Smoking: Who Cares More about Money than Public Health?

[Sarah G]

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.

.

Just because you'd rather drive all that way? One couple does not a boon make.

 

[Foxfyre]

If the government could find no redeeming justification for smoking tobacco and legitimately judged it to be a poisonous and dangerous substance, which it is, the government would have been justified to ban its use outright as it does with other dangerous substances unfit for human consumption. But tobacco remains a legal substance and tobacco growers continue to be subsidized with taxpayer dollars. So much for concern for the public health.

So, since it is a legal substance that can be purchased without a prescription and legally consumed by any person over a certain age, the federal government is certainly within its rights to prohibit its use on federal property; likewise any state or local government should be able to ban its use on or in public property.

But in my opinion, it is a violation of property rights for government to ban the use of a legal substance in ALL privately owned businesses or all privately owned businesses of a certain type. The government can certainly require a prominent notice to be posted that smoking is permitted in this restaurant or casino or bar or whatever so that people can decide whether they want to be exposed to that.

Given a choice between a smoking allowed retaurant or casino and a non-smoking restaurant or casino, I would personally choose the smoke free environment. But I want to have that choice. I don't want it to be made for me by the nanny state.

And when the rules are cherry picked for this group of businesses but not that group, it gets even more ridiculous.

 

[DaGoose]

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.

.

Just because you'd rather drive all that way? One couple does not a boon make.

And if you think we were the only couple I have some swampland for sale....cheap!!!

Rep. Daniel Burke said he sponsored the measure because Illinois is losing business to states that allow smoking at casinos. The Chicago democrat claims casinos have lost $800 million since 2008 because gamblers go to Iowa, Indiana or Missouri casinos.

A report by the General Assembly’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability characterized the indoor smoking ban as “the biggest contributor” behind a 28 percent decline in casino revenues since January 2008.

That 2010 report also noted casino revenues for Chicago-area casinos dropped by nearly 33 percent since the smoking ban was implemented, while gambling receipts for four neighboring Indiana border casinos fell only .4 percent during the same period.

Source: House Votes to Lift Casino Smoking Ban | NBC Chicago

.

 

[Avatar4321]

The smoking ban has nothing to with public health. It has to do with special interests funnelling money to politicians and the government.

 

[Sarah G]

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.

.

Just because you'd rather drive all that way? One couple does not a boon make.

And if you think we were the only couple I have some swampland for sale....cheap!!!

Rep. Daniel Burke said he sponsored the measure because Illinois is losing business to states that allow smoking at casinos. The Chicago democrat claims casinos have lost $800 million since 2008 because gamblers go to Iowa, Indiana or Missouri casinos.

A report by the General Assembly’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability characterized the indoor smoking ban as “the biggest contributor” behind a 28 percent decline in casino revenues since January 2008.

That 2010 report also noted casino revenues for Chicago-area casinos dropped by nearly 33 percent since the smoking ban was implemented, while gambling receipts for four neighboring Indiana border casinos fell only .4 percent during the same period.

Source: House Votes to Lift Casino Smoking Ban | NBC Chicago

.

And your suggestion that the only -.4% "boon" for Indiana has to do with cigarette smoking, then?

 

[Sarah G]

The smoking ban has nothing to with public health. It has to do with special interests funnelling money to politicians and the government.

Nothing?

Those people blowing smoke all over me at the casino literally made me sick.

 

[Soggy in NOLA]

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.

So do welfare bums, 40 percenters who pay no taxes and other assorted deadbeats.

 

[Soggy in NOLA]

The smoking ban has nothing to with public health. It has to do with special interests funnelling money to politicians and the government.

Nothing?

Those people blowing smoke all over me at the casino literally made me sick.

Nothing.. and I'd suggest you don't go to the casino.

Problem solved.

 

[Sarah G]

The smoking ban has nothing to with public health. It has to do with special interests funnelling money to politicians and the government.

Nothing?

Those people blowing smoke all over me at the casino literally made me sick.

Nothing.. and I'd suggest you don't go to the casino.

Problem solved.

They're building 3 here in Ohio, maybe they'll be smoke free for those of us who care about it. This casino was in Michigan, of course.

 

[Grace]

I smoke. Im also a polite smoker. Until a non smoker makes a point to walk by me 20 feet away and start gasping and coughing and waving their hands around while glaring at me. Then Im not so polite with my smoke or my vocabulary.

Used to be quite a few bowling alleys hereabouts. Not any more. Some bars folded. Some are still struggling. I dont mind the Non Smoking in restaurants, but bars? Like, people go there for their health? I hear a McFly coming on.

Ive never been "smoked all over" in casinos either. Or anywhere for that matter. But I have been shoved, pushed, bumped, food spilled on, elbowed and my nose assaulted by obese people gobbling or walking by with their trough on a platter. Should we ban them too?

 

[Soggy in NOLA]

Nothing?

Those people blowing smoke all over me at the casino literally made me sick.

Nothing.. and I'd suggest you don't go to the casino.

Problem solved.

They're building 3 here in Ohio, maybe they'll be smoke free for those of us who care about it. This casino was in Michigan, of course.

We have a Harahs and several riverboat casinos and I've been to Harah's maybe once... they depress me.

 

[Foxfyre]

I smoke. Im also a polite smoker. Until a non smoker makes a point to walk by me 20 feet away and start gasping and coughing and waving their hands around while glaring at me. Then Im not so polite with my smoke or my vocabulary.

Used to be quite a few bowling alleys hereabouts. Not any more. Some bars folded. Some are still struggling. I dont mind the Non Smoking in restaurants, but bars? Like, people go there for their health? I hear a McFly coming on.

Ive never been "smoked all over" in casinos either. Or anywhere for that matter. But I have been shoved, pushed, bumped, food spilled on, elbowed and my nose assaulted by obese people gobbling or walking by with their trough on a platter. Should we ban them too?

I am a reformed smoker and everybody knows there is NOTHING worse than that.

I really do prefer a smoke free environment, but if I voluntarily call on a friend who smokes, I expect to smell cigarette or cigar or pipe smoke. (Actually I LOVE the smell of a good cigar or a good pipe tobacco but that's another story.) If I go to a bar or casino or wherever that permits smoking, I expect to be exposed to cigarette smoke. It's my choice to go or not. With modern ventilation and smoke removal systems, there needs be little or no risk from second hand smoke as a health issue, so the rules and regs are more aesthetic than anything these days.

I say leave it up to the individual and the private business whether they wish to have a legal substance present or not.

 

[Grace]

Putting perfectly good money into a machine on the off chance you MIGHT get it back..or even some of it back...that depresses me.

Not much of a gambler myself. Casinos are full of people, which is a major turn off for hermits.

 

[Grace]

Foxy, I am so polite, that when friends come over to visit, I wont smoke even in my own room while they are in it. We go outside to the garden and I light up out there.
I always worry that I smell, though. I hate that smell. Tried to quit a few times, so I am fully aware of what stinky nicotine bodies smell like. But for the last 40 years not one person has complained or their noses twitched so I guess Im doing good on the Grace's Smell Abatement Program.

 

[Sarah G]

I smoke. Im also a polite smoker. Until a non smoker makes a point to walk by me 20 feet away and start gasping and coughing and waving their hands around while glaring at me. Then Im not so polite with my smoke or my vocabulary.

Used to be quite a few bowling alleys hereabouts. Not any more. Some bars folded. Some are still struggling. I dont mind the Non Smoking in restaurants, but bars? Like, people go there for their health? I hear a McFly coming on.

Ive never been "smoked all over" in casinos either. Or anywhere for that matter. But I have been shoved, pushed, bumped, food spilled on, elbowed and my nose assaulted by obese people gobbling or walking by with their trough on a platter. Should we ban them too?

I am a reformed smoker and everybody knows there is NOTHING worse than that.

I really do prefer a smoke free environment, but if I voluntarily call on a friend who smokes, I expect to smell cigarette or cigar or pipe smoke. (Actually I LOVE the smell of a good cigar or a good pipe tobacco but that's another story.) If I go to a bar or casino or wherever that permits smoking, I expect to be exposed to cigarette smoke. It's my choice to go or not. With modern ventilation and smoke removal systems, there needs be little or no risk from second hand smoke as a health issue, so the rules and regs are more aesthetic than anything these days.

I say leave it up to the individual and the private business whether they wish to have a legal substance present or not.

You expect it, yes but if you don't have to be exposed to it, it's a much better experience. You get used to not having smoke all over the place.

I have a problem with people saying a smoke free environment is bad for business.

 

[Grace]

It is bad for business...depending on the business. For example...Smoke free restaurants...a resounding YES. But have a comfortable heated/cooled patio for those who like to light up while waiting for their meal and having a glass of wine. Bars? Puff away.


What chaps my ass is the continual bombardment on smokers while those bombarding are having a few drinks then get behind the wheel to go vote against smoking somewhere. And college kids sucking up kegs because ads on tv claim its so fun to get snockered.

 

[Skull Pilot]

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.

Then make it illegal and good luck with that because the government makes way too much money on smoking to ever outlaw it.

 

[Foxfyre]

I smoke. Im also a polite smoker. Until a non smoker makes a point to walk by me 20 feet away and start gasping and coughing and waving their hands around while glaring at me. Then Im not so polite with my smoke or my vocabulary.

Used to be quite a few bowling alleys hereabouts. Not any more. Some bars folded. Some are still struggling. I dont mind the Non Smoking in restaurants, but bars? Like, people go there for their health? I hear a McFly coming on.

Ive never been "smoked all over" in casinos either. Or anywhere for that matter. But I have been shoved, pushed, bumped, food spilled on, elbowed and my nose assaulted by obese people gobbling or walking by with their trough on a platter. Should we ban them too?

I am a reformed smoker and everybody knows there is NOTHING worse than that.

I really do prefer a smoke free environment, but if I voluntarily call on a friend who smokes, I expect to smell cigarette or cigar or pipe smoke. (Actually I LOVE the smell of a good cigar or a good pipe tobacco but that's another story.) If I go to a bar or casino or wherever that permits smoking, I expect to be exposed to cigarette smoke. It's my choice to go or not. With modern ventilation and smoke removal systems, there needs be little or no risk from second hand smoke as a health issue, so the rules and regs are more aesthetic than anything these days.

I say leave it up to the individual and the private business whether they wish to have a legal substance present or not.

You expect it, yes but if you don't have to be exposed to it, it's a much better experience. You get used to not having smoke all over the place.

I have a problem with people saying a smoke free environment is bad for business.

As I said, I will choose the smoke free environment every time. But I don't want the government having power to tell me whether I can smoke in my home, on my own property, in my own private business. If I was running a business it would be smoke free. I don't want my preference to be imposed on my neighbor who would cater to a different clientele. Most especially if my clientele are mostly smokers and are the backbone of my cash flow; I would like to continue to provide a place THEY want to hang out or go for whatever products or services.

 

[Immanuel]

I smoke. Im also a polite smoker. Until a non smoker makes a point to walk by me 20 feet away and start gasping and coughing and waving their hands around while glaring at me. Then Im not so polite with my smoke or my vocabulary.

Used to be quite a few bowling alleys hereabouts. Not any more. Some bars folded. Some are still struggling. I dont mind the Non Smoking in restaurants, but bars? Like, people go there for their health? I hear a McFly coming on.

Ive never been "smoked all over" in casinos either. Or anywhere for that matter. But I have been shoved, pushed, bumped, food spilled on, elbowed and my nose assaulted by obese people gobbling or walking by with their trough on a platter. Should we ban them too?

I am a reformed smoker and everybody knows there is NOTHING worse than that.

I really do prefer a smoke free environment, but if I voluntarily call on a friend who smokes, I expect to smell cigarette or cigar or pipe smoke. (Actually I LOVE the smell of a good cigar or a good pipe tobacco but that's another story.) If I go to a bar or casino or wherever that permits smoking, I expect to be exposed to cigarette smoke. It's my choice to go or not. With modern ventilation and smoke removal systems, there needs be little or no risk from second hand smoke as a health issue, so the rules and regs are more aesthetic than anything these days.

I say leave it up to the individual and the private business whether they wish to have a legal substance present or not.

You expect it, yes but if you don't have to be exposed to it, it's a much better experience. You get used to not having smoke all over the place.

I have a problem with people saying a smoke free environment is bad for business.

I don't think a smoke free environment is bad for business. I look at it this way, if two bars open up across the street from each other and one allows smoking while the other does not, and the one that does not is always full until well after last call, but the one that does only gets a straggler or two every night, then sooner or later, the one that allows smoking is going to get the idea.

Immie

 

[Skull Pilot]

I am a reformed smoker and everybody knows there is NOTHING worse than that.

I really do prefer a smoke free environment, but if I voluntarily call on a friend who smokes, I expect to smell cigarette or cigar or pipe smoke. (Actually I LOVE the smell of a good cigar or a good pipe tobacco but that's another story.) If I go to a bar or casino or wherever that permits smoking, I expect to be exposed to cigarette smoke. It's my choice to go or not. With modern ventilation and smoke removal systems, there needs be little or no risk from second hand smoke as a health issue, so the rules and regs are more aesthetic than anything these days.

I say leave it up to the individual and the private business whether they wish to have a legal substance present or not.

You expect it, yes but if you don't have to be exposed to it, it's a much better experience. You get used to not having smoke all over the place.

I have a problem with people saying a smoke free environment is bad for business.

I don't think a smoke free environment is bad for business. I look at it this way, if two bars open up across the street from each other and one allows smoking while the other does not, and the one that does not is always full until well after last call, but the one that does only gets a straggler or two every night, then sooner or later, the one that allows smoking is going to get the idea.

Immie

There are enough smokers out there to fill a bar in any neighborhood.