Smoking: Who Cares More about Money than Public Health?

[High_Gravity]

I'm not a Smoker but i never understood how the Government could force a privately owned Restaurant or Bar to ban smoking. No one is forced to enter any privately owned establishments. It's all choice. People always get mad at me when i bring this issue up. Private Owners of establishments should have the right to decide on whether or not to allow Smoking. You are not forced to enter these establishments. If they pay their Taxes and aren't breaking any Laws,the Government should just leave them alone. But all the Goose Steppers completely freak out when you speak such common sense. Years & years of Government Propaganda takes its toll i guess. So many are so willing to just give their rights away. Just another issue the Government has no business being involved with.

 

[Sarah G]

Like some of us couldn't see this one coming from miles away....

Sent to the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday was HB1965, a bill that would lift the ban on smoking in all gaming facilities established close to another state that is yet to pass a smoking ban. The provision would sunset if or when that neighboring state decides to ban smoking. Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago authored and sponsored a similar bill that would have required casinos construct separate, sealed off smoking rooms equipped with ventilation systems. His bill, HB0171, remains in committee, but he says he supports the legislation before the House.

“We are $15 billion dollars in debt, that’s to start,” said Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago, author and sponsor of the bill, about why it is a good idea to exempt gaming facilities from the ban. “Secondly, people who choose to smoke are going to smoke. It makes no sense from a social analysis and an economic analysis to prohibit people from smoking in a safe way.”

<snip.>

Rep. Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, supported the 2008 ban, but has changed his stance. Now, he says, consideration comes down to economics.

“The fact of the matter is we are losing revenue,” he said. “People like to smoke when they’re gambling, that is an attraction for individuals. I think we need to be careful when applying things so broadly, we have to consider what kind of impact it is going to have on the industry.”

Fight to Lift Smoking Ban in Casinos, Bars Ignites in Springfield - Bolingbrook, IL Patch

There you have it....After all that paternalistic, finger-wagging crapola about concern for "public health", we find out where the true worship of the almighty buck over "public health" lives; in the ruling class.

I just went to a casino a month ago and people were sitting down next to me all day and smoked all over me.

Yech. I'm never around smoke anymore and I like it that way.

 

[Oddball]

I don't know what happened in Ill, but in the New England states where I might frequent bars no one was going out business over a smoking ban.

Ever bar/restaurant at Mal of America went under, as did most of the places on the 494 strip in Richfield/Edina, after Minnesota started their ban.

Regardless, nobody forces anyone to patronize any establishment that allows smoking, which is a perfectly legal activity.

 

[Oddball]

I just went to a casino a month ago and people were sitting down next to me all day and smoked all over me.

Yech. I'm never around smoke anymore and I like it that way.

And that's your choice.

Anybody twist your arm and make you go into that casino?

 

[Sarah G]

Smokers are still contributing to the constant increases with the cost of health care for everyone else.

Stick it up your ass. Things that you do cost everyone else too. Fuck off before I breathe smoke in your face!

Like what?

Good question.

 

[CaféAuLait]

I never supported the bans in the first place. I hope they get overturned.

If I feel an establishment is hazardous to my health, I won't patronize it. I'll vote with my dollars rather than ask the government to interfere on my behalf.

Immie

Smokers are still contributing to the constant increases with the cost of health care for everyone else.

As do the obese, drug addicts, alcoholics, etc.

I saw a news piece where the CEO of a hospital banned smokers from being hired the other day-- to assure he was hiring healthy employees. While speaking you could plainly see he was obese.

 

[RDD_1210]

Stick it up your ass. Things that you do cost everyone else too. Fuck off before I breathe smoke in your face!

Like what?

Good question.

I'm not expecting a response.

 

[Sarah G]

I just went to a casino a month ago and people were sitting down next to me all day and smoked all over me.

Yech. I'm never around smoke anymore and I like it that way.

And that's your choice.

Anybody twist your arm and make you go into that casino?

No, I love casinos but the reason people voted for smoke free environments is because smokers are so rude like that. They freaking blow smoke all over you..

I used to smoke but I had some consideration for people. Sheesh.

 

[Oddball]

I just went to a casino a month ago and people were sitting down next to me all day and smoked all over me.

Yech. I'm never around smoke anymore and I like it that way.

And that's your choice.

Anybody twist your arm and make you go into that casino?

No, I love casinos but the reason people voted for smoke free environments is because smokers are so rude like that. They freaking blow smoke all over you..

I used to smoke but I had some consideration for people. Sheesh.

Maybe they're just getting back at the whiny little snivelers who've chased them out of the bars....I sure wouldn't blame them.

 

[Immanuel]

I just went to a casino a month ago and people were sitting down next to me all day and smoked all over me.

Yech. I'm never around smoke anymore and I like it that way.

And that's your choice.

Anybody twist your arm and make you go into that casino?

No, I love casinos but the reason people voted for smoke free environments is because smokers are so rude like that. They freaking blow smoke all over you..

I used to smoke but I had some consideration for people. Sheesh.

Are you saying people voted for these bans?

I don't know about Illinois, but here in Florida we did not vote for them. They have been and are being forced upon us, by a legislature that think they out-rank God almighty in the importance of things.

Immie

 

[kiwiman127]

I don't know what happened in Ill, but in the New England states where I might frequent bars no one was going out business over a smoking ban.

Ever bar/restaurant at Mal of America went under, as did most of the places on the 494 strip in Richfield/Edina, after Minnesota started their ban.
Regardless, nobody forces anyone to patronize any establishment that allows smoking, which is a perfectly legal activity.

Actually, that's not true. I meet friends at Players in the Mall of America once a year (I hate malls). I also know the Rainforest Cafe is still open. And the 494 Strip? You have to be kidding. I frequent Joe Sensor's Sports Bar and several other longtime establishments.
I live in Minneapolis, I have a very good idea what's going on in my city and primary suburbs. Because of the weather, some places went to great lengths to accommodate their clientèle. Not so much the ones in the MOA.
Cheers

 

[kiwiman127]

I never supported the bans in the first place. I hope they get overturned.

If I feel an establishment is hazardous to my health, I won't patronize it. I'll vote with my dollars rather than ask the government to interfere on my behalf.

Immie

Smokers are still contributing to the constant increases with the cost of health care for everyone else.

Stick it up your ass. Things that you do cost everyone else too. Fuck off before I breathe smoke in your face!

What a statement! "Stick it up your ass." I think there's a genius in our midst.
It's a fact that second hand smoke kills. And you don't like facts? When you light up around non-smokers you're a terrorist to people who are around you that don't smoke. Got kids? If so, why are you endangering their lives?
I quit smoking about two years ago because my wife is a cancer survivor (not due to smoking). She still is susceptible to cancer.
I could care less if you smoke, it's your life (and death) but at least have courtesy for others around you.

 

[Immanuel]

I don't know what happened in Ill, but in the New England states where I might frequent bars no one was going out business over a smoking ban.

Ever bar/restaurant at Mal of America went under, as did most of the places on the 494 strip in Richfield/Edina, after Minnesota started their ban.
Regardless, nobody forces anyone to patronize any establishment that allows smoking, which is a perfectly legal activity.

Actually, that's not true. I meet friends at Players in the Mall of America once a year (I hate malls). I also know the Rainforest Cafe is still open. And the 494 Strip? You have to be kidding. I frequent Joe Sensor's Sports Bar and several other longtime establishments.
I live in Minneapolis, I have a very good idea what's going on in my city and primary suburbs. Because of the weather, some places went to great lengths to accommodate their clientèle. Not so much the ones in the MOA.
Cheers

So, my question to you would be if any bars at the Mall of America or on the strip went under?

I know we had a breakfast place here in Tampa when they were fighting over this here whose owner said she would refuse to comply even if it meant closing her business. I don't know what happened in the long run. Nor do I know of any bars (I don't frequent them) that have closed down because of the ban although I have heard many a complaint about reduced revenues.

Funny thing is though, that when I look as I drive by, they seem to have cars in the parking lot.

All that being said, I am still on the side of the owners. Let them make that decision.

Immie

 

[boedicca]

What a hoot.

I've noted from time to time that ObamaCare will actually create an incentive for the government to encourage smoking. They'd get the double dip of charging high cigarette taxes plus ObamaCare premiums, but if more people die earlier due to the diseases of smoking (and we can be sure that smokers will not receive scarce rationed care from the Overseers), the cost to the system will be lower.

Tax a person as long as he's productive, and hasten his death once he becomes a burden.

Now that is Statist Efficiency!

 

[Sarah G]

And that's your choice.

Anybody twist your arm and make you go into that casino?

No, I love casinos but the reason people voted for smoke free environments is because smokers are so rude like that. They freaking blow smoke all over you..

I used to smoke but I had some consideration for people. Sheesh.

Are you saying people voted for these bans?

I don't know about Illinois, but here in Florida we did not vote for them. They have been and are being forced upon us, by a legislature that think they out-rank God almighty in the importance of things.

Immie

It was on the ballot here in Ohio. Bars/restaurants were fighting it for a long time but people get used to being smoke free. I'm never around it anymore, not at work, home or when we go out and restaurants and bars are always busy.

 

[kiwiman127]

Ever bar/restaurant at Mal of America went under, as did most of the places on the 494 strip in Richfield/Edina, after Minnesota started their ban.
Regardless, nobody forces anyone to patronize any establishment that allows smoking, which is a perfectly legal activity.

Actually, that's not true. I meet friends at Players in the Mall of America once a year (I hate malls). I also know the Rainforest Cafe is still open. And the 494 Strip? You have to be kidding. I frequent Joe Sensor's Sports Bar and several other longtime establishments.
I live in Minneapolis, I have a very good idea what's going on in my city and primary suburbs. Because of the weather, some places went to great lengths to accommodate their clientèle. Not so much the ones in the MOA.
Cheers

So, my question to you would be if any bars at the Mall of America or on the strip went under?

I know we had a breakfast place here in Tampa when they were fighting over this here who said she would refuse to comply even if it meant closing her business. I don't know what happened in the long run. Nor do I know of any bars (I don't frequent them) that have closed down because of the ban although I have heard many a complaint about reduced revenues.

Funny thing is though, that when I look as I drive by, they seem to have cars in the parking lot.

All that being said, I am still on the side of the owners. Let them make that decision.

Immie

Actually, I'm for the separate seating sections that are sealed off and not forcing a complete smoke-out.
Bars come and go and there has always been a turnover in that area. Bars/restaurants in that area have come and gone. It's a high-rent-area, with lots of traffic. But the bars/restaurants have to have a special appeal as competition is there. Also, the recession had an impact.

 

[DaGoose]

Like some of us couldn't see this one coming from miles away....

Sent to the floor of the Illinois House of Representatives Wednesday was HB1965, a bill that would lift the ban on smoking in all gaming facilities established close to another state that is yet to pass a smoking ban. The provision would sunset if or when that neighboring state decides to ban smoking. Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago authored and sponsored a similar bill that would have required casinos construct separate, sealed off smoking rooms equipped with ventilation systems. His bill, HB0171, remains in committee, but he says he supports the legislation before the House.

“We are $15 billion dollars in debt, that’s to start,” said Rep. Andre Thapedi, D-Chicago, author and sponsor of the bill, about why it is a good idea to exempt gaming facilities from the ban. “Secondly, people who choose to smoke are going to smoke. It makes no sense from a social analysis and an economic analysis to prohibit people from smoking in a safe way.”

<snip.>

Rep. Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, supported the 2008 ban, but has changed his stance. Now, he says, consideration comes down to economics.

“The fact of the matter is we are losing revenue,” he said. “People like to smoke when they’re gambling, that is an attraction for individuals. I think we need to be careful when applying things so broadly, we have to consider what kind of impact it is going to have on the industry.”

Fight to Lift Smoking Ban in Casinos, Bars Ignites in Springfield - Bolingbrook, IL Patch

There you have it....After all that paternalistic, finger-wagging crapola about concern for "public health", we find out where the true worship of the almighty buck over "public health" lives; in the ruling class.

What a bunch of crap.

First you rake Illinois over the coals for making a decision that was bad for business.

Now you rake Illinois over the coals for making a decision that was good for business.

.

 

[Immanuel]

No, I love casinos but the reason people voted for smoke free environments is because smokers are so rude like that. They freaking blow smoke all over you..

I used to smoke but I had some consideration for people. Sheesh.

Are you saying people voted for these bans?

I don't know about Illinois, but here in Florida we did not vote for them. They have been and are being forced upon us, by a legislature that think they out-rank God almighty in the importance of things.

Immie

It was on the ballot here in Ohio. Bars/restaurants were fighting it for a long time but people get used to being smoke free. I'm never around it anymore, not at work, home or when we go out and restaurants and bars are always busy.

Here in Florida, we didn't get to vote on it, at least, I don't recall having voted on it. It seems to me that it was forced down our throats.

Personally, I prefer a smoke free environment. I find the smell of cigarette smoke to be disgusting, yet I like cigars and pipe tobacco, but I will move away if someone is smoking in my presence. I know very few smokers, and those that I do know, take precautions not to blow smoke in the face of someone else... um, of course, that is unless the non-smoker becomes obnoxious and attempts to force their will upon others.

Immie

 

[DaGoose]

Smokers are still contributing to the constant increases with the cost of health care for everyone else.

Stick it up your ass. Things that you do cost everyone else too. Fuck off before I breathe smoke in your face!

Like what?

Wellll....let's see, shall we?

Do you ever eat fried foods?

Do you excerize regularly?

Ever speed?

Ever engage in any activity that could cause you illness or injury?

There are lots of things that everyone does that could cause you to utilize medical insurance that ends up costing everyone else.

.

 

[DaGoose]

No, I love casinos but the reason people voted for smoke free environments is because smokers are so rude like that. They freaking blow smoke all over you..

I used to smoke but I had some consideration for people. Sheesh.

Are you saying people voted for these bans?

I don't know about Illinois, but here in Florida we did not vote for them. They have been and are being forced upon us, by a legislature that think they out-rank God almighty in the importance of things.

Immie

It was on the ballot here in Ohio. Bars/restaurants were fighting it for a long time but people get used to being smoke free. I'm never around it anymore, not at work, home or when we go out and restaurants and bars are always busy.

Primarily the idea was to help out the casinos. As a smoker I would rather drive a couple of hours and cross the Iowa or Missouri border than drive 20 minutes to our local one where I couldn't smoke. And since we were on the road anyway the wife and I would get a motel room and eat out. So Illinois's law was a boon to our neighboring states.

.