When what you do is offensive and fun but doesn't kill others around you as well, then we won't ban it.

When what you do is offensive and fun but doesn't lead to sickness and loss of work productivity as well as high healthcare costs that others subsidize (insurance or medicaid), then we won't ban it.

I mean it's really simple. I don't understand what people don't get. You could just get some chew if you really wanted.

-Rudey

The City of Chicago passed a smoking ban yesterday. Here's the story.

In summary:

EFFECTIVE JAN. 16, 2006

Indoors: Smoking is banned in restaurants without bars and in most buildings and public spaces, including stores, stadiums and the lobbies, hallways and common areas of buildings.

Outdoors: Smoking is prohibited within 15 feet of an entrance of a building where smoking is banned.

EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2008

Smoking is banned in taverns and restaurant bars.

POSSIBLE EXEMPTION

Filtration/purification devices that can adequately clean the air may allow an exemption.

AREAS AFFECTED

BEGINS JAN. 16, 2006


Restaurants without bars
Arcades
Aquariums, galleries, libraries and museums
Bingo facilities
Convention facilities
Theaters
Hospitals/nursing homes
Schools and universities
Common areas in residential buildings and trailer parks
Polling places
Public elevators
Retail stores and shopping malls
Public assembly, meeting areas
Sports arenas
Grocery stores
Gymnasiums
All city vehicles and facilities

BEGINS JULY 1, 2008


Bars and restaurants with bars

NOT AFFECTED

Private residences, unless they are used as a health-care facility or home-based business
Designated smoking rooms in hotels and motels
Retail tobacco stores
Private clubs or lodges

PENALTIES

A fine of $100-$500 against people who smoke in prohibited areas
A fine of $100 or less for the first offense and $500 or less for the second offense against owners or managers who fail to comply

Re: to reinterate Jill1228
 

Austin has. Didnt realize how nice it was being in smoke free bars when we were partying on 6th a few weeks ago. Came home and didnt have to immediately throw my clothes in the wash and take a shower to get the smoke off of me. I did take a shower to get the drunk off of me. lol.

I can only hope SA strengthes its weak ass no smoking ordinance.

Completely useless.

Most restaurants have bars. If you hang out at any bars or restaurants in NYC, it's awesome not having to breathe in all this crap. Chicago decided not to even though they had so much support. How exactly does it hurt the business for a bar? People go to bars to smoke only? Retards.

-Rudey

Re: Re: to reinterate Jill1228
 

Washington STATE, people. You know, the one where Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane and WallaWalla are located.

You all are naming CITIES that have similar regulations: Austin, Chicago, etc. Big difference.

This is an entire state whose citizens voted 2-1 for this regulation.

And we're a blue state, too! ;)

Quoting Rudey because this is one of the best ways to put it. If you want to put your own health in jeopardy, do it alone. Don't subject me to it. Walking through doorways into that haze of smoke not only jeopardizes my help but makes me reek of cigarette smoke the rest of the day. I choose not to stink, thanks.

Re: Re: Re: to reinterate Jill1228
 

New York STATE banned smoking in most indoor public places in July 2003, a few months after the ban in New York CITY began in March 2003.

The NYC Council and the State Legislature voted for the ban, not the citizens.

Re: Re: Re: to reinterate Jill1228
 

I know what you meant. My post about Chicago was completely unrelated to that. The ban here just passed the other day and so is in the news. :)