NICKKI:

THE STATE OF OHIO HAS DONE THIS AND FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAVE MADE A MISTAKE. THEY ARE TRYING TO TURN IT AROUND BECAUSE OF ALL THE LIQUER TAXES THEY HAVE LOST BECAUSE OF ALL THE BARS THAT HAD TO CLOSE.

Actually, its misinformation such as this that explains why there is so much opposition for the ban.

Here are some quotes I found taken from Wikipedia regarding smoking bans.
Original page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoking_ban

Although one of the most common sources of resistance to bans comes from businesses concerned that they will suffer financial losses due to lost customers, research seems to offer them some reassurances. A review published in 2003 of 97 studies on the economic effects of smoking bans on the hospitality industry shows that all the best designed studies report no impact or a positive impact of smoke-free restaurant and bars laws on sales or employment.

The experiences of Delaware, New York, California, and Florida have shown that businesses are generally not hurt, and that many hospitality businesses actually show increased revenues. According to the 2004 Zagat Survey, which polled nearly 30,000 New York City restaurant patrons, by a margin of almost 6 to 1, respondents said that they eat out more often now because of the city's smoke-free policy. A 2006 US surgeon general review of studies suggests that business may actually improve. Thus, research generally indicates that business incomes are stable (or even improved) after smoking bans are enacted, and many customers appreciate the improved air quality.

In 2003 New York City amended its antismoking law to include all restaurants and bars, including those in private clubs, making it one of the toughest in the nation. The city's Department of Health found in a 2004 study that air pollution levels had decreased sixfold in bars and restaurants after the ban went into effect, and that New Yorkers had reported less second-hand smoke in the workplace. The study also found the city's restaurants and bars prospered despite the smoking ban, with increases in jobs, liquor licenses and business tax payments. A 2006 study by the state of New York found similar results.

 

PEOPLE - be properly informed.   Do not oppose this legislation because of people who insist on spreading incorrect facts around.

I think it is totally unfair...to smokers. Weather a smoker or non smoker. If you don't like it go somewhere else.  Or they should come up with a non smoking Bar and Restaurant.  What are happening to our rights?  Are we turning communist...

I PERSONALLY THINK BANNING SMOKING IN RESTAURANTS SHOULD BE THE RESTAURANTS CHOICE.  BANNING SMOKING IN BARS I REALLY THINK IS MAJORLY GONNA LOSE BUSINESS FOR THEM MAYBE EVEN CAUSING THEM TO SHUT DOWN.  AS OF RIGHT NOW MICHIGAN HAS MANY OTHER THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT.  PUT IT THIS WAY THE ECONOMY HAS GONE TO HELL.  THEY NEED TO WORK ON MAJORLY GETTING MICHIGAN JOBS.

I am a smoker and they should let us and others smoke if we want to.   Paula Duke

Yes, smoking should definitely be banned ALL over Michigan as well as all other states. Why should innocent people have to breath second hand smoke from people who cann not control their own bad habbits?  It is just wrong!!

 

I, as a former smoker, feel it is time for the state to take action against this severe public health issue.

As an American Citizen I feel smokers have the right to choose to smoke and nonsmokers have thier rights also. Butttt, since they tax the Heck out of cigarettes I feel smokers should be able to smoke in restaurants and bars if they allow it there. I personnally know there are many restaurants out there now for the nonsmokers who cant Deal with smoke to go to and enjoy thier meal. As a smoker I know that I enjoy my meal more if I can sit back and relax with a cigarette and talk then have dessert. But why should smokers rights all be taken away when we payyyyy Dearly for the pleasure of the smoking

If a restaurant or bar wants to go nonsmoking that should be up to them. Let the nonsmokers go to those ones and the smokers go to the ones That allow smoking that way everyone is HAPPY.

 

YES, YES, YES!!!!!!  What are we waiting for????

YES, I FAVOR BANNING SMOKEING IN RESTAURANTS BUT ONLY 50 % IN FAVOR OF BANNING SMOKEING IN BARS. IF THE BARS SERVE PREPARED FOOD NO SMOKEING.
                                                                                                      DIGGERS THUNDER

I'm totally against the ban on smoking in bars and restuarants, because its taking away the rights of  smokers, and I think we've lost enough freedom already.  We should be allowed to have a choice.

Why should any employee in any workplace be exposed to second hand smoke. It's not just an issue of smoker's rights. A person working in a restaurant should be able to work in an environment that is not toxic and dangerous to their health. And for those of you who think this is the opinion of someone who doesn't smoke - you're right!! I quit several years ago and am much better for it. If you can't wait long enough between light ups to eat a meal you've got a problem. It works in other places - why not here!

YES, WE FEEL THIS WOULD BE A VERY POSITIVE STEP! MY FATHER DIED OF LUNG CANCER FROM SMOKING AND IT WAS TERRIBLE TO WATCH HIM DIE SUCH A NEEDLESS DEATH. I WANT TO TELL EVERYONE, LOOK WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO YOURSELF AND THE ONES YOU LOVE! IT IS NOT RIGHT FOR NON-SMOKERS TO HAVE TO BE IN THE SAME AIR WITH THE SMOKE. IT IS SO WONDERFUL WHEN WE GO TO FLORIDA AND YOU DON'T HAVE TO ASK FOR THE NON-SMOKING SECTION BECAUSE IT IS ALL SMOKE FREE. WE HAVE BEEN IN A LOT OF REST. HERE  THAT HAVE BOTH AND SOMETIMES YOU HAVE TO WALK RIGHT THRU THE SMOKING TO GET TO THE NON-SMOKING SECTION, DOES THAT MAKE ANY SENSE? WE TRY TO GIVE OUR BUSINESS TO ALL THE SMOKE FREE PLACES AND WOULD LOVE IT IF IT WERE ALL THAT WAY! SO YES, YES TO THE BAN!!!

Let business owners decide.  Family-style restaurants can make their places non-smoking - but bars & ADULT restaurants?  It's just not fair.  It's not fair that smokers have to go outside to smoke, especially in Michigan winters.  And look at the Windsor Casino - just ask all the laid-off workers how they are managing, since laid off due to the no-smoking rule going into effect!  Give us a break!!!  The government is getting into our personal lives WAY TOO MUCH!!!  Leave us alone.  There are more important things for our government to be concerned about than hurting those who pay into the system.  There are a lot few smokers now anyway, so we are not much of a threat.  I breathe the air over the Rouge River Bridge every day going to work - you can't tell me that second-hand smoke is worse than breathing that!  Make businesses accountable for THEIR  pollution!  The "second-hand' smoke thing has been soooo exaggerated, by non-smokers.

 

BAN SMOKING IN MICHIGAN RESTAURANTS?  OK GOVERNOR THEN GIVE THE SMOKERS THE 50 CENT TAX PER PACK  FROM ENGLER AND THE 75 CENT FROM  GOVERNOR GRANDHOLM.   BOTH GOVS. TRIED TO BALANCE THE MICHIGAN BUDGET WOES BY BEATING UP ON SMOKERS.

OK GIVE THAT MONEY BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There are many kinds of allergies....I happen to be allergic to perfume. Rather then interfere with peoples right to smell good I move from the presence of someone wearing it. There are places that do not have the option such as weddings. I don't go. Perhaps since this is not an uncommon allergy we should pass a law to ban perfume. What do ya think? I'm thinkin you wouldn't like it much if the State of Michigan asked you to pay the taxes that will be covered by the tobacco settlement instead of those smokers. Can't have it both ways.....no taxes, no smokers! I for one hope all smokers boycott bars and resturants if this is passed. Let the business people fight this battle!