MiddletownJournal.com

By ex ohioan

September 12, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

One last thing..non smokers now are singing the joys of all their new choices..and not once considering that smokers are basically being told they no longer have a choice…if Ohio wanted to be considerate and fair to ALL Ohioans, it would have allowed for bars that do not serve food to have a choice whether they wanted to cater to smokers or non smokers…just like they have the choice to decide if they want to cater to country music fans or rock fans..allow both smokers & non smokers to choose

By Melanie Marie Ridner

September 12, 2007 9:15 AM | Link to this

If smokers need to quit then we need to allow the Goverment and States the right to tell each and everyone what they can do and can’t do right out of thier homes right down to when a person can eat or come and go. If this smoke ban stays in Ohio then many more things will be allowed against your own Constitutinal rights and soon they will have us living without out our own monies and will be dependant on only what they think we should have . We need to keep all our rights for ourselves .

By ex ohioan

September 12, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this

Not sure why it took out non the first time — And just to elaborate on the non smokers soapbox about how smoking affects those that do not have a choice..why this may not be health related, it is still an example of affecting others..speeders and drunk drivers must all be smokers according to non smokers because they would never do anything that would put others at risk…right? a non smoker would never speed and put others at risk or drive drunk…right? please get off your soapboxes :)

By ex ohioan

September 12, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

And just to elaborate on the smokers soapbox about how smoking affects those that do not have a choice..why this may not be health related, it is still an example of affecting others..speeders and drunk drivers must all be smokers according to smokers because they would never do anything that would put others at risk…right? a smoker would never speed and put others at risk or drive drunk…right? please get off your soapboxes :)

By Melanie Marie Ridner

September 12, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

I wholly belive that people should not lose thier rights to smoke. If you take away smokers rights then let’s close the bars and get rid of the tobacco chewer’s who spit in cups in Public which carries more germs and is quite nastier than a cigarette. Sit and think for a moment how long we have ingested all kinds of chemicals from cleaning to working to breathing in our lives and how much radiation we have had from one ex-ray. That and factories and the goverment and polution has done much.

By ex ohioan

September 12, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this

And to enlighten you a little more..I agree with the no smoking in restaurants whether they serve alchohol or not..that in itself opens more doors for those non-smokers to have a place to go for a drink..but I think that Ohio should rethink a bit of the law and allow bars that do not serve food a choice whether to have a smoking or non-smoking establishment. It works very well here in Florida

By ex ohioan

September 12, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

To Quote David “all smokers are idiots” Seems you have alot of time to waste on here badmouthing & stereotyping smokers. I for one no longer live in Ohio…and for the person who said they now live in Florida…so do I..and my rights as a smoker are not restricted to the extent that they are in Ohio..I can still smoke in a bar if I so choose and if it is a bar that allows smoking..because they actually have a choice in Florida..so that was a terrible example

By brown turd

September 11, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

I like some of you got fed up with ohios BS and especially middletown. The day after I retired I left hio for good. No reason to ever return. hio does not get any of my taxes, especially greedy madison schools. no income tax, gas, tobac, property tax. The list goes on. for many yrs middletown, ohio and the state of ohio was a great place to live. no more. many other states beat the hell out of hio for living in them. the best was madison not getting my almost $4000. yr property taxes. smokin

By Norwalk bar manager

September 10, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this

Our small Norwalk bar, compliant since the smoking law took effect in December, lost 60% of our sales volume by February, and is still down 30%. Dozens of longtime regulars vanished immediately and have yet to return. Meanwhile, the bars and clubs that ignored the law are rolling in cash. Q: Where are all the non-smokers we were promised? A: At the noncompliant bars and clubs, hanging out with their smoking friends, because they don’t mind smoke in a bar.

By ikeys

September 10, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

From a Non Smoker: I voted yes because I have been under medical supervision and have Breathing problems for the past few years due to second hand smoke. Being in Ohio during cold winters and driving with my husband a smoker with windows closed also affected my children. No I am not a whinner.No I have never had a cigarette in my mouth.

By Rick

September 10, 2007 2:40 AM | Link to this

Take up dipping and spittin. I know I would enjoy seeing this in a restaurant way more then a cigarette. Oh, and for you non smoking whiners don’t come up to someone who is “Outside” smoking and stand nest to them, you might drop dead. What a fiasco, Ohio always has been a state with a tight sphincter.

By Miss S-a smoker

September 10, 2007 2:21 AM | Link to this

I agree w/resturant bans of smoking, but bars?! come on, I know so many non-smokers who DO smoke w/social drinking. And now the residents/neighbors of bars are whining of noise cause we smoke outside. Now ya got to put up w/it! Sorry, you voted this ban, now ya gotta listen to noise outside. BRAVO ohio

By NON Smoker

September 9, 2007 11:23 AM | Link to this

I can go places now.

By smoker

September 8, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

an age old story tax the smoker to death put more ppl out of work,like tobacco farmers,cigarette companies ,u dudley do rights don/t pollute the air with your cars or your jobs but u enjoy the luxuries of what we are losing an evening out,yes and maybe our lives but who wants to live in a world when the rightous rules everything we do,this is no longer a free country we are getting socialized more and more every year

By smoker

September 8, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this

an age old story tax the smoker to death put more ppl out of work,like tobacco farmers,cigarette companies ,u dudley do rights don/t pollute the air with your cars or your jobs but u enjoy the luxuries of what we are losing an evening out,yes and maybe our lives but who wants to live in a world when the rightous rules everything we do,this is no longer a free country we are getting socialized more and more every year

By Geo

September 8, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Ned…………………. Those Vets you are talking about……….. well, they are revered because they were protectors of the American public. Now you claim they should be allowed to injure anyone around them. Something is wrong with that logic and something is wrong with those Vets who agree with it. Stay honorable and protect the Nation…………. that includes your neighbors, friends and family! Smoke outside!

By Geo

September 8, 2007 4:18 PM | Link to this

Ohio has taken the lead in passing a smoking ban yet the state has failed in its enforcment procedures. On Hilton Head Island, SC a ban became effective on May 1st of this year with the police enforcing the ban. Within three weeks of its effective date all indoor smoking on the Island ceased. It was obvious to the business owners that the law was to be seriouly enforced. Now there is no issue and no enforcment problem, no wasted tax dollars being spent. AND, no business’ have gone out of busines

By Ned

September 8, 2007 3:26 PM | Link to this

Private clubs should be allowed to have their own rules. The Vets do not deserve being told die for your country, but oh when you get home you cant go to a VFW or Legion and smoke. That is just plain BAD

By another non smoker

September 8, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

I do not smoke. I voted for the smoke LESS Ohio. Smoking and bars go hand in hand. I like the atmosphere of smoke and margarita. I just wish people wouldn’t blow smoke in my face when they line up outside a door.

By rickie

September 7, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this

we should have are freedom back or are we letting people say that the air we breath in our nieghbor hood is better i dont think so smoking doest bother me as much as worrying about some young person standing outside at dark and some nut grab them or worse its not save to go out side and have you checked the air where you live is free speech free or not give people the same right in adult settings theres more important things to think about take away the bars and get rid of booze see whos mad

By frank dean

September 7, 2007 8:42 AM | Link to this

i spoke yesterday with a representative of the warren co. board of health. i asked about the complaints he had received. i was told he was interviewed by the journal, then misquoted. most complaints were frivolous. people smoking on the sidewalk or such. also anonymous complaints which do not count as violations. many were about supposed violation days earlier. i have written to the paper quoting the law, wonder if it will be printed.

By Back to God

September 7, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this

Thank you Victor from Aug.29th. More smokers need to respect the non smokers. If one of you was told you had cancer, or if one of your children ended up with cancer and you were told it was from cigarette smoke would this wake you up? or would you sue the tobacco co. for something you had the RIGHT to do. You put a lot of people in jeopardy and don’t think twice about it because of what you think is your RIGHT. Think about your children if nothing else. Respect and consideration is all we ask.

By Kat

September 7, 2007 5:15 AM | Link to this

Ok all you non-smokers get your wallets out keep ohio going! Because all us smokers stay home now! you got what you wanted.

By John

September 6, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

I had a summer job at a local construction plant and the smoking ban was good to me. The ban was put into place to benefit employees, not to punish smokers.

By cyndi

September 6, 2007 8:36 PM | Link to this

lets get some busses and do weekly trips to lexington ky.! Maybe the Legion and Vfw….willl get involved and we can all go to their clubs down in ky! Party with the vets! It has got to be better than their clubs right now!

By cyndi

September 6, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this

its the government telling me what i can and can’t do again! Big Brother!

By Becky

September 5, 2007 8:04 PM | Link to this

We go to Ky to eat, drink, buy, shop! We’re sorry about the loss of revenue to our locals but, Ky is only an hour and 15 mins away and where we used to go out to eat etc once or twice a week, now we save money and save up to splurge in Ky. We have a great time and still come out money ahead! Remember folks,,,COVINGTON KY has it all!! And we can smoke like we used to!! And a carton of cigs is only $16.00!! as opposed to $35.00 here!!Well worth the gas.

By Carla

September 5, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

I agree with no smoking in restaurants,BUT, no smoking in a bar! I actually enjoy going out to eat and not having to smell smoke, but taking it out of bars and private clubs, is going too far.

By SMOKER

September 4, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS GET OVER IT NON SMOKERS IT IS OUR RIGHT AS SMOKERS TO SMOKE IF YOU DONT LIKE IT DONT STAND BY SOMEONE AND COMPLAIN ABOUT IT. I DONT CARE WHO U ARE U ARE GOING TO SMOKE WHEN U GO TO A BAR 90% OF PEOPLE DO SMOKE WHEN THEY DRINK I AM AGAINST THE SMOKE BAN. AND GUESS WHAT EVERYONE HAS ALLERGIES SO GO CRY A RIVER SOMEWHERE ELSE OR GO LIVE IN A COUNTRY WHERE U CANT DO ANYTHING AT ALL.

By Non Smoker Here

September 4, 2007 1:08 PM | Link to this

Some people on here are down right crazy…give you a soapbox and you built a mountain.

As a business owner, the owner should have HAD a choice of making their establishment smoking or non-smoking. Plain and simple.

How many laws do you need to help you with your daily life? We are becoming a nation of laws to keep you from harming yourself… not necessarily protecting others. You can put a bow on the box but it may still contain sh!t.

By marie

September 3, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

YOU KNOW WHAT?? HAVE ANY OF YOU STOPPED TO THINK THAT MAYBE SOME PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO GO TO BARS BUT CANT BECAUSE THEY ARE ALLERGIC TO SMOKE LIKE I AM? ITS YOUR CHOICE TO SMOKE SO DO IT AWAY FROM OTHERS. IF YOU GO TO A BAR, YOUR NOT FORCED TO DRINK AND IF SOMEONE ELSE DOES, IT DOESNT IMPACT YOU IN ANY WAY BUT IF YOU ARE SMOKING IN A BAR, THAT ILLIMINATES THE BAR AS AN OPTION FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE ALLERGIC. IF YOU CHOOSE TO SMOKE, DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.

By marie

September 3, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

YOU KNOW WHAT?? HAVE ANY OF YOU STOPPED TO THINK THAT MAYBE SOME PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO GO TO BARS BUT CANT BECAUSE THEY ARE ALLERGIC TO SMOKE LIKE I AM? ITS YOUR CHOICE TO SMOKE SO DO IT AWAY FROM OTHERS. IF YOU GO TO A BAR, YOUR NOT FORCED TO DRINK AND IF SOMEONE ELSE DOES, IT DOESNT IMPACT YOU IN ANY WAY BUT IF YOU ARE SMOKING IN A BAR, THAT ILLIMINATES THE BAR AS AN OPTION FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE ALLERGIC. IF YOU CHOOSE TO SMOKE, DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.

By marie

September 3, 2007 7:18 PM | Link to this

YOU KNOW WHAT?? HAVE ANY OF YOU STOPPED TO THINK THAT MAYBE SOME PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO GO TO BARS BUT CANT BECAUSE THEY ARE ALLERGIC TO SMOKE LIKE I AM? ITS YOUR CHOICE TO SMOKE SO DO IT AWAY FROM OTHERS. IF YOU GO TO A BAR, YOUR NOT FORCED TO DRINK AND IF SOMEONE ELSE DOES, IT DOESNT IMPACT YOU IN ANY WAY BUT IF YOU ARE SMOKING IN A BAR, THAT ILLIMINATES THE BAR AS AN OPTION FOR THE PEOPLE THAT ARE ALLERGIC. IF YOU CHOOSE TO SMOKE, DEAL WITH THE CONSEQUENCES.

By smoker

September 3, 2007 2:14 PM | Link to this

I am a smoker, but the only place in public that I would smoke was in bars. Almost every person in there smokes, if you don’t want to be around smoke then don’t go to your local neighborhood bar or club. I voted against the smoking ban, and I wasn’t even aware of the issue on the ballot until a couple of days before the election, I don’t think the issue was made public enough for people to get the correct information on what they were voting on. (By the way I agree with the ban on resturants.)

By jerry

September 1, 2007 8:49 AM | Link to this

Why do I see people smoking on playgrounds with children, but not in bars? Seems a little backwards, allowing smoking in a public place with children but not in a privately owned business full of adults where the management can refuse to serve you and ask you to leave.

By Randy

September 1, 2007 5:37 AM | Link to this

A nation of PANZIES you can go in a bar kill your liver but not smoke where is logic in that.We had cement playgrounds I grew up two parents that smoked maybe this is the way we weeded out the weak Im now 43 6foot 5inch 280 exmarine i geuss smokein stunted my growth.Maybe have 2 bars MENS and Metrosissy bars

By NIKI

August 31, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

I just want to say to all the smokers out there Go smoke!!Smoke all you want just be considerate to the people who don’t smoke and don’t sit in a restaraunt and smoke like a frickin chimney cause you’re bored while waiting on your meal! Yeah they put up smoking and non smoking sections but you know what that makes about as much sense as putting a pee and non pee section in a pool. All I ask for is a little consideration for the people who don’t smoke. Thank you. :)

By Shasta

August 31, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the whole world has gone nuts with smoking bans! Hear my sarcastic song, “No More Smoking!”, & download or buy the CD to support political incorrectness & FREEDOM! Yours In Song, Shasta garageband.com/artist/ShastaBard/album/NoMoreSmoking , myspace.com/shastaman

By Shasta

August 31, 2007 2:56 PM | Link to this

Yeah, the whole world has gone nuts with smoking bans! Hear my sarcastic song, “No More Smoking!”, & download or buy the CD to support political incorrectness & FREEDOM! Yours In Song, Shasta ( http://garageband.com/artist/ShastaBard/album/NoMoreSmoking , http://myspace.com/shastaman )

By exsmoker

August 31, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this

Hello Everyone, My wife was finally able to kick the habit before she got pregnant with our now first born beautiful baby gilr, so I tought I’ll share the resource that she has used to help her quit the smoking habit with as many people as I can. She was a heavy smoker for about ten years and just a couple of weeks after finding out about the program that I have researched online, she was able to quit smoking permanently and now can’t stop telling people about how she had kicked the habit for good. Anyway if somebody want to check it out the site is; http://endthehabitnow.com

By exsmoker

August 31, 2007 3:40 AM | Link to this

Hello Everyone, My wife was finally able to kick the habit before she got pregnant with our now first born beautiful baby gilr, so I tought I’ll share the resource that she has used to help her quit the smoking habit with as many people as I can. She was a heavy smoker for about ten years and just a couple of weeks after finding out about the program that I have researched online, she was able to quit smoking permanently and now can’t stop telling people about how she had kicked the habit for good. Anyway if somebody want to check it out the site is; http://endthehabitnow.com

By Tom La Fayette

August 31, 2007 3:02 AM | Link to this

To MyRedSwingline There wasn’t enough room to expand on “legally”. Obviously there are basic restrictions and laws that have to be followed. This would involve OSHA. For many years, especially the early years, Mom and Pop type businesses and small businesses have been a significant part of our heritage. FREEDOM involves the opportunity to have ones own business. Designated areas, better ventilation, and the type of business should be a major concern. Businesses have a right to be or not to be

By exsmoker

August 31, 2007 3:01 AM | Link to this

Hello Everyone, My wife was finally able to kick the habit before she got pregnant with our now first born beautiful baby gilr, so I tought I’ll share the resource that she has used to help her quit the smoking habit with as many people as I can. She was a heavy smoker for about ten years and just a couple of weeks after finding out about the program that I have researched online, she was able to quit smoking permanently and now can’t stop telling people about how she had kicked the habit for good. Anyway if somebody want to check it out the site is; http://endthehabitnow.com

By jackie

August 30, 2007 10:56 PM | Link to this

im a smoker but we cant do anything because of the non-smoker are always crying about it.what is the next thing that the non-smokers going to b—— about.

By MyRedSwingline

August 30, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

To Tom—

This is NOT against the Constitution. While it is your opinion that business have the rights to set their own polices, that’s factually incorrect. What do you think OSHA does?

Besdies, this wasn’t even made pursuant to legislative action. This was a ballot initiative made BY THE PEOPLE. And by a pretty big majority by the way.

I wonder how many of these people griping about it even voted in the election last year? If you didn’t, please stop your b*tching right this instant!

By Jodi

August 30, 2007 12:00 PM | Link to this

Bill, it sounds as if you need some intense counseling.

You all are crying about your rights being taken away. What about my right not to inhale your smoke? I didn’t make the decision to smoke. Do it in designated places (your own home) and stop forcing your bad habits down others throats! Pun intended!

By Jay Craft

August 30, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this

I against the ban, and I don’t smoke. I feel you should be able to go into certain places and smoke if you want, not in a food business, but Bars come on. If you don’t want to be around people who smoke then don’t go to bars or clubs, it is that easy. Wake up people if you keep up with these chicken *@% laws we are not going to be “We the Free” its going to be “We the what ever we decide we want you to be next.” Is that the place you want to be?

By Bill

August 30, 2007 5:10 AM | Link to this

Hopefully all the non-smokers die from full-blown aids instead of cancer from second hand smoke.

By Bill

August 30, 2007 5:08 AM | Link to this

All the non-smokers that are crying and whining are going to die just like the smopkers. Hopefully they’ll die from full-blown Aids.

By bob

August 30, 2007 3:00 AM | Link to this

NO SMOKING IN BARS. $100 FINE. TOBACCO IS EVIL. THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY TELLS ME THAT ABORTION IS O.K. WOMAN HAVE A RIGHT TO CHOOSE. HELLO! HELLO! SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THIS KIND OF THINKING. KILLING UNBORN BABIES IS O.K. BUT SMOKING IS EVIL. WOW!

By Tom La Fayette

August 30, 2007 1:46 AM | Link to this

This is against The constitution Of The United States of America. An individual, individuals, group of individuals, or a company should in America be able to set the own policies,rules, procedures and guidelines. It is their company. they should be able to do business as the choose to do so, as long as it operates legally and is licensed to do business. If someone doen’t like a business where people smoke, they have a choice not to go there. Many businesses have designated smoking areas.

By Lisa

August 30, 2007 12:03 AM | Link to this

By the way David, I’ve been to Jamaica, Damn, They have the best weed in the world. Free for the picking, on the side of the road. If you truly know about Jamaica, then you would know what the weed there is called, and it isn’t Marlboro. Just thought I would add that to your final thoughts. I promise Mr. Republican, I will ride your elephant If you kiss my Democratic Donkey(expletive).

By Lisa

August 29, 2007 11:54 PM | Link to this

DAVID, who clearly has his own opinions, and thinks he can copy write them must clearly be a freaking republican. He has been on here all evening checking for responses to his opinion, then responds. HUH, list your opinion once, it is heard.Why argue? Not only would I blow my cigarette smoke in your face, I would blow it up your (expletive). Now, I have exercised my right to free speech as you have. Go light up your backyard grill, it is causing global warming. The glaciers are falling!@@@@

By MC

August 29, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

I believe everyone wants to be someone else’s boss that is whats wrong with this world, All you are going to do is cause people to start Drinking in places they shouldnt, so they can smoke while they have a beer, so that means more problems for our neiborhoods and more drunks on the streets. People need to worry more about what is important in this world becides this dumb crap..We have men and women dieing every day, fighting for our freedom and you people are worried about smokeing in bars.

By Patti

August 29, 2007 9:12 PM | Link to this

Amen,Cindy!! I to buy my cigarettes from Kentucky. Not only do I save close to $20 a shot, I can stop at one of my favorite restaurants before crossing back over and have a nice cigarette after my meal.

By Cindy

August 29, 2007 8:57 PM | Link to this

I am a Smoker and I am very considerate of non-smokers, but I believe if we can’t smoke anywhere, you shouldn’t be able to buy them in Ohio either - oops - there goes all the money from Smokers - personally I buy my in Kentucky - Ohioans will not get my money!!!

By don

August 29, 2007 8:00 PM | Link to this

Afew years ago here in California, smoking was banned. At first there were a lot of dissatified people and a lot of aderse comments. Now people have accepted it and there is no problem. The bussinesses and bars are doing well. Just be patient and you might live longer.

By jodi

August 29, 2007 7:16 PM | Link to this

I could find somewhere to eat but I enjoy it a lot more without that nasty smell. Smokers can’t smell themselves. I never could until I quit and then my sinuses opened up as well as my palate.

By MA

August 29, 2007 5:51 PM | Link to this

Really, my revenues are about the same. However not all decisions should be made for financial gain. Remember folks, it’s a conscious decision whether to eat. Do I like the food, is the music loud, is the restaurant clean? It all plays into your decision. Let your money and patronage decide, not ‘strong arm’ tactics. With hundreds of restaurants in the Cincinnati area, couldn’t you find somewhere to eat before the smoking ban?

By Bob

August 29, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

I no longer smoke however I do keep a “plug of tobacco” to take a good “Chaw” once in awhile!!!!!!!!!

By ANGIE

August 29, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

If you have ever seen a smokers lungs post autopsy you would not be smoking, and I’m very thankful for everyone who voted for this to pass, It is going to save alot of lungs and you only have one set. and have COPD is not on my list of things to do in my life time, I hope all the bars close, nothing good every come out of a bar!

By Terry

August 29, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Ummm………I don know where to start here. When the government runs your life it’s always bad! The thing about being an American is that we are supposed to be free. Free to make our own choices! I haven’t smoked for 5 years………..but I support smoker’ rights 100% I have a lot more to say but this program is reall messed up. Keeps missing keystrokes!

By Carol

August 29, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

I live in Florida, where there is also a smoking ban. It is wonderful to be able to eat a meal without having to breathe cigarette smoke. Smokers in general do not realize how bad cigarette smoke smells to nonsmokers. I hated leaving work daily with my clothes stinking. Further, I worried about the damage to my lungs from fellow employee smokers. I know all pollution is not caused by cigarette smoke, but the closest pollution to me on a daily basis was cigarette smoke. Thankfully, no longer

By Jodi

August 29, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

I have a right to have a pleasant experience while I’m in an eating establishment without being overwhelmed with smoke. I was a smoker for many years and made the choice to quit. If you smoke where I’m at it completely defeated the purpose of quitting. Please be considerate and keep the dangers of second hand smoke to a minimum and pollute your own lungs and not mine.

By TheDevil

August 29, 2007 4:27 PM | Link to this

Also to the fool who said “Ohioans voted for clean air”, whats worse, your little foreign car pouring out white smoke, a big dually diesel truck pouring black smoke or somebody smoking a cigarette IN A BAR? Choke on that clean air folks.

By Victor

August 29, 2007 4:26 PM | Link to this

I live in Dayton and consider myself a social smoker, typically on weekends. I voted yes on the smoking ban and support that decision. Having been to California and experienced the act of leaving a club or a bar without the stench of stale smoke on my clothes is nice. Many believe that this ban infringes on their rights, I however as a social smoker do not believe I have the right to force a nonsmoker to inhale my sidestream or second hand smoke. I chose to smoke not them.

By Z

August 29, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

sh asked “If tobacco is not an illegal substance, how can it legally be banned from anywhere?”

Alcohol is not an illegal substance either. Try walking down the street with an open beer and see how far you get…

By TheDevil

August 29, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

I’m a non-smoker and I think the smoking indoors ban is a joke. It just goes to show that this country and state is ruled by the people. By the people I mean fat women, homosexuals, handicaps and afro-americans. The guy that said he owns the property and that it is a private club is the one who really has the most just argument. I own my house, its private property and I couldn’t give two craps whether people smoke “stinky, nasty cigarettes” in my house. It is a right to smoke like it or not.

By Eddie Machete

August 29, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Good point MA Hows business?

By MA

August 29, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Many of you talk like banning smoking in restaurants does not trample anyone rights. As a business owner, and PRIVATE property owner, I should have the right, on MY property, to decide if I would like smoking there or not. You, as a customer, have the right to decide whether or not to come onto MY property and patronize MY business. Customers are not forced to patronize restaurants, they willingly decide, by making choices, to come in or go somewhere else.

By judy

August 29, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

people should have the right to place a sign stating”this is a smoking establishment”then people could decide to enter. bars don’t allow children an adults with asthma,don’t like smoke can go to a non-smoking bar-if you could find one.we need to get signatures an get it on nov. ballot.

By Big T

August 29, 2007 3:45 PM | Link to this

You’re right a $100 fine is not enough. The fine should $1,000 for the first offense and double for each offense after $1,000 - $2,000 - $4,000. The worst that could happen is some bars would close and fewer drunk drivers would be on the road.

By FF

August 29, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

David… I’m just making as much sense as anyone griping and moaning about their rights being taken away when it’s really their habit is being taken away.And as for your info David don’t be upset because people are using their real right of speech so get over it and quit spending so much energy on bad mouthing me!

By Thank God for Clean Air!

August 29, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

I’m reading comments to the effect of ‘well, if this is for health reasons, lets ban all you can eat buffets because they make you fat, sugars cause it rots your teeth’ so on & so forth. Here’s the difference~if your fat or you have cavities, IT DOESN’T AFFECT ANYONE ELSE.SMOKE EFFECTS INNOCENT PEOPLE.The ban isn’t in affect for the smoker’s health, its in affect for the people who choose not to fill their lungs with smoke.Obesity,cavities,heart disease…these don’t affect others. Smoking does!

By rick

August 29, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Perhaps the day will come when “we” decide that the high fat content in popular foods sold everywhere in the state, is determined to be too much of a drag on the tax paying society in terms of health care costs and the non-productive aspects of obesity. Then laws can determine our rights to eat the foods we choose as well.

By Doug

August 29, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

I so glad that my government looks out for me so well. What a bunch of idiots.

By Doug

August 29, 2007 3:13 PM | Link to this

For all the readers that want to stomp on the Ohio government for this ban, I would encourage everyone to look at the legislation being passed in neighboring states. Everyone is following this direction. Indiana has pending legislation to ban adults from smoking with any children under 16 years of age in the car with them!

By Richard

August 29, 2007 2:59 PM | Link to this

I am not against the “smoking ban” but I will say this, Ohio claims its for health reasons, and thats a load, heart disease runs wild in the U.S. so lets ban the “all you can eat” pork and ribs buffets, then lets ban all products with sugar as it can decay your teeth, after that lets ban sun tan oil to prevent skin cancer, and on and on and on. I feel we need more efforts on drug and alcohol abuse, smoking is the least of our problems.

By Tim

August 29, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this

I want to go into a bar, hold a cigarette in my hand, not put it to my mouth at all, light it, and let it burn.

Is that illegal? I wouldn’t be smoking, so to speak.

(Better yet, a big, fat cigar.)

By Bobby

August 29, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

This is stupid. I need a cigarette and a drink.

By Dale

August 29, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

Wonder how all the non smokers will like it when they do away with all smoking and uncle sam/ states start raising taxes to cover lost cig. tax money. It will be a large tax increase, as they make big money off of cig. tax

By Eddie Machete

August 29, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

To ban smoking in private clubs and bars is a good way to increase unemployment and Bankruptcies. To tell a Vet who has served his/her country that they cannot go to their private club and enjoy A smoke is outrageous. They have served and defended our country to preserve our rights. We are talking about a PRIVATE club. The members know exactly what they are walking into. Some of them have been doing it for 40+ years. No smoking in public, fine. No smoking in private clubs makes no sense.

By David

August 29, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

FF, you need remedial english. I have no idea what you are blabbering about.

Smoking kill too many brain cells? Or was it the drinking? Or are you just dumb?

By smoker

August 29, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this

Let’s all say what we realy mean…. To David, many smokers do take real vacations, not just “Ohio” vacations. Yes, it is a costly habit but the smokers make that choice to purchase or not to. I for one make that choice every day. And I do take a real vacation at least 3 times a year. As for rights, well maybe folks should look at how the issues are worded when it’s time to vote. Yes, we all know the issues can be mis-leading on the ballot.

By FF

August 29, 2007 2:21 PM | Link to this

You wanna know why the baby boomers can’t get any SSI cause they all smoke and have died earlier so they can’t support theirselves so they condone their kids sleeping around so they can reproduce another crop of smokers who can pay their ssi. So chew on that a while folks.

By Mary

August 29, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

If majority rules - seems to me that is how the voting went when the ban smoking bill passed. People in Hamilton need to enforce the law better instead of trying to break it all the time.

By Mike

August 29, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

I’m Sorry Hannah. I should not be giving any rights to children since they can’t vote.

How about this…3 out of 5 Ohioans who voted, voted for NO SMOKING.

Now we don’t have to be misled by the people (i.e. the Government)

By Hannah

August 29, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

I was not referring to smoking, but rather to the right that business owners should have. Cigarettes are indeed NOT illegal, and therefore a business owner should have the RIGHT to allow a LEGAL activity in the business that they pay to operate.

By Mike

August 29, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Lets see, there were 12,168 reported complaints state wide. Mongomery County investigated about 400 and issued 20 warning letters. this alone seems to be enough information to protest and win to not pay the fine. The people behind the non smokeing issue are not doing their job. I read where bars and resturants who are complying to the NO SMOKEING BAN are looseing out and the people who don’t, stay in business. It is just another Ohio State Bureaucratic Government screw up. The violaters win.

By Hannah

August 29, 2007 2:08 PM | Link to this

Oh, and to Mike: that 4 out of 5 statistic is a skewed joke. Did you know that they count children in that because children are technically “Ohians”? When I was eleven, the school made us take a government survey about smoking and actually used that statistic. You can’t believe the government all the time, you should know that by now.

By David

August 29, 2007 2:07 PM | Link to this

Government By the People, For the People. We are the government. We took smoking away (or instituted the Small Business Smoking Tax…)

We can change the laws, but we need to be smart to do it…

Looks like the laws will never change…

By Captain Spiteful

August 29, 2007 2:04 PM | Link to this

Majority does rule.

http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/ElectionsVoter/results2006.aspx?Section=1857

I think you’ll find the evidence overwhelming.

By FedUp

August 29, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

“My right to smoke is being taken away….the govt. is taking my rights away….” Cry me a river. Smoking is not a right. It is a habit. A nasty, smelly, costly habit. Who ever said your personal habits are a “right”? The argument that “tobacco is not illegal, I can do it at home, so why can’t I do it in a restraunt?” is ridiculous. It is also legal for you to run around your own home in the buff, but try doing it at Frisch’s and see what happens. Personal CHOICES are not RIGHTS.

By Hannah

August 29, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this

Way to go, let’s take the right to make your own decisions away from small businesses! The truth is, when a government starts taking away personal choice, we have a problem. In the wise words of Eddie Izzard, “I tried to light up in a bar and about 20 people attempted to jump me. Turns out there’s no smoking indoors. Soon there will be no drinking and no talking.”

By Sailor

August 29, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

I wondered why a Bar can not just put a sign out in front saying Smoking Permmited in this Establishment. And if the smoke bothers someone they have the right to enter or leave Not cause all this waisted tax money enforcing a law that a simple sign could fix. Is not this enforcing a freedom of choice of one on to the other which takes a persons right to choose away.

By David

August 29, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this

Outside smoking deck. That is brilliant. Come join me in December or August. Why don’t you stop smoking, take the newly found money and go on a vacation. And not an “Ohio” vacation to Kings Island or a stupid NASCAR race. A real vacation like the Bahamas or Jamaica. Live Life.

By Eric

August 29, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this

$100 fine? Ok let’s just call it what it is…it’s not a ban but a smoking-friendly business tax.

Let’s be honest here….the promises that non-smokers would make up for the smokers that won’t frequent bars and clubs are lies. Ask any private owner of these establishments and they will agree. So what we actually have is a choice on the business owners. Either go belly-up but remain legal or take a risk of fines and allow smoking. It’s basically a $100 tax…nothing more.

By Eddie Machete

August 29, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

If smoke bothers you, don’t go to a bar. Or, you could go sit outside on the NO SMOKING DECK. ……Did someone say Majority Rules!

By David

August 29, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

All smokers are idiots. Plain and simple. Move to Kentucky and take your backwards, in-bred clubs with you to the hollers and do what you want.

By NIKI

August 29, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

OK I AM A SEVERE ASTHMATIC WHO HAS HAD TO LIVE IN MY HOUSE AND CAN RARELY EVER GO OUT TO EAT CAUSE CIGARETTE SMOKE AFFECTS MY BREATHING…NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM ALL FOR THE BANS IN RESTARAUNTS… I’M SORRY BUT A PLANT SEPARATING SMOKING AND NONSMOKING SECTIONS IS A JOKE. WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE INFANTS WHO HAVE TO BREATHE PEOPLES NASTY SECOND HAND SMOKE. WITH ALL THE FREE HELP NOWADAYS AND CHANTIX YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO QUIT!!! NO MORE EXCUSES!