What do sports arenas, restaurants and car washes all have in common? There might not be many obvious answers; however, there is one very important response. Any guesses? If not, you probably aren't a smoker.
That's right. These, among many other businesses, are being forced to enforce tobacco-related regulations put in place by a recently passed ordinance in Manhattan. We all know it, but some have yet to come to terms with it.
I, personally, am not a smoker. I can't stand the habit and prefer not to have smoke in my face. While you might think I agree with this rubbish that came with the smoking ban, I do not. I am the type of person that doesn't want to give up any rights, even those I don't use. Who's to say one day I won't want to light up? Though I likely never will, I want to be able to have the right to do it, especially at a bar.
Here's the problem. When many Manhattan citizens voted on the issue, they weren't voting with all the facts. According to ci.manhattan.ks.us, the ballot only explained that smoking would be eliminated within public places and places of employment, while also expressing a biased stance on secondhand smoke and "nonsmokers rights."
But what about that silly "can't smoke within 20 feet of an entrance or parking lot, so smoke doesn't enter the establishment's building" part?
Here's what I want to know: What about those people who live in lofts above businesses in Aggieville that choose to step outside to have a cigarette? We do have a choice as to whether we will smoke in our homes, but is it going to be regulated that these people cannot smoke on their balconies for fear that smoke will creep down the building and slide into the door?
Or what about those who live inconveniently within 20 feet of a convenience store? I have seen a multitude of homes located within this distance, and I can't help but wonder if their rights are being violated. Though the outlines for this part of the law indicate it will not infringe upon private residences, one must worry if this will inadvertently happen.
For this nonsense to have been voted for, a petition signed by 1,300 residents claiming smoke is a "public nuisance" was required. Of course, these signatures were obtained, and you know the petitioners stayed as far away from Aggieville as possible.
At any rate, being caught with a cigarette in public is now a misdemeanor. All I can hope is that there aren't too many officers out and about putting out cigarettes and writing tickets rather than doing bigger things, like combating drunk driving.
So, I pose my question to you again: What do bars, restaurants and pubs have in common? That's easy. You won't find me in any of them. I'd rather be at a friend's house where I can exercise my freedoms and rights as an American citizen.
Nonsmokers have gripes with ban
Published: Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Updated: Thursday, December 11, 2008 22:12
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No smoking outside where children and people walk down the streets in the park. It's insane how much more smoke there is outside since it was banned inside. People walk to work smoking, because they want that last cig. They run outside on their breaks and lunch to smoke. They are outside of bars, restaurants smoking...smoking when they walk and talk. Give them some place to smoke. Give us who are choking some fresh air!
Oh, and making it illegal to smoke on a golf course, are you KIDDING ME? It's outside and you're most likely playing with your buddies, who probably share your habits. I've rarely come into close contact with other golfers...without intentionally doing so.
As one of those who voted "without all the facts", take a look around you. Cities all around the U.S. and Kansas have successfully implement smoking bans. Next time I advise getting involved in the process like voting or organizing. If you feel this is worthwhile to challenge in court, please do so. The good establishments in Manhattan who lose your dollars will gladly accept mine and many others. They certainly won't forget you.
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