Next Blog

  Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Lies About Smoking

Tuesday (last night) we went into Sunriver to a little bookstore we like, Sunriver Books and Music, to see if she had Barry Eisler's new book, Requiem for an Assassin. She didn't, but she ordered it for us.

We had dinner at the Village Bar & Grill. They were packed! The restaurant had recently instituted a "No smoking" policy, and our waitress said that since then, business was up and the bar filled up quicker. We were thrilled to hear it.

When we lived in Marin County, a city councilwoman asked if I'd serve on a committee to help shape a proposed city ordinance limiting smoking, which I gladly accepted. One of the other committee members was the ornery owner of a local restaurant and bar. He was adamantly opposed to any restrictions on smoking, claiming it would decimate his business. According to a buddy of mine on the committee, the tobacco industry was paying the restaurant owner to make these objectons.

The fact is, I've never seen a business go under because of no-smoking laws, it generally improves. If we walk into a restaurant and smell smoke, we walk right back out. We vote with our feet.


Posted by Dave    Blog Tag: Opinion

5 Comments:

At 5/23/2007 8:15 AM, Blogger Rhys said...

I hear that, Dave!! You are so right! I don't know anyone who doesn't prefer non-smoking establishments, even some smokers! That stuff is nasty. Good for you in taking an active part to keep us healthier and happier!

All I ever did was complain about smoke. :)

 
At 5/23/2007 8:30 AM, Blogger dkgoodman said...

I'm not trying to make other people healthier or happier (though I'm not opposed to it). I don't care what smokers do at home, I just don't want them smoking around my family. My wife has asthma and I wear contact lenses. We hate smoke. :)

I think smokers are victims of the tobacco industry.

 
At 5/24/2007 12:25 AM, Blogger Melissa said...

I love it since smoking was outlawed in restaurants and bars in California. I used to have so many meals ruined by smoke drifting over, changing the taste of everything and making me feel miserable. Businesses are just as crowded as ever.

 
At 5/24/2007 10:15 AM, Blogger Dak-Ind said...

it seems to me that the establishments should have the choice... as they do here in albany. all restauraunts are no smoking, and some taverns are. a dark dingy tavern seems like it SHOULD have cigarette smoke hangin in the air, but there are several places (like Riley's where the dart tournaments are held) that are strictly no smoking.

anyways, for those that want to blow a cloud there areplaces to go, forthose that dont want to smoke, they have places too.

 
At 5/26/2007 10:20 AM, Blogger dkgoodman said...

I can understand that, Dak-Ind. I'm a big believer in personal liberties and letting people make their own choices, as long as it doesn't harm others. "If it harms no-one, do what you will."

What swayed me on the smoking issue was two things:

1) Many barkeepers and restaurant owners told me they'd love to make their establishment non-smoking, but were afraid it would drive their customers to those that allowed it. The owners themselves wanted the non-smoking law to level the playing field.

2) The cost of illness and damage from smoking effect us all, as a society, and in the higher costs of health insurance and fire insurance for everyone.

 

Post a Comment

Links to this post:

Create a Link

<< Home