So in Michigan it is being debated again in the state government about a ban on public smoking, mainly a ban in businesses (ie work place including bars and restaurants.) I have the stance that any formal public decree on the banning of something is usually a very bad thing or at very least will set a bad precedent.
Now, I hate going to a bar for a night and the next morning I can still taste the smoke in the back of my throat. It is disgusting and all. But I don’t think my opinion in this has enough right to stand and overtake the desires of others. And having the Government coming in and controlling what you can and cannot do is equally improper. So I ask “Whatever happened to asking nicely?”
What do I mean? Well, why aren’t you walking up to the owner, manager or other head of your favorite bar or place to frequant and ask them to make the place non-smoking? Why aren’t you asking them to place notice on the door if they are friendly to smoking or not? If enough people took their time to ask nicely, I bet many places would go non-smoking without the need of the Government. If you make your voice heard to the people that can actually make the change, I bet all would be happier in the end. If it is stated what a business has chose, then I can make the decision if my time there is worth smelling like an ashtray.
Why am I so vocal on this one, because I worry what would be next. If we can banning smoking, currently a legal substance, what is next? Will some small very vocal group come along in the name of public safety ban alcohol again? What about the practice of other non-safe activities say skydiving? Life is filled with dangerous activities including visiting a bar……killing of the liver anyone?
So I say, get off your bums and ask nicely and see what happens.
June 18th, 2009 at 7:17 am
I’m in favor of a smoking ban not so much for bars because I just don’t go to the ones that allow smoking but it’s because I’m forced to work in a place that on certain days are worse than any bar I’ve been too. Asking nicely is all good and would be the ideal method but all too often it’s the smoker who feels they have the right to trample all over my wanting to breath smoke free air.
June 18th, 2009 at 8:51 am
And I think that is when OSHA or similar need to be allowed oversight in air quality and that places that allow smoking need to have proper ventilation. But in the end, it needs to be about choice. And businesses need to understand they may lose out if people aren’t willing to come and work or pay for services.