choose to go where there is NO smoking. Smokers can go where ever they wish also. We all have the option to making choices. The Businesses out there are in business for ONE reason. To make MONEY. Thus it should be THEIR CHOICE to allow smoking or not. OUR government has too much control as it is right now and it just makes my stomach turn ! They want ONE WORLD government. Whatever happened to WE THE PEOPLE ??????????

By Thomas

February 7, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

There are two reasons for smoking bans and one of them is not about health.

1. Quarantine/isolate the smoker.
2. De-normalize smoking.

Unforuately. the hospitality industry is caught in the cross-fire

By aharddaysnight

February 7, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Greg, it is about the bars because they are privately owned business. Period. It’s about the free market.If you don’t want to go to a certain bar because of smoke don’t go to that bar. Thomas Jefferson said democracy is mob rule where 51% of the people can strip the rights of the 49%. I agree. Only the owners of these establishments should have the right to decide to allow smoking or not.

By Warren Wallace

February 7, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this

Cheeks yes. Chuck E Cheese’s no.

By me

February 7, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

I am a non-smoker and always have been. But what makes the government feel they have the right to tell restaurant and bar owners what they can or cannot do in their establishments? I say if a restuarant/bar owner wants to allow smoking then let them, if they don’t want to allow it then let them. If a non-smoker doesn’t like smoking establishments then let them find a non-smoking one.

By Renee

February 7, 2008 1:54 PM | Link to this

This is a question for all the people who support no smoking in bars? How much time do you spend in a bar (not a restaurant) each month?

By KAF

February 7, 2008 1:52 PM | Link to this

Freedom to choose? Does that include freedom to expose customers and employees to asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde, and other known causes of cancer in humans? Or are we only granting an exception to businesses that want to poison people with secondhand tobacco smoke?

By FloridaBuckeye

February 7, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

For all that you are complaining about not being able to smoke, there are probably twice the people happy that the ban is in effect. The voters in Florida voted to ban smoking, which I absolutely love. However, the state did make an amendment for bars that have food revenues of less that 10%, which has worked out for everyone. I was in Ohio in October and loved the ban! I just wish that smokers would just realize that we nonsmokers just want fresh air when we eat!!

By Tony

February 7, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

You are degrading the honor of all our Veterans by suggesting that they fought as bravely as they did to defend your right to smoke inside public buildings. Do you honestly think that? It’s just a pitiful and disgusting argument.

By Julie

February 7, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

I can only find one possible business stated in the article above that is talking about a possible resturant so quit talking about EATING in a smoke-free environment. The article is talking about lifting the ban for BARS. After almost a year of working in a smoke-free bar, there is NO denying that this is killing businesses. If you non-smokers were REALLY going out to the bars you’d know that. If smoke-free bars were profitable, there would’ve been many BEFORE the ban.

By Bob540

February 7, 2008 1:14 PM | Link to this

Freedom is about choice: The right to smoke or be exposed to smoke, and the right to not smoke and not be exposed to smoke. Choice should include places where you can smoke and places where you can’t. The law goes too far in removing smoking from ALL public buildings. The law needs to be re-worked, and I don’t think “majority rule” (voting) should be utlized to prevent people from having a public right to smoke. I am a non-smoker, btw.

By Smoke sucks

February 7, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

It is GREAT being able to choose from any establishment now and not have to worry about smoke. I could not be happier!

By KAF

February 7, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this

I’ll be in favor of exemptions to Ohio’s smokefree protection when ALL businesses can decide which, if any, local,state,and federal health and safety laws they will follow. Tobacco smoke doesn’t get a pass just because of the number of those addicted to nicotine or the political influence ($$$) of tobacco companies.

By StopWhining

February 7, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

It is an undeniable fact that second hand smoke is dangerous and potentially lethal. Trust me, if sitting next to someone who is drinking alcohol was proven to cause liver damage, there would be a movement afoot to ban it too. The two cannot be compared, so lets just put an end to that argument.

Maybe you smokers think that drinking and driving should be legal? That’s also harmful to the general public, limits the bars’ revenues and it sure is inconvenient, isn’t it?

By Tammie

February 7, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

I agree that smoking is unhealthy and can harm others. I feel that in most places that smoking smoking should not be allowed, however bars are not one of them. Lets face it, people that hang out in bars arent exactly healht nuts. If we continue on this route of regulation, bans, unfair taxation, our country is going to end up being the same thing we came here to avoid, when we founded this country. Also to George Brent intolerance is ignorant.

By Melissa

February 7, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

The smoking ban should have never even been put on the ballet. There was so much fraud with the voting. Our veterans fought for our freedom, and now they can’t even smoke a cigarette in there our country. Which by the way the government will never make buying cigarettes illegal because they make too much money from the sales. I understand not smoking in restaurants but in bars? In a couple more years there will be no more bars because they will have to shut their doors due to no business.

By JimB

February 7, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

This smoking ban is not only tryannical, it’s an embarassment to Ohio. Lets get it lifted so the free market can decide where smoking is allowed. Anybody who believes the SHS health risk propaganda, can stay out of places where smoking is allowed and patronize only places where they think the air is clean enough for them.

By dave

February 7, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

How does this have anything to do with the “man” taking our rights away. People vote them away at every turn in the name of stupidity. Scary thing we have in America, voters that are uninformed and ignorant to what is going on around them. These are the same voters that will be electing our next Commander in Cheif into office. It doesn’t matter what the issue is, a test should be given to all voters before they have a right to vote on anything. What percent would pass? My guess is less than 10%!

By CLEVO

February 7, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

All you smokers should be allowed to kill yourselves and no one esle. Happy smoking!!

By Choking in Clark County

February 7, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Air quality in Clark county is awful. The Health department and Fire Department needs to do more to remove all smoke from the air in Clark County. It is a joke for the state to have a no smoking rule while the local Fire Chef writes open burn permits all summer long. It is in conflict for Dayton to have a public funded program paying folks to end burning wood to heat homes while Fire Chefs write burn permits. Can’t see the forest for the burning trees? To get a better look at what your breathing visit the Regional Air Pollution Control Agency web page Serving Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble Counties. Google RAPCA. Watch the charts in real time during the summer months. You will be surprised and not amused if you care about the air quality index, AQI.

By Mamamia

February 7, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

I had not been out for quite a long time, and decided to go out for a bit of fun and to talk to some people out and about. I went to my favorite bar and there was no one there. I sat there for 1 1/2 hours and no one came in. I went to another and there was one person and when I asked the barmaid if anyone would probably be coming in she said “Not many, no one can smoke”. This tells me that the smoking ban is causing loss of business, when these places used to be full of people. OPPRESSION-IRAQ!

By Choking in Clark County

February 7, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this

Air quality in Clark county is awful. The Health department and Fire Department needs to do more to remove all smoke from the air in Clark County. It is a joke for the state to have a no smoking rule while the local Fire Chef writes open burn permits all summer long. It is in conflict for Dayton to have a public funded program paying folks to end burning wood to heat homes while Fire Chefs write burn permits. Can’t see the forest for the burning trees? To get a better look at what your brea