Local News

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

Smajka — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:49:55 GMT

We can have public restaurants that have a huge sign outfront, SMOKING PERMITTED! Or restaurants who don't want smokers in their restaurants, can post a huge sign THIS IS A SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT! I'm for the smoke-free environment. A person from work wanted a ride home the other day and I agreed to take her home. When she got out of my vehicle, it reeked of stale smoke! The next morning, my vehicle was still smelling of stale smoke! Never again, she can walk!

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

Kimnowosad — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:49:02 GMT

So let me get this straight. It's OK for the legislature to add HUGE taxes on alcohol and tobacco. Yet, you want to ban smoking in public places. I am a smoker and already go outside of my office to smoke. I have no problem with that. When I go to a restaurant, I am courteous enough to go outside if I want to smoke.

Let's look at the taxes that I pay compared to someone who doesn't smoke (or drink). Where is the fairness? The Government can't balance the budget and I pick up the slack. Let's tax all of the non-smokers and non-drinkers and make it a fair playing field.

Taxation without representation was a reason for the Boston Tea Party, a founding event in American History.

If you want to ban smoking, ban the taxes as well. Let the government take some basic economic classes and get their heads out of the sand. Let's look at their paychecks and retirement packages and see where we can cut back.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

Ciboney97 — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 18:07:49 GMT

I wrote in favor of the Ban on Smoking in bars and resturants in Michigan, on June 11, 2008. Because we enjoy so much being able to sit after dinner just to talk rather than leave to avoid enduring the smoky atomoshere in Arizona. Yes, Arizona has a No Smoking Ban and I want to report :SURVEYS LAST WEEK STATED THAT MAJORITY OF OWNERS OF RESTURANTS AND BARS REPORT NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN AMOUNT OF PATRONS IN THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS SINCE THE BAN WENT INTO EFFECT ABOUT 1 1/2 YEAR AGO. No significant amount of lost income...This has been in the newspapers in Arizona multiple times over the last week.

So wake up and save some lives Michigan. Everyone needs to take a stand...I am currently fighting Cancer for the second time and I have never smoked.... Give those of us a chance to breathe decent air so we may enjoy some life free of your smoke. If you want to died from smoking, That is your choice but for us who struggle to do a healthy life, Please help us from enduring your poison.

Thanks or listening...

Ciboney97

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

headedwest — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:21:00 GMT

Despite being a smoker, I agree with the ban in RESTURANTS. Bar and club owners would disagree...at least to some extent. Having people constantly walking in and out because they cant smoke will cause major problems. Not to mention people may just stop going altogether...do we really need more businesses in michigan going belly up???

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

midnightangel — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:42:48 GMT

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your health. But why does the Government have to stick their nose in every single damn thing nowadays? Is there nothing they can't stay out of? With the way that everything is going to "hell in a hand basket", we smokers shouldn't be forced to do anything we clearly don't want to do. Banning smoking in restaurants is bad enough, but to ban smoking in a bar is pure stupidity! Does anyone out there remember the book "1984", by George Orwell? If you haven't read it yet, maybe you should! Our "great government" is heading this same exact way! What a shame! Wake up people, and recognize the signs before it's too late! DUH!

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

erikam1226 — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:00:29 GMT

I am in total agreement with the ban. While smokers have made it their personal choice to smoke and inhale the smoke into their lungs and deal with whatever health concerns may arise from it, non-smokers should not be subject to it. Smokers can smoke at home, in their cars and outdoors but to subject those, who have made the choice not to smoke, to something that could have a negative impact on their health is not right. I visit Cleveland, OH often and the ban was put in place there...I don't know maybe a few years ago now, and it is refreshing to go into an establishment (whether that be a club, bar, eatery) and not come out with hair, clothes and sometimes skin smelling of smoke.

Many companies and office complexes in MI have banned smoking on their premises, even in their parking lots...i.e. Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network & several office complexes in Southfield, so I think it is just a matter of time before the state passes the bill. You can drive down Civic Center Road in Southfield (BCN) or Eleven Mile Road (BCBS) anytime during the work week and see people walking down the street away from the premises smoking.

I have nothing personal against those who chose to smoke, that is their personal choice. However when it can possibly effect my health and the health of others who have chosen not to...I am all for a ban that would eliminate smoking in bars and resturaunts.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

wyzeman — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:07:10 GMT

pizza2:

I certainly hope that this non-smoking law is extended to bowling establishments as well. The other states such as California and Ohio do not allow smoking in bowling establishments. It would be so nice to leave after bowling and not having the stench from the cigarettes all over my clothes. I've been breathing second hand smoke for over 57 years and it's time for it to stop.

The smokers always say they have a right to smoke which they do, but as a non-smoker I should not have to be subjected to their smoke.

You don't have to be; wear a respirator. It is not your call as to who smokes or where they smoke. Good for you you don't smoke stay away from people and places that do. The world does not revolve around you. I and you will eventually die whether we smoke or not. Live your life and don't impose your subjective and personal wishes on others who may not agree with you. Second hand smoke should be the least of your worries there are other more important things for you to be concerned about.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

marge — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:25:13 GMT

I Agree; all the way, With all the things that are going on, like gas prices, I think we need a new governer.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

marge — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:25:12 GMT

I Agree; all the way, With all the things that are going on, like gas prices, I think we need a new governer.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

IrishIndian — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:16:05 GMT

suburbanite:

to Pat Dehnke--you want all smokers to be put in restaurant closets & hope they choke to death? I hope a smoker never has to help one of your family members by doing CPR if they start choking in a non smoking establishment!! Maybe the smoker will walk away from the situation & go outside to smoke a cigarette.

OMGosh, how did I end up in this forum? Coincidence you think? I quit smoking Feb 2, 08.. Just lit my first one since then and tried to reply to the KK forum.

I guess I'm REALLY NOT supposed to be here,, huh? Every time I want to lite up,,, something happens. (really dumb, but true). I never smoked in bars, resturants, etc.. so I really don't have an opinion on this except.... If like a cell phone, newspaper, putting on make-up, tuning a radio, texting,,, etc;;; It causes you a problem Driving, then by all means, Ban it. IF NOT,, then its their business.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

suburbanite — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 05:02:18 GMT

to Pat Dehnke--you want all smokers to be put in restaurant closets & hope they choke to death? What would happen if somebody you knew was choking in a nonsmoking restaurant, & all the smokers that knew the heimlich manuever walked outside to smoke because the choking person was disturbing their meal??? Choke Choke

Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants? - the sooner, the better!

Vic01 — Thu, 29 May 2008 09:49:35 GMT

You can go kickin' and screamin' - or you can just go along...BUT it's coming SOON!!!!!

House softens smoking ban

But exemptions for casinos, racetracks may not stick

BY CHRIS CHRISTOFF • FREE PRESS LANSING BUREAU CHIEF • May 29, 2008

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LANSING -- A campaign to prohibit smoking in bars, restaurants and all Michigan workplaces took another bounce Wednesday when the House voted -- again -- for a bill that would exempt casinos, cigar bars, bingo halls and horse racetracks from the ban.

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But the maneuver may result in a total ban anyway because earlier the Senate rejected House exemptions from a statewide smoking ban. If that decision isn't reversed, the House likely will vote for a bill to ban smoking everywhere, no exceptions.

Wednesday's House vote came under mounting public pressure for a smoking ban, but also pressure from Detroit's casinos, which warn that a smoking ban would cut into their business and force layoffs. The vote was 65-39 for a smoking ban with exceptions.

The proposed ban would not apply to Native American casinos, which are not subject to state law. Detroit's three casino owners argue that smokers will choose to gamble at Indian casinos where smoking is allowed. Windsor's casino prohibits smoking.

The House bill would allow smoking on casino gaming floors but not in their restaurants.

Matt Marsden, spokesman for Senate Republicans, said it's unlikely the Senate will reconsider exempting casinos from a smoking ban.

While Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, opposes any state-imposed smoking ban on bars and restaurants, he'd prefer a total ban rather than allowing exemptions for casinos that might give them a competitive advantage, Marsden said.

It was uncertain how many Detroit House members would vote for a smoking ban that doesn't exempt casinos.

Rep. Coleman Young II, D-Detroit, said he would vote either for a law that banned smoking everywhere or allowed it in casinos.

Rep. Bert Johnson, D-Detroit, said he was concerned about the amount of business a smoking ban might cost Detroit casinos. But he said he would vote for a total smoking ban, including casinos, if the Senate would not exempt them.

"I won't stand in the way of Michigan becoming a smoke-free state," he said on the House floor.

Contact CHRIS CHRISTOFF at 517-372-8660 or christoff@freepress.com.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

hillman — Wed, 28 May 2008 22:24:55 GMT

this would be a good thing,might get people to think about ouiting smoking.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

billc — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:37:26 GMT

Well maybe u should stay @ home indoors where its safe. After all, with so much carbon comming from all the cars & trucks, I don't see how you surivie. I know someone like you would never opterate anything that would contribute to that. As you sit in traffect and the exuast from the vicheal in front of you is pumping it right into your car. Thats like a carton of cigerettes a minute. The best thing to do is to stop breathing. Besides resturant & bars are privity owned and opterated. the public is welcomed if they want to enter, not forced!. Public places? libriarys, most schools, secratary of state, court houses, buses, OK I could see that.

As far as the cigerette tax goes, its just another way of stealing money from the public. The state of michigan has already stolen the money from that fund for other interest.

Re: Ban Smoking in Michigan Bars, Restaurants?

pizza2 — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:16:20 GMT

I certainly hope that this non-smoking law is extended to bowling establishments as well. The other states such as California and Ohio do not allow smoking in bowling establishments. It would be so nice to leave after bowling and not having the stench from the cigarettes all over my clothes. I've been breathing second hand smoke for over 57 years and it's time for it to stop.

The smokers always say they have a right to smoke which they do, but as a non-smoker I should not have to be subjected to their smoke.