law bans smoking in ga restaurants

Originally posted by: Nitemare
I don't think I have ever seen a designated drinking area. About the only place it is illegal to drink is behind the wheel of a car..

WTF do you live?

Are you kidding me? In most major U.S. cities (and many minor ones as well) it's illegal to have an open container on a city street and in a private business (except for restaurants/bars). It's also illegal to drink at many concerts and festivals I've been to.

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
It would appear that public opinion is in favor of this type of law and restaurants in my area sure aren't suffering from it.

Yes, most people, including you, have no idea why these kinds of laws are bad. I also once had the kneejerk response of "OOOH! I HATE smoking! This is awesome!"

But then I stopped and thought about it and realized that there is more to this than just cigarettes and what I as an individual desire in the short term.

In any case, ignorance is also an awful justification.

Ignorance? Says who? Just because you disagree with this law doesn't mean your opinion is correct. I support this ban and 70%+ of the Florida voters did as well. Why? Because it makes sense. The argument that rights or freedoms are being violated is garbage and those who try to support it with outrageous analogies only prove it.

 

Originally posted by: xirtam
The government shouldn't be telling businesses what they can and can't allow in their restaurants.

What if I told you I was in a wheelchair? And that I wanted to go to a restaurant tonight? Would you stand by your statement that businesses shouldn't be told what to provide for their customers (in this case, a wheelchair ramp)?

Whether you like it or not, the precendent has been set: the government has mandated through the ADA that businesses and restaurants must make their facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. I guess you're not a fan of that, eh?

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
It would appear that public opinion is in favor of this type of law and restaurants in my area sure aren't suffering from it.

Yes, most people, including you, have no idea why these kinds of laws are bad. I also once had the kneejerk response of "OOOH! I HATE smoking! This is awesome!"

But then I stopped and thought about it and realized that there is more to this than just cigarettes and what I as an individual desire in the short term.

In any case, ignorance is also an awful justification.

Ignorance? Says who? Just because you disagree with this law doesn't mean your opinion is correct. I support this ban and 70%+ of the Florida voters did as well. Why? Because it makes sense. The argument that rights or freedoms are being violated is garbage and those who try to support it with outrageous analogies only prove it.

If the government can regulate smoking in a privately owned business, why shouldn't the government be allowed to regulate smoking in your own home when you have guests over or you have children?

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: jumpr

Originally posted by: xirtam
The government shouldn't be telling businesses what they can and can't allow in their restaurants.

What if I told you I was in a wheelchair? And that I wanted to go to a restaurant tonight? Would you stand by your statement that businesses shouldn't be told what to provide for their customers (in this case, a wheelchair ramp)?

Whether you like it or not, the precendent has been set: the government has mandated through the ADA that businesses and restaurants must make their facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. I guess you're not a fan of that, eh?

A disabled person can't control not being able to walk up stairs.

A non-smoker can control being in the presence of smokers at an eating establishment they chose to go to, or frequenting an establishment that is known to have smoking customers.

 

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: jumpr

Originally posted by: xirtam
The government shouldn't be telling businesses what they can and can't allow in their restaurants.

What if I told you I was in a wheelchair? And that I wanted to go to a restaurant tonight? Would you stand by your statement that businesses shouldn't be told what to provide for their customers (in this case, a wheelchair ramp)?

Whether you like it or not, the precendent has been set: the government has mandated through the ADA that businesses and restaurants must make their facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. I guess you're not a fan of that, eh?

A disabled person can't control not being able to walk up stairs.

A non-smoker can control being in the presence of smokers at an eating establishment they chose to go to, or frequenting an establishment that is known to have smoking customers.

Wheelchair-bound people can choose to go to places that accomodate wheelchairs versus those who don't, just as smokers and non-smokers have a choice. I don't see what the difference is here.

 

[IAteYourMother]

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

You're right, and the gov't has been telling private individuals what to do for a very long time as well

Again....that's an awful excuse.

I didn't say that was an excuse, just a fact.

A fact which you brought up to explain why you think this is OK. That's an excuse. I didn't say it wasn't true, just that it's an awful way to justify it.

No... if I wanted that, I would've said, "I think it's ok because..." :roll:

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: Nitemare

Originally posted by: Robor
Beer drinking is a legal activity as well but I can't walk through Walmart with a beer, can I? No, you can only drink in places where drinking is allowed. As of this law smoking is no longer legal in the establishments that fall under it. If smokers can't make it through a meal without smoking they should go somewhere that does allow it. It's that simple.

And an FYI to those who think the move is unpopular and just "the man" telling them what to do... The Florida ban on indoor smoking was passed by voters with over 70% supporting it. It would appear that public opinion is in favor of this type of law and restaurants in my area sure aren't suffering from it.

I don't think I have ever seen a designated drinking area. About the only place it is illegal to drink is behind the wheel of a car..

WTF do you live?

How about state parks? Wait a minute, I can't drink but you're allowed to smoke there? OMG! My freedom has been violated! Ban smoking in state parks! :roll:

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: jumpr

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: jumpr

Originally posted by: xirtam
The government shouldn't be telling businesses what they can and can't allow in their restaurants.

What if I told you I was in a wheelchair? And that I wanted to go to a restaurant tonight? Would you stand by your statement that businesses shouldn't be told what to provide for their customers (in this case, a wheelchair ramp)?

Whether you like it or not, the precendent has been set: the government has mandated through the ADA that businesses and restaurants must make their facilities accessible to persons with disabilities. I guess you're not a fan of that, eh?

A disabled person can't control not being able to walk up stairs.

A non-smoker can control being in the presence of smokers at an eating establishment they chose to go to, or frequenting an establishment that is known to have smoking customers.

Wheelchair-bound people can choose to go to places that accomodate wheelchairs versus those who don't, just as smokers and non-smokers have a choice. I don't see what the difference is here.

Being disabled is usually not a choice.

Being a smoker/non-smoker is.

Not accomodating disabled citizens is essentially punishing them for something that they probably had no control over.

Allowing smoking in a restaurant is not essentially punishing non-smokers.

 

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: digitalsm

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: purbeast0
i think its great! i live in maryland and they banned smoking in bars in my county.

i dont smoke, and i dont like the smell of smoke, and i dont like leaving places smelling like smoke, and i have asthma.

maybe if i was a little different and enjoyed smoking, liked smelling like smoke when i leave places, and didnt have asthma, then i would care.

smokers need to take that crap elsewhere. smoking is so disgusting.

Your comfort and auto-immune disorders are not the responsibility of other people. And they certainly do not warrant robbing private property owners of their rights to accommodate.

As much as resturants fight it, several studies have shown an increase in business to the resturants after the smoking ban is implemented.

Funny, the same studies done here in ny state show a dramatic decrease in business volume. Many bars/restaurants have had to close up shop because of decreased business.

Link?

The places I frequent were busy before the ban and they're still on long waits after the ban.

The articles were all printed in the buffalo news in the summer of 2003 and 2004.
I don't have any direct links to them. I do personally know bar owners who have sold their business due to lack of patrons on weekdays.

Government regulation has always been (and will always be) part of running a business. Do you think the Americans With Disabilities Act is unfair b/c it tells private business owners how to run their business (wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms, etc.)? Those types of things cost a LOT of money. But how is the ADA different from a smoking ban? Both laws tell business owners how to run their businesses.

Face it: this is a public health issue, and the government has the ability (and responsibility) to reasonably provide for the health and welfare of Americans. My view? If SMOKERS don't like the law, they can go somewhere else. No one is telling them where they have to spend their money.

If the business owner had the right to make the decision wether to make his business smoke free or not then the public health issue no longer exists. No one is forcing you to do business there and no one is forcing anyone to be employed there.

ADA is different from a smoking ban because business owners should not be able to discriminate against people for something that is out of their control. Thoes same rules apply to new houses build, apartment complexes and many other areas outside of a privately owned business.

So someone can throw whatever they want on your clothes/skin/hair as long as it washes out?

I remember when I used to come home from playing pool or having a few brews with the guys at places that allowed smoking. I'd take my clothes off in the garage and leave them there and shower before bed. Just because you don't mind stinking like smoke doesn't mean everyone is cool with it.

Read the whole thread, I'm not repeating myself. In short, someone wiping something on me or touching me can be construed as assult, end of story. If you don't like stinking like smoke DON'T FREQUENT A SMOKERS BAR, it is very simple. People go to bars to smoke and drink, this isn't groundbreaking stuff here.

I honestly cannot believe that so many of you are so willing to take away a private business owners right of choice. I don't see how this is a very complicated issue.
The owner of the establishment should be able to choose wether or not smoking is allowed inside. You as the consumer then have YOUR right of choice wether or not to patronize his/her business.
Everyone justifys the banning of smoking because they don't like the smell, they don't like smelling like smoke and at the very end of the list is the health concerns (none of you are TRULY concerned about the health issues, that is VERY obvious). No one is forcing ANY of you to patronize ANY single business in the entire world.

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
It would appear that public opinion is in favor of this type of law and restaurants in my area sure aren't suffering from it.

Yes, most people, including you, have no idea why these kinds of laws are bad. I also once had the kneejerk response of "OOOH! I HATE smoking! This is awesome!"

But then I stopped and thought about it and realized that there is more to this than just cigarettes and what I as an individual desire in the short term.

In any case, ignorance is also an awful justification.

Ignorance? Says who? Just because you disagree with this law doesn't mean your opinion is correct. I support this ban and 70%+ of the Florida voters did as well. Why? Because it makes sense. The argument that rights or freedoms are being violated is garbage and those who try to support it with outrageous analogies only prove it.

If the government can regulate smoking in a privately owned business, why shouldn't the government be allowed to regulate smoking in your own home when you have guests over or you have children?

My house is a private residence - not a public place or business. See the difference?

 

[Nitemare]

Originally posted by: jumpr

Originally posted by: Nitemare
I don't think I have ever seen a designated drinking area. About the only place it is illegal to drink is behind the wheel of a car..

WTF do you live?

Are you kidding me? In most major U.S. cities (and many minor ones as well) it's illegal to have an open container on a city street and in a private business (except for restaurants/bars). It's also illegal to drink at many concerts and festivals I've been to.

The concerts and festivals are on private property and the owner dictates what is going on.

Point out a city outside of California where it is illegal to have an open beverage(cept in a vehicle)

 

[Kalmah]

Originally posted by: Queasy
Gwinnett County, GA and a couple of other Atlanta metro counties already had this. They just expanded it state wide. This law is actually less restrictive.

The law will allow smokers to light up only in a handful of places, including bars and restaurants which do not admit persons under 18.

Yeah, I went to Dos Copas to get some food and play pool the other day to find out that I can't smoke in there anymore. I didn't stay long. The place seemed pretty desolate too. They are losing buisness because of this.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
It would appear that public opinion is in favor of this type of law and restaurants in my area sure aren't suffering from it.

Yes, most people, including you, have no idea why these kinds of laws are bad. I also once had the kneejerk response of "OOOH! I HATE smoking! This is awesome!"

But then I stopped and thought about it and realized that there is more to this than just cigarettes and what I as an individual desire in the short term.

In any case, ignorance is also an awful justification.

Ignorance? Says who? Just because you disagree with this law doesn't mean your opinion is correct. I support this ban and 70%+ of the Florida voters did as well. Why? Because it makes sense. The argument that rights or freedoms are being violated is garbage and those who try to support it with outrageous analogies only prove it.

If the government can regulate smoking in a privately owned business, why shouldn't the government be allowed to regulate smoking in your own home when you have guests over or you have children?

My house is a private residence - not a public place or business. See the difference?

What if it is a privately owned business, on privately owned property? How much is there a difference now?

 

[Robor]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
It would appear that public opinion is in favor of this type of law and restaurants in my area sure aren't suffering from it.

Yes, most people, including you, have no idea why these kinds of laws are bad. I also once had the kneejerk response of "OOOH! I HATE smoking! This is awesome!"

But then I stopped and thought about it and realized that there is more to this than just cigarettes and what I as an individual desire in the short term.

In any case, ignorance is also an awful justification.

Ignorance? Says who? Just because you disagree with this law doesn't mean your opinion is correct. I support this ban and 70%+ of the Florida voters did as well. Why? Because it makes sense. The argument that rights or freedoms are being violated is garbage and those who try to support it with outrageous analogies only prove it.

If the government can regulate smoking in a privately owned business, why shouldn't the government be allowed to regulate smoking in your own home when you have guests over or you have children?

My house is a private residence - not a public place or business. See the difference?

What if it is a privately owned business, on privately owned property? How much is there a difference now?

Is it open to the public? My house is not. That's the big difference.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Robor

My house is a private residence - not a public place or business. See the difference?

What if it is a privately owned business, on privately owned property? How much is there a difference now?

Is it open to the public? My house is not. That's the big difference.

In a private business you can choose who you serve, and who you let into the establishment. You can kick anyone out at anytime, for almost any reason.

Same concept as letting people into your house.

 

[Kalmah]

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Robor

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
It would appear that public opinion is in favor of this type of law and restaurants in my area sure aren't suffering from it.

Yes, most people, including you, have no idea why these kinds of laws are bad. I also once had the kneejerk response of "OOOH! I HATE smoking! This is awesome!"

But then I stopped and thought about it and realized that there is more to this than just cigarettes and what I as an individual desire in the short term.

In any case, ignorance is also an awful justification.

Ignorance? Says who? Just because you disagree with this law doesn't mean your opinion is correct. I support this ban and 70%+ of the Florida voters did as well. Why? Because it makes sense. The argument that rights or freedoms are being violated is garbage and those who try to support it with outrageous analogies only prove it.

If the government can regulate smoking in a privately owned business, why shouldn't the government be allowed to regulate smoking in your own home when you have guests over or you have children?

My house is a private residence - not a public place or business. See the difference?

What if it is a privately owned business, on privately owned property? How much is there a difference now?

Is it open to the public? My house is not. That's the big difference.

Couldn't a sign on the front door saying "smokers welcome, enter at your own risk" justify this? Companies can sell cigarettes as long as there are warning labels on them; so shouldn't buisnesses be able to allow smokers as long as there is a warning label at the door?

 

[OCNewbie]

I have no sympathy for smokers or anything that will inconvenience their habit.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: Robor
Ignorance? Says who? Just because you disagree with this law doesn't mean your opinion is correct. I support this ban and 70%+ of the Florida voters did as well. Why? Because it makes sense. The argument that rights or freedoms are being violated is garbage and those who try to support it with outrageous analogies only prove it.

Well, you just keep telling yourself that. I guess what they say about ignorance and bliss isn't too far off the mark...

Did you ever wonder why the US was not set up as an absolute democracy? A big part of it had to do with protecting the 30% of people that use their brains from the 70% of people who are just being reactionary.

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: IAteYourMother

You're right, and the gov't has been telling private individuals what to do for a very long time as well

Again....that's an awful excuse.

I didn't say that was an excuse, just a fact.

A fact which you brought up to explain why you think this is OK. That's an excuse. I didn't say it wasn't true, just that it's an awful way to justify it.

No... if I wanted that, I would've said, "I think it's ok because..." :roll:

So why did you make the statement? Just to hear yourself type?

 

[Jzero]

Originally posted by: Robor
How about state parks? Wait a minute, I can't drink but you're allowed to smoke there? OMG! My freedom has been violated! Ban smoking in state parks! :roll:

The government (and therefore the people), as the owner(s) of a state park, should be able to decide what legal activities they choose to allow on that land.

I don't have a problem with the government banning smoking in state parks, courthouses, streets, police stations and other government-owned properties.

In any case, it should still be the owner's choice.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
How about state parks? Wait a minute, I can't drink but you're allowed to smoke there? OMG! My freedom has been violated! Ban smoking in state parks! :roll:

The government (and therefore the people), as the owner(s) of a state park, should be able to decide what legal activities they choose to allow on that land.

I don't have a problem with the government banning smoking in state parks, courthouses, streets, police stations and other government-owned properties.

In any case, it should still be the owner's choice.

That statement should pretty much be the end of the thread.

 

[xirtam]

Originally posted by: BigJ

Originally posted by: Jzero

Originally posted by: Robor
How about state parks? Wait a minute, I can't drink but you're allowed to smoke there? OMG! My freedom has been violated! Ban smoking in state parks! :roll:

The government (and therefore the people), as the owner(s) of a state park, should be able to decide what legal activities they choose to allow on that land.

I don't have a problem with the government banning smoking in state parks, courthouses, streets, police stations and other government-owned properties.

In any case, it should still be the owner's choice.

That statement should pretty much be the end of the thread.

As long as people are getting butt-hurt because they think they're being called stupid, it will never be the end of the thread.

 

[AntiEverything]

Hennepin and Ramsey counties (Minneapolis and St Paul) recently did this to restaurants and bars. Any owner can tell you that business slumped dramatically when that happened. Everyone went to the restaurants and bars in other counties where smoking is still legal.

If "we the people" want smoke free eating and drinking establishments then why did a huge portion of people flee from them?

 

[RobCur]

cigarettes should be banned altogether, problems solved.
smoking is illegal, anyone getting caught $1,000 fines first offense
$2,000 second offense
$3,000 third offense
4th times, 1 month in jail, 5k fines
sounds good?