Ban smoking in bars and restaurants in Washington State

It’s been awhile but it’s worth noting that the citizens of Washington prevailed in eliminating tobacco smoke from public buildings and private restaurants and bars. It’s also worth note that even smoky old Europe is coming around. This week, France begins a yearlong scaling down of public smoking. Yay!

Why did I ever think to trample on civil liberties and help progress the freakin nanny-state that WA seems hellbent on becoming. Sure Smoking’s a disgusting habit and the people who shiver outside of bars are probably getting their just desserts for not quitting sooner – but I’m not about hitting the small business owners…

I’m voting on November 8th, 2005, to ban smoking in bars and restaurants in Washington State. I hope I can take this goal off my list!

This happened in california, NOW HOW AM I GONNA SMOKE WHEN I GET DRUNK?!

I debated long and hard whether or not I was comfortable taking the rights of smokers, and with how the law was worded here in the state of Washington. That aside, I now find myself heading out and about much more often since I no longer have to deal with the smoke or washing all of my clothes the morning after. And I swear that there are more people at the restaraunts and bars now that the law has passed…

I’m really a libertarian type person. I believe in freedom, I want more freedom, but really, smoking is a freedom that infringes on the freedoms of others. I have no problem with allowing smoking in designated, ventilated areas. Similarly, if all the patrons of a particular joint do the smoking thing, the State should not impose non-smoking.

As a present day Californian, this is really one thing I like alot better wbout Cali than Oregon and Washington. The main thing that makes this a bit more feasible in California, is the ability to just have an outdoor smoking area. I realize this would probably be much more difficult at 35 degrees and raining.

Anyway, smokers often underestimate the impact of their habit. I really hate having all my clothes smell like smoke when I go out in the NW. Not to mention what it’s doing to my lungs.

yay!

i’m a non smoker as well.
and this law is bs.
it’s imposing on their constitutional right to smoke where they want, and it’s hurting businesses who allow smoking in their establishment. it should be up to the business owner whether they want to allow smoking or not.
plus it’s stupid because now we can smoke hookah inside the hookah bar, but if someone wants their cigarette, they have to step outside.
how pointless is that.

I actually signed/voted on this one after moving away and have not yet the joy of going to my favorite bars and venues without coming home with sore lungs and smelly clothes. But I may have to visit, just for this pleasure.

Yay. the law passed.