Ohio is SmokeFree. Now what?
Ohio is now smoke free in the wake of Tuesday's election on Issue 5.
The new law, according to supporters:
Our law reflects everyone's right to breathe clean indoor air. It protects all workers and patrons from the health hazards of secondhand smoke.
So -- what do you think?
Will you be happy eating in Ohio's smoke-free restaurants? Drinking in smoke free bars?
Include your name and city if you'd like to be mentioned on Channel 3 News. If you give us your phone or e-mail, we will not make those public.
Comments have been closed on this topic -- thanks for participating
The new law, according to supporters:
Our law reflects everyone's right to breathe clean indoor air. It protects all workers and patrons from the health hazards of secondhand smoke.
So -- what do you think?
Will you be happy eating in Ohio's smoke-free restaurants? Drinking in smoke free bars?
Include your name and city if you'd like to be mentioned on Channel 3 News. If you give us your phone or e-mail, we will not make those public.
Comments have been closed on this topic -- thanks for participating
posted by Dan at
11:31 AM
649 Comments:
Well I say OK,you all wanted it so then DON'T you all DARE ask US the Smoker's to BULID ANYTHING for you with TAXES.I understand all about second hand smoke,But to bulid a OUTDOOR baseball park with money from SMOKER'S TAX and then NOT LET THEM SMOKE in it or around it,is just NUTS and NOT right.
I think it's about time. As a nonsmoker, I will feel better about the quality of the air when I go out to eat or enjoy a night out with friends at concerts or the local bowling alley. We all know the undeniable dangers of smoking, and now nonsmokers will not be forced to deal with the second-hand nonsense of cigarettes. I think this is definitely a step in the right direction for the state, and hopefully someday, the country.
I want to know what are they going to take away next! I am NOT a smoker but I believe it is a persons right. If you do not like the smoke do not sit next to someone smoking. What about Alcohol? There are people that go out and drink and drive and kill someone. I guess that is okay because they have not tried to out law that. What if someone is driving drunk and hits and kills someone. To me that person that was hit and killed did not have the decision to move away like people do that do not like the smoke. I feel that they are taking away rights from the citizens!!!! I thought we were a FREE country.
I can't wait to be able to go out for a night and come home not reeking of cigarette smoke. I've actually stayed home before simply because I didn't feel like breathing in all the smokers' exhasut.
I think it is a step in the wrong direction for a so called free nation...what happened to our rights...is that only when other people like what is going on?? I also think that Ohio voters have a lot of nerve voting for a cigarette tax for the arts in the same election that they are banning the very thing that they are trying to make money off of. If you are in a bar and don't like the smoke move to another seat or go somewhere else. If you work in a bar and don't like the smoke that is part of a bar abd you knew that before you applied for the job...get over it and get another job.
this is the dumbest thing ever... buisnesses are going to get very hard with this new nosmoking law. Bars are going to see a major decline in patrons especially during the winter months.
this combined with the passage of a new tax on cigerattes is absouletly unfair to smokers. smokers are going to pay for yet another building in cleveland and be unable to smoke in them..(cough jacobs field)
its time to start taxing gum and tic tacs
I think it is great. It will be nice to go to out and not have to deal with the smoke or the long waits at restaurants for a non-smoking table.
Jeannette
Eastlake
I think it is long over due, yes I am a non smoker though if you go into a place which allows smoking then you have no choice then to be subjected to it.
A state-wide smoking ban is ridiculous. This is another instance of the government creating laws that take away our freedoms. The business owners should have the right to decide whether or not to make their establishments smoke-free. Now I'll be telling my kids about the good old days when it was legal to smoke in a bar.
Mike,
Akron
This passing dosent really change much of anything,because you can not smoke in any building anymore except bars. But all thes laws and taxes I think is crazy why are people only out for smokers? Taxing smokers,punishing smoker for smoking,they need to spend more time and effort into more important thing here in Ohio like loss of jobs, high unemployment,high welfare,poor school systems,jobs leaving the state of Ohio,crimes.
we cant smoke in public we cant smoke in bars or resturants but who the hell paid for the new indians stadium &the browns stadium and now we have to pay for the arts too this is bullshit may all you non smoking morons catch cancer too
I am very pleased that the smoke free issue passed. Restaurants had so called non-smoking sections that were just a divider away from the smoking areas.
Now employees do not have to breathe second hand smoke all day while they are trying to make a living! Mary Gulledge, Akron
Finally!
It’s great to see Ohio finally become one of the states to get it! I’m amazed it took us this long to push what clearly is right. My stepfather fought with me the night before on weather second hand smoke even effected others. I’m just glad to see that not all of Ohio is as blind as my stepfather is with this issue. Tobacco Company, you tried your Smoke and Mirrors on us and we the people have come out victories above big business! So Ohioans you all deserve a pat on the back for fighting for an issue that is what is really best for us not big business!!!
Nice Job!
Lyndhurst, Ohio
Tony
I am very happy about Ohio being smoke free now. A former Ohioan who lives in California coming home to my hometown of Mansfield, I can now eat healthier in restraunts. It is time Ohio arrived into the 21st centurey finally...
There are plenty of other options than a total ban on smoking as this new law now requires. Bowling alleys, in particular, will lose a tremendous amount of business as about 80% of their bowling league patrons are smokers. Yes, smoking is entirely hazardous to one's health, but having the government tell businesses how to operate portions of their business is intrusive. Businesses, if there were such an uproar against smoking, would adapt their businesses naturally - the government need not tell them how to do so. Smokers are now essentially second-class citizens. Ohio may as well tax them more too. I say that sarcastically.
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
I hate to see government regulate such things, but as a non-smoker I'm SO glad I'll be able to sit anywhere in a restaurant and not have my burger with a side of tobacco.
I think this will also help business in that they'll be able to sit people anywhere and not have empty tables in the smoking sections.
I am very happy that Issue 5 passed. My family and I enjoy going out and supporting local music. Most venues, however, are smoky bars, and when we leave we smell like cigarette smoke and feel like we had smoked at least a half pack of cigarettes. None of us are smokers! I have always held the opinion that even when I go out, my right to health supercedes another person's right to feed their addiction.
Jessica Corsi
Bath, Ohio
Well, I think it is great for restaurants. But for the bars, it is not so great. I am a bartender and that is how I earn my living. I am going to lose alot of customers.
Hooray for Ohio
I am new resident of this state and my only complaint was how there were still "smoking" and "non-smoking" sections in resturants. A state wide smoking ban in the majority of areas will benefit everyone, including smokers (who will probably end up smoking less).
Adam Poyfair
Shaker Heights
While I believe people should have the right to breathe clean air, I also am a libertarian and believe it should be left to the owners of the restaurant and bars to decide based upon their patronage. Isn’t that free enterprise/capitalism? If you don’t smoke then go to a smoke free bar, if you smoke go to a smoky bar.
How about perfume free places for those of us who have allergies or migraine headaches in response to people who bath themselves in perfumes at the office, shopping malls, restaurants and bars. Perfume taste left in the mouth and stinging the eyes etc is just as bad as the smoke for some of us.
I think it’s time government got out of the business of trying to control peoples’ behaviors. How about doing the jobs that the government was designed to do, protect our boarders, protect us from crime.
I think its GREAT that Ohio is now SmokeFree. I can't wait to go out and not come home smelling like an ashtray or waking up with a cough the next morning. It is about time non-smokers are protected from the carcinogens cigaretts produce. I'm all for breathing smoke free air! For all you smokers, GO SMOKE OUTSIDE!!
I don't feel that it is right for the goverment to say where we can or cannot smoke. It should be up to to owners of the establishments.
They want to tax smokers to pay for everything but we cannot smoke anywhere. Where is the fairness in that.
Why not put a tax on alcohol, you can drink almost anywhere and if you get to drunk and drive and hurt or kill someone then we will give you a yellow license plate big deal.
I love the fact the smokers are taxed to pay for improvements to the City (The Jake, Browns Stadium, the Q) Not only could we not smoke in the places WE provided the funds for, but now can only smoke in our homes. What ever happened to the right to life, liberty and the persuit of happiness. Ever since the Berlin Wall came down, it feels like it is being rebuilt here in America. What's next ? Not allowing obese people in restaurants because they eat too much? If the proponents of this bill are so worried about our health, then why can you smoke in nursing homes. Makes a lot of sense? How about taxing Toilet Paper? Something that everyone uses, instead of targeting one group and preying on their habit. America is no longer the land of the free.
I feel that's it's going to be a great change for me. I will enjoy going to the bars, clubs and restraunts and not smelling the smoke. People who smoke and complain about this law are selfish because they know it causes cancer and many other health problems, but they don't care that it affects people who don't smoke! We have every right to breath clean air when we go out. I've heard from smokers that I shouldn't go to places that allow smoking but where can I go that's completely smoke free? Almost all restraunts had smoking and EVERY bar had smoking! Hey smokers, you want to suffer the consequences of smoking, go ahead, but don't put others at risk because you can't quit or choose not to! Don't be selfish! Try to care somewhat about others!
I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THE LAW. IT WILL BE NICE ALSO, IF THEY QUIT "TAXING" THE SMOKERS, SINCE WE CAN'T SMOKE
Finally I can go out to dinner or a bar and not have to breathe secondhand smoke and have to have my clothes laundered. The soothsayers of doom and gloom have said if this bill passes it will cost Ohio jobs.I say it is a small price to pay to protect the public health. I lived in California when the smoking ban was put into law and business in bars and restaurants actually increased.
Alan Bisler
Independence
I am NOT a smoker, my father was, and passed away from lung cancer however This is not a soultion.
The goverment that WAS established back over 200 years ago provided freedoms for individuals. This law takes away a right people have, the right to smoke. Did'nt they try something like this back in oh say the 1920's?
Again, I am NOT a smoker, but people do have rights. Maybe Ohio should adopt a law like Indiana's where the smokeing section is seperated by a wall, then people have a choice as to where to go, smoking or non-smoking.
I think employers, such as GM should use common sense and keep the factory work environment smoke free. However, I feel if establishments like restaurants and bars want to have a smoking section they should be able to have one. If non-smokers don't like that, then they should stay out of those places.
Bonnie Zapola/Vermilion, Ohio
I guess I don't understand why an establishment owner cannot choose to make his/her establishment smoke free or let smokers in. Their right to their own business has now been taken away. I am a smoker in Cuyahoga County and now cannot smoke anywhere but now I'm forced to pay additional $.30 per pack to contribute to something/someplace I cannot smoke at.
All I know, is I won't buy cigarettes anymore in Cuyahoga County. There are other means of purchasing them somewhere else. I speak for alot of Cuyahoga Co. smokers....it's time for issues to find another means of collecting tax money.
we as a society have forgotten what is most important to us. What happened to worrying about health care, taxes, crime and so on. we have forgotten all of that for a moment to worry about wether or not a person in a bar is smoking or not. i am very disappointed that this would even be an issue. work out the real problems we have in this city and then fix the smaller ones
Non-smokers have a right to breath smoke-free air but smokers have rights, too. Why doesn't anyone realize smokers will smoke no matter how many bans there are, no matter how expensive cigarettes are, no matter how ostracized we become.
Why doesn't anyone realize smoking is an addiction just like alcoholism or gambling? However, of all the addictions and vices, I'd rather smoke then drink myself stupid, get behind the wheel of a car and kill someone.
Smokers are social outcasts. We are looked down upon. We are vilified, yet whenever communities need money for just about anything, smokers are always the source. Without smokers, there would be no Jacobs Field or Q or Browns Stadium.
Issue 5 bans smoking in all public places but Issue 18 increases the cigarette tax to fund arts and culture. Am I the only person who doesn't get it? One group wants Ohio smoke free but another group wants more money from smokers to fund yet another initiative.
Something's got to give. Either you want to use smokers to fund any and every city improvement or you want smokers to quit. You can't have your cake and eat it too!
A Steamed Smoker
Middleburg Heights, OH
Many thanks to all of the intelligent Ohio voters who were not tricked into the wrong decision on this issue. My wife and I can now enjoy an evening out at a local restaurant without the smell of smoke.
Bob and Judy
Silver Lake, OH
Now that we are a "smoke free" state, I would like to now see the tobacco companies pull out ALL of their monies that they have invested and sponsored in varoious buildings, entertainment, educational programs,etc.
Finally , I can go out to a restaurant or bar and not have to breathe second hand smoke or have my clothes dry cleaned.The soothsayers of doom and gloom have stated that this bill will cost Ohio jobs. I say so what if it protects the health of the public.
I lived in California when the smoking ban went into law and as a result restaurant and bar business actual increased.
Although I think the smoking ban is good for health purposes, I dont like the fact government is telling private enterprises how to run their businesses. It is one more step towards socialism.
Keith
Cleveland
I will say that I am happy that this passed with overwhelming support. Since "Big Tobacco" got Issue 4 onto the ballot AHEAD of Issue 5 and making it a constitutional amendment, I thought that Issue 5 was doomed.
I am happy that Ohioans took the time to understand both issues and acted accordingly. I'm happy to say that smokers will need to "take it outside" from now on!
I think this will be an awesome change for Ohio. Really glad this issue passed.
Dana
New Philadelphia
In the words of Nelson....HA HA
;-)
I, for one, will be very happy to have smoke free bars and restaurants.
I have no sympathy for smokers.
They are inconsiderate self-centered pigs that care about nothing other than their "rights". Just take a look at the ground and you will probably see piles of butts all over the place. They throw them out their car windows and don't seem to care where they go after that. They ruin meals for others in restaurants because it's their "right" to do so. Don't look to me to feel bad for them, it isn't going to happen. They don't care about me, why should I care about them!
Hello Big Brother! Smokers will be taxed on cigarettes for "Arts and Culture" but will be fined more money if caught smoking in public. Did the sin tax from years ago ever get taken off of a pack of cigarettes? So politicians/nonsmokers want smokers to pay for their projects but want to limit smoking! It makes no logical sense.No one can stop a drug addict and our government even hands out methadone for substance abuse. They will not stop smokers either. Go ahead and see if smokers care, you will get burned!
Hopefully this will help non-smokers stop developing lung cancer from second hand smoke. Indoors should be smoke-free. If you are a die-hard smoker then the cool winter won't kill you (pun intended).
Hopefully this will help non-smokers stop developing lung cancer from second hand smoke. Indoors should be smoke-free. If you are a die-hard smoker, then the cool winter won't kill you (pun intended).
I don't know how th government got involved in all of this. Smokers do have rights too. They paid for Jacbos Field , and can't even smoke there??? I am reformed smoker. I quit 12 years ago. It was not an easy task. I don't think it needed to be taken to these lengths.
I am a former smoker (quit 20 years ago). It was very difficult to quit, but I feel so good, that I wish every smoker in Ohio would quit and enjoy the healthy and clean life, which I and my family now enjoy! Also, I have saved a lot of money. Quitting was a real victory in my life.
Although I understand what they are trying to do It saddens and angers me that so many people put their efforts in creating this. There are more pressing problems in Ohio that should be addressed so viligently such as crime, economy, education. If lawmakers would put as much effort
into these issues as they did the smoking ban, then OHIO would not be ranked 1 of the poorest or most dangerous cities in America. So although I do understand why they are doing this lets get to the real issues that need to be focused on. By the way I am a smoker and feel that as long as there are seperate smoking rooms with ventilation then there should be no ban. In ending I want to ask all the lawmakes and volunteers that lobbied for this ban what are you going to do about education, povery, economy and our jobs being outsourced oversea's or is your next most pressing topic some other nonsense cause that will not help us out where we really need it!
I think this is more a dictatorship and will not be what all those who voted for this think.
I use to be a smoker and understand what non smokers mean and go thru when around smokers in restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and even walking in to stores.
It is hard for me to breathe and I don't like to smell it right as you walk in the entrance to a store or next to a smoker while eating but I think there has to be a different way of going about all of this.
first we take religion out of our schools and lessen our freedom of speech - now no smoking at all anywhere in public.
I am afraid of what we are becoming - are we slowly becoming a dictatorship country? yes, we had the freedom of voting for this but were we given the whole truth and information on this action?
Thank you.
i work in a restaurant and i think it is awesome cause i wont have to breathe the smoke filled air and come home smelling like an ash tray
I don't smoke but I think this is a big mistake. What is next..banning snack foods in public because they make us fat? It is a choice each person makes and when you start to take away choices, it is not a democracy. I have seen the ACS bully people and make smokers feel like dirt. If you don't want to be around smokers then don't go there.
It's funny, people want to fund their special projects(ie: The Brown's Stadium, The Art's) on the backs of the smokers in Ohio, yet we are not permitted to smoke in public now. I am tired of this!!!
I am so tired of sitting in a non-smoking section of a restaurant and still end up smelling like smoke! Thankfully, I won't have to deal with that much longer!!
I think this whole thing is absolutely ridiculous. It totally goes against our civil rights and freedom as Americans. People dont realize that this may only be the beginning. Everyone that voted for this thing will eventually have something they enjoy stripped and taken away from them as well. Its only a matter of time.
I am so happy we are smoke free. I hate going to a bar and having to breathe in that stinking cancer causing smoke. Finally non smoker's rights to breathe clean air have been recognized. If smoker's want to risk cancer and heart disease they can still do it but now they are not putting the non smokers at risk.
It's about time. No one should have the right to make innocent bystanders inhale their smoke. If a person wants to smoke, have at it in your own home where just you and your family members get to breathe it in. You smokers haven't lost any rights, except of course the right to lessen innocent bystanders life expectancy!!!
i thught we live in a free country we should be able to smoke if this is want one chooses why are they on the shelfs for to sell make a profit make money there is a lot of smokers out there if there going to ban smoking they should ban drinking to everyday a drunk driver hurts or even kills somebody or even there selfs this is a everyday thing u dont hear people dieing everyday from smoke come on get the facts out there drinking is just as bad if your going to ban one ban them all
Nick, Northfield Ohio
I think this whole thing is absolutely ridiculous. It totally goes against our civil rights and freedom as Americans. People dont realize that this may be only the beginning. Everyone that voted for this will eventually have something they enjoy stripped and taken away from them. Its only a matter of time.
I will be taking my young kids bowling now!
Outlawing smoking in bars is ridiculous. It's okay to serve alcohol to people all night, who will drive home drunk, and endager the lives of others - but you can't smoke a cigarette? Give me a break. As far as I'm concerned, everyone who voted for Issue 5 is a hypocrite. Until you lead a 100% healthy life yourself, don't tell me what I can and can't do. Obesity is a huge health problem here as well - Is there going to be a ban on donuts for overweight people? I don't think so. If you don't want to be around smoke, don't go to the bar. This issue is just one more slap in the face of the constitution.
Even as a smoker, I understand peoples right to enjoy a concert or a restaraunt without the hassle of smokers, but when the government tells a business that they can or cannot do something is wrong. The business should be giving that choice of whether or not their establishment should be smoke free. Taken away your freedoms, what else are they going to take away from us!
i am glad ohio is smoke free now i got a very serious lung problem and i do not even smoke smokers are very rude about their smoking they think they can light up anywhere they want well no more
I am so happy that I won't have to deal with second-hand smoke. I hope this is the first step in making Ohio a healthier state.
I am thrilled that Ohio will now be "Somkefree". Going out for the evening to a restaurant or bar and not coming home reeking of smoke will be wonderful. If people want to smoke that's their choice - I just don't want to "share their smoke" everytime I go out to eat.
Mary Ellyn , Concord Township
Finally! Now I don't have to deal with other people's BAD HABIT everywhere I go. People with allerigies and asthma will now be able to CHOOSE where they go, and not have to avoid most places because of smoke.
Whats next, telling obese people they cant eat fatty foods. Thanks for taking away my rights ohio!
Banning smoking in bars is ridiculous. It's ok to serve alcohol to people who are going to drink all night and drive home drunk, but you can't smoke a cigarette? Give me a break. If you don't want to be around smoke, don't go to the bar. As far as I'm concerned, everyone who voted for Issue 5 is a hypocrite. Until you lead a 100% healthy life, don't tell me what I can and can't do. Obesity is a huge health problem here too - Are they going to ban donuts from being eaten by fat people? I don't think so. I make my choices - nobody makes them for me. This is just another slap in the face of the constitution. Freedom is being raped.
I think this is completely ridiculous!! All I know now is that alot of places are going to lose alot of business because of this ridiculous law! So be happy that evrything will be smoke free when everything will be closed from having no business! As we pay for your sports fields and e checks on your cars, we get punished! Makes absolutely no sense.
This is probably the best thing to happen for everyone. I absolutely hate taking my 2 young children to restaurants where we sit in the "non-smoking" section of the restaurant, just to leave and all have breathed in tons of cigarette smoke from the smoking section. To me, this passing FINALLY gives the non-smoker the rights. No matter where you went you would always have no choice but to breathe in smoke in public places. I'm so happy that my children will grow up with now no exposure to 2nd hand smoke. Hopefully this will keep all our childrens' lungs and hearts healthier. Thank you Ohio for passing 5!
Jenny
Strongsville
I think it's a good thing, ultimately. I get tired of going bowling with my family and reeking of cigarette smoke. I'm sorry, but simply not sitting next to a smoker will not remove the smell from my clothes, nor will it prevent me from breathing the smoke in. Smoke is insidious, and I for one am happy that I won't have to suffer its ill effects anymore!!
Kevin Palm
Grafton, OH
After reading the comments from smokers I have come to the conclusion that smoking not only causes cancer and heart disease but it makes you ignorant and selfish. Why should my health and the health of other non-smokers suffer because you are too weak to stop smoking. I voted for Issue 5 for health reasons not to take away your rights. Second hand smoke causes cnacer and heart disease.
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I Love It!!!
Who are we to tell people what they can or can't do? Last I remembered this was a free country, Issue 5 was a waste of money. Unfortunately now we have to deal with it...Thanks alot fellow "patriots"
I am thoroughly appalled that this issue passed. I am a former smoker, who quit upon finding out I was pregnant & voted for a SmokeLess Ohio. I think that is a perfectly legitimate idea. Now, with the SmokeFREE issue passing, I feel that I have no say whatsoever in what happens in my neighborhood. It's unfair for someone to tell me that I can only smoke in my home, or in my car. The whole smoke-free movement is run by a bunch of facists who are clearly more focused on stripping Americans of their rights & CHOICE rather than focusing on their own lives. It's RIDICULOUS. There is no scientific evidence that second-hand smoke causes cancer related illnesses. If you don't like a smokey atmosphere, find somewhere else to go! There are plenty of restaurants & other places that offer smoke-free environments by CHOICE rather than MANDATING it. This country is getting totally out of control by sticking their noses in everyone else's business. What's next? Telling me I can't eat WHAT I CHOOSE in a restaurant because of the trans fat levels or that *gasp* it's not the healthiest choice? GUESS WHAT? I'M AN ADULT AND CAN MAKE MY OWN DECISIONS... AT LEAST I THOUGHT HOW IT WAS. I shudder for the next generation & what this country will be like in 20-30 years. GET OFF MY BACK AMERICA.
Well that's just grand....
Non-Smokers Unite, enjoy that beautiful clean air and GFY.
I for one will not patronize where I'm not wanted, therefore I'll stay home. I will not suffer, but businesses will. All I need now is someone tellin me when it is ok for me to take a crap.
Personally I feel this is a sad day for this state and for this country.
Oh, I just sparked one up for all you clean air breathers.
To all of you who are crying about paying for the stadiums etc. what about us Non Smoking Tax payers who pay for the smokers bills who end up in the hospital due to smoking cigarettes that they could find the money for but could NOT come up with money for health insurance to cover their Kemo for cancer they get from smoking.
Or
What about the innocent Kids who have no voice in all this but you are mad because you have to stand outside and smoke. What a joke! Don't cry just find the smart bar owners and restaurant owners who figure out how to make this work with heated outside patios that accommodate smokers such as yourself. Drinking bothers me if you drive, Smoking bothers me if you’re doing it next to me, so get over it. This is a free country so your free to smoke but not around me and I shouldn’t be force to have to deal with it and jeopardize my own health like I do if you drink and drive, and over 3.8 million Ohioans out numbered you on this get over it!!
Dr. Cig. Dumas
Cleveland
Do I feel that nonsmokers should not have to inhale my smoke, yes. But here is the thing, I work in an office where everyone smokes, do we have to quit smoking? Also to earn extra money I am a barmaid, I can count on one hand the customers I have that do not smoke. Second the bar that I work at has a smoke eater and the nonsmokers feel very comfortable with the steps we have taken for them (I have been told this). Next thing you know we will go back to Prohibition. Also when you want your next stadium built, or your arts funded you are screwed, I'm calling on all smokers to stop voting for taxes on cigarettes. Who needs smokers, right? Next time you go to Jacobs' field for a baseball game think about how this establishment was built. Why not raise property taxes and then tell all property owners that you can't go to the baseball game because we don't like people who own homes or other properties? Do that sound stupid? Maybe people should rethink the whole constitution and how every person is born with natural rights.
I can't wait to go out downtown again. I have avoided many of the bars and restaurants in Cleveland because I grew tired of coming home smelling and having a sore throat from all of the smoke in the air. Opponents speak about smokers rights to do what they want. What ever happened to my right to breathe clean air. Thank you Ohioans for passing issue 5. Smokers, remember to bring your jackets. It gets cold outside in Cleveland during the winter.
im not a smoker, but you know going to a bar or somewhere similiar there's a good chance of smokers being there. i know so it dont bother me. it is getting out of hand a bit tho. where are their rights? you want no smoking, but also money from the taxes of cigerettes to build things. there will be no money put towards things if people cannot smoke and in return do not purchase cigerettes as often in the future. one or the other.
I think this law is GREAT and way overdue!!! My father died from lung cancer. He was a smoker. And big tobacco could care less about him. They don't care about people, or that their product is an addictive drug (Nicotine) and that it kills people. They only care about making a lot of money. I had to breathe second hand smoke a lot my life growing up and it is horrible. As an adult I cannot stand to be around it. I love the OSU Buckeyes (I'm an Alumni) and I love to go to a sports bar and watch the game on the big screen TV's (my TV at home is only 27") but I know if I go to a sports bar I'm going to have to breathe all that garbage (smoke) and smell like an ash tray when I'm done. Smokers would say: well it's your choice, you don't have to go to the sports bar, but I say: why should I have to sit at home and watch the game on my 27" screen while you get to enjoy the sports bar? Besides a sports bars, where else can I go to see a big football game on big screen TV's and enjoy some good wings? It's not like I have a lot of other choices here? And as a consumer, why should I not be able to go and enjoy the big game on the big screen TV's without getting cancer. I don't know why smokers feel they should have the right to fill the air (indoors) with that garbage and make everyone else suffer for their habbit. Anyway, thank God it passed. Hello clean air.
Listen people! The trend for the past 30 years has been to get away from smoking. I can remember when you were able to smoke in fast food resturants. I know because I used to steal the ashtrays. Society has changed and it was only a matter of time before something like this came along. Most businesses that I've worked at or visited have all been smoke free and in reality the only place to smoke is in a bar. So the passage of issue 5 was the finishing touch for a trend that has been occuring in the US for the past 20 years. 30 years ago it was cool to smoke. Today people are healthier and live active lives. I'm happy that it passed.
The problem with the new law is it takes ALL choices away from smokers. Before the law people who didn't want to smoke had the opportunity to choose where they went to eat or drink. No one was forcing them into a situation saying you have to sit in a smokey bar or restaurant. You could have went to a smokefree place of business if it upset you so. But now smokers are being force into the non-smoker law's with no other option. We have to go to your "smokefree" bars and restaurant's unless we just decide we will eat and home from now on.
Just another freedom taken, another right destroyed...what's next?
I am so happy, as a single mother with a daughter that has Asthma this will make her breathe much better when we go out.
This country is turning communist...
It starts with smoking...what is next...before you know it we will no longer have a thing called freedom of speech.
I dont smoke.....but I feel we all have the right to do as we please. You have the right to smoke and I have the right not too...
THIS IS JUST WRONG....I back the people that do smoke on this one...it has never once been proven 2nd hand smoke kills....
Smoking has never once cause a car to go left of center and kill someone....
I think it is unfair for us smokers, we paid for the staiums..now we are going to pay for the arts.. but we cant smoke anywhere.. And, there are a lot of non smokers out there that smoke when they go to bars!!! We live in the United States.. where is our freedom going???
Why is it that the rights of some override the rights of others?? Smoker are real people and have rights too!!
Smoking has funded many buildings around Cleveland and now the Arts; yet smokers can not smoke in any of these facilities! Thats just plain wrong!! You want our dollars and take away OUR rights.
No one forces non-smokers to work in or frequent establishments that permit smoking - if you don't like it go somewhere else. It should be the business owner who decides whether or not to permit smoking in his buiness, not Government!
And what will be next? How long before we are told what color car to drive, how many children we can have, or that we can/can't in our own homes?
I fear that it won't be long before there is a "Slient Majority" revolt right here in the USA. And it won't be pretty. Please stop interfering with our rights, give us the freedom of choice. In turn we will not take your choices away.
Our money is good for any new project the city needs to build but yet we can't smoke at any of the facilities. I've taken my own survey on the "non-smokers" who want no smoking at restaurants, most of them are overweight and probably will die from a heart attack long before their lungs are filled with second hand smoke. Have they stepped outside recently and taken a good look at the atmosphere?
I won't be going out very much anymore and I bet I'm not the only smoker that will spend less time at public places. I also will take my money and go out of state to gamble and buy my cigarettes.
I can't wait to see how many more jobs will be lost in this state because the goverment has taken over.
i hope the government will be happy when business owners who's rights have been taken away from them to earn a living in the way they chose to have smoking or non-smoking in their establishments and they go out of business due to not enough business to pay bills and they have to file bankruptsee and lose their homes and have to collect unemployment or even go on welfare to live.. yah the government will pay 1 way or another. I also hope they figure out a way to keep up the upkeep on the buildings and stadiums that were established BY smokers and will not longer frequent games or concerts because they're right were pulled out from under them.hm maybe they should pass a law that people including non-smokers that drink are only allowed 1 or 2 drink limits per week even while dining and hey lets raise them prices on drinks to an outrageous price so theyyy can pay for the new ARTS projects?? SO MUCH FOR PEOPLES RIGHTS!
Even though I dont smoke....I dont have the right to take waway from those that dont.....
This country is turning communist....
I am so incredibly thankful that Issue 5 passed. I have had to put up with smoke my whole life, and finally after almost 30 years, I have the RIGHT to breath clean air!!!
I agree with those others about asking us to BUILD something else in the city for you. We can build anew stadium but we can't even enjoy a cigarette there. Dose that sound funny to you.You non smokers have allot of nerve. I am sure I could find something you do that might hurt me too. Did you ever just think about asking a smoker to move or not smike around you. Most will. I am sick and tired of all the commotion surrounding smokers and how we infringe on your rights. WHERE HAVE OURS GONE!!! I can't wait for all those business's to loose money and BELIEVE ME THEY WILL.
This was voted on ladies and gentlemen. It's not the government who's controling this, it's the people who have demanded that their health is more important than your bad habit. Period.
I think this is horrible, FREE COUNTRY my butt. I will not go out to eat or a bar, because I can't be confortable. We should be able to have some type of establishment for us smokers to go and relax.
If I do by chance get out, you will recognize me as the one standing out by the front door blowing smoke at everyone coming and going.. That is if I can still smoke on the sidewalks.
Also remember OHIO we are all a short drive away from other states that have better prices. So raise the taxes, we will find a way around it. Ohio business owners will be the ones that get hit, but at least Ohio will have all of its non-smokers happy...
Enjoy the air
Let me first say this, as for the new tax to fund the Arts it's simple, go to the nearest county to buy your cigaretts so the arts do not get the money.To think that our government can tax one certain group over the other is communistic.Maybe we should put a tax on just the white americans so we can support the olympics, or on just the african americans to support Breast Cancer research.Heres an idea,lets tax anyone shorter than 5'3" tall so we can support the save the whale campaign(what a mockery of a democracy and freedom) These taxes are rediculous and the same reason our ancestors created the boston tea party. TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION. Maybe businesses could operate like the big corporations, they can continued polution of the air and water have been proven to be the cause of birth defects,still births,CANCER,emphazima,etc.but it is allowed to continue as long as their pollution does not exceed federal limits,if its pollution and killing kids,then i ask this "what is an exceptable limit of pollution"? This law makes about as much sense as the seatbelt law.I have to wear a seatbelt to help save my life in the event of an accident, but a motorcyclist can drive the highway at 60mph with no helmet.Women have the right to Kill the unborn child but i as a business owner do not have the right to allow a legal activity such as smoking to go on in my establishment. If this is such a great hazard then why don't we just make smoking illegal. Why? heres why, there is way too much money changing hands at the government level, legal and illegal to allow the complete abolishment of smoking.
I think the nonsmoking in restaurants is fine but when it comes to bars I think it is absolutly insane. Yes, I am one who likes to go out to the bar on the weekends and have a drink and be able to smoke. I can see that businesses including bars are gonna lose business and possibly have to close. This is just crazy. We cant even smoke where we want to anymore. What happened to our rights as US citizens????
Chris
Sheffield
I am elated at the passage of this bill! As a nurse, I understand the true dangers of second hand cigarette smoke, and feel it is not something we should be "forced" to be exposed to. However, admittedly, I also see the trend of our government acquiring more and more control over our personal lives, and that is unsettling to me, as I'm sure it is others. I can see why smokers are frustrated, but it seems they would understand that this is something that directly endangers the health of those around them. I do not agree that it can be compared with perfume allergies, etc. The second hand smoke in cigarettes is lethal to ALL of is, not just a select few in the population.
I would like to go out and see a concert or sporting event and not have my children subjected to foul language,drunken behavior etc. Maybe we should ban drinking in all public venues as it is killing people everyday with cerosis of the liver, drunk driving motor vehicle accidents,high blood pressure,suicides,assaults etc.
Government should stop micro-managing the citizens and find a real way to fund education.
All these people that voted for smokers tax and then vote no on smoking anywhere dosnt make sense, I can see in some buidings but Bars and Bowling Alleys,these places will hurt, maybe we should have anyone that drinks beer that a buisness can only let you buy 3 passes for that day and than we can stop drinking also.
Let say this, now it is a smokers choice to smoke or not. Why should it be that majority of people have to settle for a minorities decision. Overall the majority of people are just choosing to want to be in a healthier enviorment. Simple as that.
Might as well change our countries name too.....Can you say Soviet Union? We fought in the war for what? Freedom? There is no freedom to do anything anymore. Better pull all troops out and bring them home because our freedom as americans is no longer so why should they be risking their lives for nothing, just like the other wars. They were for nothing also. The constitution doesnt exist anymore. What next banning alcohol? Candy? All you nonsmokers need to pull the stick out of your asses, because we are the ones paying for football and baseball stadiums.
I think it really stinks that the restuarant/bar owners have no say in this. The government is getting out of hand trying to run our lives. This is the EXACT reason I dont vote for anything. I am not a smoker but I feel for the people that do smoke!!!
I believe that the people have spoken, well about half the people anyways. Now, the smokers should get in their cars, light up, and sit outside bars and call 911 on all the drunks. The number of people injured or killed each year from drinking should be thrown around in the press just as much as the second-hand smoke numbers are.
Does anyone ever drive up 77 and smell the wonderful rotten egg smell? Do you think that is good for us? No one will do anything about that, because big business controls everything.
Stop selling cigarettes if we can't smoke them and we'll all have to quit. Ohhhhh, if you did that then where would the taxes come from? Drinking?, doubtful.
How come you can smoke at 18 and can't drink until 21? Because they (not only tobacco companies, cities that profit off of us as well)want you hooked to pay for their entertainment. Just don't do it around them.
What a scam!!
Kathy
Macedonia
I think it is great. I went to a local bar this past Sat with a group of people to hear a band. Some left early because they couldn't stand the smoke anymore. I spent all day Sun with a massive headache from breathing in all that smoke. I'm not aware of any nonsmoking bars that have bands. So my choice was to not go out to hear them, which I really enjoy, or be subjected to second hand smoke.
No one is taking away the smokers right to smoke. They just won't be able to harm others while doing it or interfere with their rights to enjoy going out.
I do agree with the comments about taxes on cigarettes. Enough with that already unless you're going to use the money to help people quit.
Question?
What if you are caught smoking on the premises in a restaurant.
Do you go to jail?
Concerned
Cleveland , Ohio
Some may think that Issue 5 is just another way for the government to take away our rights. However, just as smokers have a right to smoke, I have the right to breathe clean air! Issue 5 finally helped to mediate the rights of both parties. Smokers can still smoke at home, in their cars or outside. And non-smokers finally have the freedom to go to whatever bars and restaurants that they choose.
As a former smoker, I chose to quit because of the potential health hazards. So, why should I now have to go out to a restaurant and breathe someone else's smoke? Why should parents have to pick and choose where they take their children for a dinner out just so they can avoid smoke-filled, poorly ventilated establishments? It is ridiculous that the majority of the smokers in this state still think that they have a right to fill everyone else's lungs around them with their disgusting second-hand smoke. So, I say IT'S ABOUT TIME we passed a law like Issue 5!
I'm very grateful that the smoking ban was passed this Tuesday, and I'm a smoker. Time and time I've tried, and nearly successfully on several occasions, to quit smoking, but the constant presence of the miasma of second-hand smokers reminiscing my weak will to crave that sweet stench that was oh so familiar to me was often too much to bear. I’m now hopeful that without the ever-present reminder of my addiction filling the air, that I will once and for all be able to shake this monkey from my back, and enjoy the expectant average lifespan that most non-smokers take for granted
I want to agree with the individual who can't wait to go out and not come home with problems from smoke. One problem is that you smell like the smoke but my problem is that I have breathing problems and when I want to go out with family and friends, I had to be very careful where we choose to eat. We found that the waiting line for non smoking areas was always longer than for the smoking areas and inevitably when you asked for non smoking it would be the table right next to the smoking area. Any one who thinks that the air stops and never crosses the smoking and non smoking invisable line is simply fooling themselves. The point is whether you can see the smoke or not, whether you can smell the smoke or not the particles that create the breathing problems are in the air. When you breathe these particles in they interact with all your body systems and for some people this can be deadly. I have to pay for an expensive inhaler in order to breathe. If I can refrain from smoking because of my health then you shouldn't even think about blowing it into the air I need to breathe in order to live. Most men and women find sex to be invigorating, or calming, or cool or a feel good sensation but you don't go around doing it with just everyone and anyone you meet so for all those reasons that you want to give me that makes smoking relaxing and enjoyable for you, develop a little restraint!
Long Long over due wish it went in effect tomorrow
I am encouraging all smokers to Stop buying their cigarettes in cuyahoga county. Go to the nearest county and buy them so not only the added tax but None of the tax money goes to the county. Since we cant go to the restauraunts and bars to smoke, take a dive to your neighboring county.
i don't understand why they would try to stop people who smoke i'am a smoker but i won't smoke around people who don't unless there ok with it i fell that this is a whole lot of mess that they put togather just make a new law notthing else to do why add this they sould have put up a law to make sure gas prices stay low as well
Nobody complained about not being a "free" nation when we passed the seat belt law. Nobody complained about a "free" nation when various helmet laws were passed around the country. So, why complain now? Because Issue 5 may cause you to change your lifestyle slightly? Please. Non-smokers have had to change their lifestyle to avoid disgusting second-hand smoke for years. It's about time the tables turned. Babies, small children and the elderly certainly should not have to breathe your carcinogenic-filled second-hand smoke! Go Issue 5!!
Hey Amy W of Lakewood. Your statement about second hand smoke not being dangerous are incorrect. If you go to this website: http://www.hhs.gov/news/press/2006pres/20060627.html, You can read the Surgeon General's report on the dangers of second hand smoking. Obviously you knew smoking was dangerous to your unborn baby since you quit smoking when you were pregnant. It also dangerous to adults and children. Second hand smoke exposure can cause heart disease and lung cancer in non smoking adults and is a known cause of SIDS, respiratory problems, ear infections and asthma attacks in infants and children. Let's quit crying and remember it is for the good of the kids.
Smoking has been banned because it causes harm to other people just as driving while intoxicated is illegal since it can also harm other people. Being obese and overeating does not cause harm to anyone but yourself.
Although I do not feel the taxes on alcohol and cigarettes should fund sporting arenas and the arts. I think taxes on those products should fund healthcare. Excessive smoking and drinking rise our healthcare costs and the people that abuse their bodies should pay for these costs. Of course then we should also tax twinkies too.
I THINK IT IS WRONG!!!! The individual owners should make that decision. Once again "Big Brother" telling us what to do again.And if it is not unconstitutional...IT SHOULD BE!
To ryan.
Good luck with quitting. I'll keep you in my prayers that you can shake that monkey.
I am a nonsmoker and I think that being completely smoke free is ridiculous. I agree that the public places should be able to choose for themselves. If you want to go to a smoking bar then that is your choice. You should have the option of going to a smoking or non-smoking bar/restaurant. There is no reason that everything needs to be smoke free. I think it is kind of humorous because not only are they banning smoking but they are going to increase the tax (Issue 18 that passed) for arts and life…. Come on people!!! Give them a break!
People are not going to let this one go with out a fight!
Danielle
Parma
This post has been removed by a blog administrator.
I am most pleased. Can't wait to eat out without breathing smoke.
I quit 25 years ago for health reasons and have had all the second hand smoke.
No bar or restaurant will lose business because you can't smoke in any other public place.
Thanks Voters - Good Job!
Our Money Our Rights Who are we to say!! Wa Wa Wa!! Simple My health my Future my Choice so truly my right I’m who says!!
You can still smoke your way to a hospital for all I really care, but don’t smoke around me is what this stands for and is pretty simple! How about quit being such sore losers and selfish closed-minded people and realize/recognize how this effects others around you. That’s the sad part. But oooohhh no it’s like when blacks throw up the race card you all are throwing up the Giving up our rights card..
What a joke!! How about the card I would like to throw up for increased insurance cost due to Tobacco related deaths!! What about that??
Ok I’m sure you’ll have plenty to say about this, but in the end if you’re doing something that affects my health well then Fu and more are on my side then your side!!!
What's next? Are we going to have alcohol free bars? How about our homes, can we flush the toilets more than once a day or do we have laws about that too? Freedom, what a joke! I am a proud US citizen that is becoming very scared, how long before us women will be wairing scarves over our faces and walking five feet behind men? Well, I hope that you don't expect to get the smoker's tax anymore, because you have no right to it.
Kraig Cuyahoga Falls
As a veteran I fought for your rights and mine.With this new constitutional ammendment some of MY rights have just been taken away.I have paid my dues. All of you that voted to outlaw smoking and create more ridiculous government spending should step up and enlist in the branch of service of your choice. Maybe after dodging a few mortors you will appreciate what freedom is supposed to be.
I think it should be up to the individual business. If they want to allow smoking, put a sign at the front door that states. "This is a smoking establishment". Then it will be up to the potential customer if they would like to go in and patronize the place.
I think the whole second hand smoke is a bunch of nonsense anyways. I have friend that don't smoke and go to bars and they don't have any problems.
Just another example of the government trying to take away our rights in a democracy.
Smoke free ohio, who gave them the right to speak for the smokers? We(smokers) build the stadiums and ballparks and are pushed to the outside to smoke. What about beer,wine or even liquor why not tax them the way they take cigarettes? How about taxing fast food? there are a lot of overweight people who dont take care of themselves so should we tax it next? How riduculous is it to put a tax on cigarettes on the ballot to fund arts then ban smoking.
Burn in the fires of hell all you anti-smokers
Thank you so much Ohio!! We have finally joined the rest of the planet in realizing how bad secondhand smoke is for our health. I have had numerous problems with secondhand smoke: had to leave work at Ford due to smoke-induced migraines, I don't go out too much socially because I really cannot handle the fumes of a cigarette. Non-smoking areas in restaurants are a joke!! The smoke drifts wherever there's air. I am so glad that I will not have this problem anymore. Hopefully, for their health's sake, more smokers will quit smoking .Otherwise, at least their smoking won't be harming the lungs of the innocent.
Koneake Lawrence, Elyria
Lisa in cleveland. I think the issues were not explained properly and people were confused. The funny thing, I work for a theatre downtown and issue 18 passed and those funds are coming from smokers, but yet the smokers wont be able to smoke at the bar. Not really fair is it.
I will take my lit cigarette and put in in your eye so you cannot see me smoke.
Smokers pay more than their fair share of things, including being taxed extra to build NON SMOKING recreational buildings, for private enterprise. How is this right?
At last. No stinking bars.
Next are the idiot auto races going around in circles stinking and noising up the environment. (Any EPA studies?)
Now it is time for take revenge and smoke till my lungs burn out.
banning smoking in public places is not the answer, bars will only become private clubs to allow the smokers a place to hang out, then all the non-smokers will be forced to become a member to hang out in these places. How riduculous is it to put a measure on the ballot to tax cigarettes to pay for the arts then put a measure on to ban smoking in public places..
how unfair this smoking ban... I am going to Germany where REAL MEN smoke.
Well, our cigarett taxes have raised, and we have no place to smoke. Why don't they raise the taxes on liquor and ban drinking? I have never heard of a smoker going out in a car and killing a family of five or some student going back to college after a break or going up the interstate the wrong way. If we have to pay for the Arts, then we should get discount tickets to the events in the building that smokers built. All of you non smokers need to get over it. Raise your taxes and pay for non smoking building built just for you
It seems kind of funny all the non-smokers saying they won't smell of smoke when the go out to eat or even being subjected to the smoke,but when most are asked which section the want to be in most say first available. I guess the smoke dosen't matter as long as they get to be first.
I don't feel bad for smokers paying for tax-funded projects anymore than they felt sorry for us non-smokers who had to pay for the projects and then go sit in their smoke! Keep your dirty habit at home!
Smokers account for 25% of the population. Do we, as a minority, do not count?
I think it is truly sad that our government has so little else to focus on that they need to get laws like these on the books. We are not the former Russia and the USA was founded on the rights of the people. Inch by inch those rights are being taken away. So make some places smokefree and then some places smoke friendly - then pick where you want to go. But if you are so against cigerattes, then stop taking the money from the tabacco companies and doing their bidding while making the smokers pay extra taxes to fund those things you want. I am a former smoker, but I stand by the rights of ALL to smoke if they wish to. I feel the same way about being forced to wear a seatbelt though, I feel I am an adult and know the risks, I don't need my government telling me what to do with my personal safety.
D. White
Smoker's have paid for so many things in Cleveland and now they are being asked to pay once again.
If smokers want to smoke, that is there business.
If a business, restaurant, or bar wants to allow smoking, that should be there choice, not YOURS.
If you do not like it, then please choose another place.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE!
This is
To the idiots that keep telling us non-smokers to find a bar and restaurant that is smoke free I have one thing to say. There are no bars that are smoke free and very few restaurants.
As a non smoker I don't want to be places where there are smokers but I can chose not to patronized these establishments and these places of business can decide wheter or not to allow smoking. Secondly we passed a bill that is funding the arts through a a smoking tax, every establishment from the Cleveland Playhouse to the Art Museum should be selling cigarettes in order to fund themselves.
Hey Dr. Ken
Thanks for that intense well broken out research you did here! I'm very impressed!! Boy you should be working for the Tobacco Company man! You act like the people are that stupid to believe this crap you wrote!! Amazing.. Get a clue this has been proven, Law Suites have been ruled on due to this!! Wake up bro!!
Ken's Research
I think the whole second hand smoke is a bunch of nonsense anyways. I have friend that don't smoke and go to bars and they don't have any problems.
Just another example of the government trying to take away our rights in a democracy.
Thank You Ohio Voters!
We often go out to eat with a large group of friends and typically bring our children. Many popular restaurants have a "Kids' Night" where kids eat free. Although we always sit in the non-smoking "family" section, there are typically no barriers to prevent the smoke from also filling our side.
With a group our size, often at least one child or baby has severe reactions to smoke inhalation, especially children with asthma.
Our entire group has actually left restaurants that were deemed too smokey. I think this vote will help Ohio businesses, increase the health of non-smoking workers, and make it one step easier for smokers to kick the habit.
We do have friends and family that smoke. They are very polite to not smoke around our children or inside home. Almost everyone of them is now trying to quit, but it is difficult. This smoking ban is not about non-smokers vs. smokers, so do not take it personal. We just want clean air to breathe!
I AM SICK OF YOU BABIES CRYING ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS. WHAT ABOUT MY RIGHT TO BREATH CLEAN AIR. Cigarettes are still legal you just need to smoke them in the privacy of your own home or car. Quit crying and go outside.
You smokers are nothing but a bunch of weak, ignorant, selfish cry babies.
I think it's great. Those who believe that bar owners will suffer are mistaken. Those who frequent these facilities will continue whether or not they can smoke inside. Columbus has had this policy for a while now and it was a pleasure to visit these places without coming home smelling like an ashtray.
Would there be a Jacob's Field if it weren't for those "smokers". Now, you tell me I can't smoke in public places but didn't issue 18 pass as well for the 30 cent tax on cigaretts for the "ARTS"? It is awfully nice of people to lean on us smokers when they need something, I would just like to light a cigarette up and not worry about if I am going to get fined!
E in Elyria
I think bars and restaurants are going to take a beating over this.
Smokers won't frequent these places or won't stay as long now.
Between Ohio DUI laws and now this smoking ban, why even leave home?
It is about time! I don't understand what people are talking about when they say businesses are going to suffer. If ANYTHING, more people will be inclined to go out knowing that they don't have to inhale other people's carcinogens. I highly doubt that people that smoke are going to just stay home and never go anywhere. Maybe issue 5 will encourage smokers to quit and rid themselves of that disgusting habit. It is my right as a non smoker and as an American citizen to not have to inhale nasty cigarette smoke and put my health at risk. Any by the way, this issue was put on the ballot not by the government, but by free American citizens who worked hard and got signatures for it to be on there. That is freedom of speech! We the people have spoken and Issue 5 passed! That is a democracy at it's best! So all you smokers, stop complaining and get healthy!
I love how the ppl that are pissed this passed say its the governments fault its not we the ppl wanted it. the ppl of OHIO go it on the ballot. I for one am glad it passed now I can go to a bar and not get sick from the smoke.
I'm not a smoker, but I believe it is the right of the individual businesses to decide if they want to go "smoke free." Let the market dictate their choices. This will hurt bars, restaurants, etc.
I will be very interested to learn whether or not Ohio plans to make the new gambling casinos "smoke free." Somehow, I doubt it . . . .
I am comfussed with the smoke-free law... I am a smoker!!! I do not smoke in my house or around people who do not like it.... I just feel a lot of people are going to lose money by banning smoking in bars... I also feel there should be places available for people to smoke either outdoors or in ventalated areas.... We are people too....... I also do not feel they have a right to tax us, and turn around tell us we can't smoke. Just does not make sense... S. Pickens Lorain, Ohio
Ah FRESH AIR at last all you smokers can huddle outside and keep each other warm this winter
It's shocking to me that people are such sheep. There is no actual proof that hasn't been already thrown out, due to the interests of the researchers and the American Cancer Society being forced into the results.
The real problem is people are signing away Rights as individuals and business owners. A recent movie quote said,"...It's not my role to decide for them. It'd be morally presumptuous." You might see that as being pro-Issue 5, but it's actually pro-business owners. People just decide they have the best intentions - but what of the owners of the bars? And no not the owner of Johnny Mango - who polled his patrons, on their preference of either being “smoke-free” or not. It came back overwhelmingly for it being “smoke-free.” And he has been asked about what would have happened if it came back that his patrons preferred smoking - he would have to "Rethink his stance on smoking (in his establishment)."
From an outspoken Issue 5 supporter - it seems he exercised and enjoyed his rights as a business owner. But then enjoyed helping take away those same rights from others. It's two-faced and pathetic.
It's shocking to me that people are such sheep. There is no actual proof that hasn't been already thrown out, due to the interests of the researchers and the American Cancer Society being forced into the results.
The real problem is people are signing away Rights as individuals and business owners. A recent movie quote said,"...It's not my role to decide for them. It'd be morally presumptuous." You might see that as being pro-Issue 5, but it's actually pro-business owners. People just decide they have the best intentions - but what of the owners of the bars? And no not the owner of Johnny Mango - who polled his patrons, on their preference of either being “smoke-free” or not. It came back overwhelmingly for it being “smoke-free.” And he has been asked about what would have happened if it came back that his patrons preferred smoking - he would have to "Rethink his stance on smoking (in his establishment)."
From an outspoken Issue 5 supporter - it seems he exercised and enjoyed his rights as a business owner. But then enjoyed helping take away those same rights from others. It's two-faced and pathetic.
Nick Camp - from Westlake
I can understand nonsmokers being happy about this, but, I dint think they realize that this is just the beginning of the govt telling us what we can and cant do. Just remember at some point, there will be something you like or that you do, that someone will want to take away. Just as in New York City, they are now trying to tell restaurants what kind of oil they can and cant use to cook with.
The smoking think was taking care of itself. More and more businesses were going smoke free and more people were quitting anyway.
It's about time that imposing the health risks of second hand smoke onto others is no longer a legal right here in Ohio.
Shellie
Akron
As I'm reading the posts (only a few of them) it occurs to me that some have the issue confused. The government isn't forcing anything, isn't hurting businesses. This was an issue put on the ballot by the people of Ohio for the people of Ohio -- and Ohio citizens voted for it! We voted! We are free to vote . . . to make decisions about our lives. That's not government control -- it's freedom! And I thank God we have it!
I am not a smoker but passing this is plain ignorant. We have a sin tax but are unable to sin. What is next? Since fast food and alcohol are bad for you do we make it illegal to drink in bars and consume fast food?
Darryl
Cleveland
Sorry, but it's not the GOVERNMENT imposing its will on the people, it's THE PEOPLE's vote that passed this law!! I don't know where the smokers got it into their heads that a minority forced their will onto the majority. LOOK AT THE NUMBERS!!
Issue 4: 1,366,903 For, 2,474,017
Against
Issue 5: 2,232,848 For, 1,585,195
Against
Doesn't sound like a minority to me! Why should my health suffer for your addiction????
I am so happy about this and think that its about time! I am 36 weeks pregnant and wish that this would have gone into effect sooner during my pregnancy. Just because you are pregnant doesn't mean that you don't have a life, My husband and I couldn't even enjoy a football game in a bar with friends due to the smoking environment. This is GREAT!!!!
As a hostess, I love the fact that Ohio is smoke free. I don't have to hold my breath anymore while walking through the restaurant. Also the wait times at restaurants will be shorter because there will no longer be a choice for a section.
Amanda
Mansfield
I think the SmokeFree Ohio idea is great. Businesses will NOT be hurt, and may even see an increase in revenue since about 60% of Ohioans do not smoke. These folks may come out more often now that the air will be clean. It is about time this well-known health risk has been dealt with. Dave from Chardon OH
To Whom it may concern,
Well you all voted to take away our smoking and no gambling, when are you going to let them put camera's in our homes to stop us from doing what you think the people is not right for all the home owners ??
You all are trying to protect our grown adults but what happened to the most important ones you should be helping, your children. Did you write our mayor, did you write congress to stop drugs on the streets that are killing our children and forcing them not to go to school to get an education to move on in life for a better life. Sure you drive down the streets of in city's and see the drug pushers out there selling drugs to your children and then we wonder why our children are dying and not going to school. But oh no, you have to control the lives of adults that are at a point in there life they can make there own choices of good or bad. All you people have double standards, stop smoking but you increase the taxes on the cigarettes so you have a better life of where you go, not thinking just because I or anyone smokes we go too the same places, but oh how evil we are, we smoke and gamble. Take a look at your children, they are the ones that need the help. STOP THE DRUGS ON THE STREETS OF CLEVELAND, THE NUMBER ONE CITY FOR CRACK. Oh you have no children, so don t worry about it, till one of those children need money and they rob you or steal your car. Then you will notice your children need help. They are the future of our nation. Not the grown adults that may smoke or gamble. Our smoking is not going to make your city any worse, our gambling would not have hurt our city, not I don t gamble but it was worth a try to help our children in the future.
So when you see a child come near you with spaced eyes and robbing your...you got what you wanted, control the adults and let the children do what they want and you don't help by not getting our justice system involved more into helping the drugs on the streets...shame on Ohio people...
KM, Cleveland, Ohio Resident
All you smokers, STOP HATEIN'!
Thank You, Thank You, All the non- smoker like myself are dancing in the street. This is a happy day! But I know that some smoker will try and break the rules, so we should start thinking about how we are going to report them without getting their butts, (pardon the pun) flicked in our faces.
It's about time!!! Smoker's "Rights" end 12 inches hen the smoke ends up in my face. There will be a lot of waitresses that won't end up with cancer now. If restaurants had separate rooms with a separate HVAC system it would be OK but since, like an airplane, all of the air recirculates everywhere, the smell ends up throughout the place. If you want to smoke, go ahead and kill yourself but spare the rest of us.....and next time you're in the car smoking, think about what you're doing to your children in there with you.
I think that it is so sad that one by one our personal rights are leaving us. I'm not a smoker nor a drinker but this vote meant a lot to me being that it is just another right that is being taken away from the American, taxpaying citizens. I moved from Maine when they did this. Now I will be looking yet again to move from Ohio. Hopefully others will follow.
What is going to happen to the shot and beer joint on the corner? This is the business that will lose customers due to the fact they cannot smoke. These are usually the "working man's" establishment. Let the law govern the restaurants where their revenue is food; not the shot and beer. (More vacant corner buildings in our future???)
All these people keep saying "who are we to tell someone what they can and can't do". Well, we are the innocent people getting cancer from your second hand smoke. Feel free to get cancer yourself, but do it outside!
$500 million a year. That is what the smoking taxpayers pay to have their nasty little dirty habit. If the government forces us to quit smoking where are those tax dollars going to come from... GUESS WHAT?? It's coming from all of you that claim they needed clean air to breath. (like the air is cleaner without smokers. C'mon. You know better.) Save your money. You will need it to make up for that $500 million.
I love the 3:28 posting. Complaining about the new smoking ban AND the DUI laws. That's what we really want....make sick from your smoke and then kill us on the road....what an idiot.
Hey non-smokers, stay away from 'our' stadium, Jacobs Field, and the Arts & Cultural events!
The hypocricy of voting yes on Issue 5 and increasing the sales tax on cigarettes to fund more projects for your enjoyment has me wondering how quickly I can sell my house and get the hell out of Ohio!
I think this is a bunch of crap. THe only reason this passed is because of the wording. So not only on one end are you baning us but on another one you are taxing us. Give us a break. We smokers don't kill people when we drive. If you don't like the smoke sit somewhere else. I respect other's who don't smoke, when I am in my car and I have a non-smoker with me I always ask if they say it's okay, then my window goes down. If they have a problem with it then I wait. For once leave us smokers alone. How many people get tickets for driving while smoking and killing someone? None. For some of us it's a relaxing thing. We like to smoke after a hard day at work, we like to smoke when our kids drive us nuts. At least most of us smokers are not drinking and driving. Just leave us alone. We built you the Stadium, Ballpark, 'Q' and what everelse this state has needed and now to take away our little bit of freedom is crap. What next, you gonna tell me I can't smoke in my driveway outside my house because we don't smoke in the house with my kids. We don't eat in smoking sections when we take our kids out. Are you gonna tell me I can't smoke in my car next too? Stop serving beer at the stadium, ballpark, cavs games. Stop serving beer at the grocery stores. More people are gonna turn to alcohol and more accidents are gonna happen if our gov't keeps attacking us smokers.
As a person suffering from asthma, I for one am happy that issue 5 has passed. It will be a welcome sight and smell to be able to walk into a restaurant and not be asked "Would you like smoking or non?"
Allison
Massillon, Ohio
I just think that the government is trying to delve into our lives a bit too much. If a place of buisness wants to go smoke free, that's fine but it should be a choice. Who are they to say that everyone HAS to go smoke free? I think that it has gone a little too far, what's next no smoking at home? I think it should be our choice and buisness' choices. And if you are a non smoker, you can go to the places that choose to be smoke free, don't condemn us smokers.
At least the person who is smoking has the benefit of a filter prior to inhaling, a non-smoker does not. Smoke in your house or car if you want to kill yourself; do not force others to put up with your poison or stupidity. Smoking kills and is no different than any other drug sold on the street corner, except that it is legal, which it shouldn't be. If it wasn't such a huge cash cow for the government it would be illegal.
I wonder if all the smokers realize that this wouldn't have been neccessary if they hadn't been so rude about blowing the smoke from their disguting habit all over the place. How many times have any of us been seated near some jerk that blows smoke away from their own table and towards ours? Next I hope they focus on stiff penalties for the idiots that throw their lit cigarette butts out of their car windows instead of using the damn ashtray. Morons.
All these people saying that bars will lose business, bowling alleys, etc are not that bright. First off, what are bowlers going to do?? Bowl in the street? In their living rooms?? Secondly, people are still going to go to bars to drink and hang out. Look at New York and Cali. These are the kind of intelligence levels that push this country closer to the brink of mental extinction.
I say good for Ohio, now we can all enjoy nights out without smelling like a freakin ashtray.
Obviously smoking causes reading comprehension problems as well as cancer and heart disease. The voters of OHIO have given us the right to ban smoking. The government did not do it the people did it. This was voted on by the majority of the people. THIS IS WHAT THE PEOPLE WANT. That is democracy.
PS If you don't understand the issues you need to do your research before you vote.
It's definitely going to be a full-time job for you non-smokers.. You will have to be very alert so you can catch all of us evil smokers in the act.
I do thank god everyday for people like all of you. We would all be in such a horrible place if you all had lives. SO thank you NON-smokers Thank you...
I also do have many other area's of my life for you to control. Please list your #'s so all of us idiot smokers can call and see what you think...
Please take a moment to pat yourselves on the back, you deserve it. The majority has spoken. I guess us minorities should just ride on the back of the bus.
FINALLY!!! Well, yes that sucks for the smokers, but think about all of us non-smokers who get all of the second-hand smoke. It's KILLING us along with the smokers. I'm happy that I can finally go to the bowling alleys and restaurants without smelling that horrid odor. Thank you voters who wanted a Smoke Free Ohio.
I am a smoker, but my little kid's are not, I think it is great that I can take them out to eat and not have them be exposed to the smoke. We do not smoke around our kid's and do not let relatives or friends either. As a smoker I can handle going out to eat for an hour or two and not smoke.
This comment is for all the people that don't agree with the smoking ban and think it's going to hurt all the bars and resturants ect..
A)It's been provin business actually picks up (over time), more people start going out to these establishments, now that smoking is no longer a major issue.
B)You're not subjecting others to your harmful second hand smoke. It should make you feel better about yourself that you're not legalling killing innocent civilians.
C)We're helping you quit smoking by not being able to smoke in so many places, so freely. So overall we're SAVING YOU and US.
Main reason I don't even bother going to bars because of the SMOKERS. I come home and it's soiled in my clothes, the smell is absoutely disgusting. My mom's mom died from second hand smoke, her husband smoked, she never smoked a cigerette in her life.
Don't expect others to feel pity for yourself if you're a smoker, deal with it, move on, and hopefully eventually quit, it's obviously for the better.
Well i do not agree with it alot of people are out of jobs already no smoking patrons are not going to be out spending money like they were before this ban the people who wanted this ban need to understand that people who do smoke have a right also, so whats next we can not even smoke in our own homes, the goverment is trying to take all our rights away a little bit everytime, and dont ask people who smoke to pay more for building new items in the Cleveland area we did for the browns, indians and now the arts wants smokers to foot there bill whats next??/
Tina Seabolt/non-smoker
For you non-smokers that are happy about this and say "finally I have the right to breath clean air" I would like to know which person in your life forced you into breathing second hand smoke? They twisted your arm around and made you go to that nasty old smokey restaurant? No one forced this on you. You did it of your own accord and now all of you that have voted for this have done is take away my and other's freedom to choose what we do with our own bodies.
Don't you just love when the government steps in to control a person's life? Let me see there is a name for that...ummmm oh yeah Communism.
I think this is such a great thing. I for one will look forward to going out now knowing that I am not going to be forced to breathe in that crap. Smokers make the argument that it's their right to smoke, well what about my right to breathe clean air? So because I want to go to a bar, I'm should be forced to breathe that stuff in and have my clothes ruined and rack up dry cleaning bills because my coat stinks? Sorry smokers, but my health trumps whatever right you think you have as a smoker.
Also, this issue was put on the ballot by the PEOPLE OF OHIO. Not the Gov't. This was backed by Ohio Citizens and passed by Ohio Citizens.
I completely agree with the person who said it is wrong to tax the smokers. I don't smoke, but I think that a Smoke Free Ohio is COMPLETELY WRONG, we are a free nation, or did we forget that. I hope the State of Ohio is willing to put ash recepticles outdoors, or have extra people to clean up the cigerette butts that are going to be everywhere. How can you punish people for something that they have decided to do, it is a persons right to smoke if they want. Now you are punishing them in two ways, by telling them their cigerette prices are going up and telling them they cannot smoke in bars, restraunts, etc... I hope we never want to build anything in this state again, because you just stabbed the people in the back who pay for it all.
I also think it's about time. I think the "smokers" should care more about their health and people around them rather than being selfish. I hope that since smokers won't be so "free" to just light up whenever or wherever that they'll be more encouraged to stop the bad habit that hurts themselves and others with second hand smoke. We care so much these days about our weight but few care that they are destroying themselves with this "stick of cancer".
Now people will wonder where educational funds are going to come from. Cigarette prices will increase, people will stop smoking, farmers will go broke. Did any of you idiots think about the funds generated from smoking? Educational reforms get money from this!
Bars will have smokers walk out on tabs as they "go out for a smoke". Small businesses will crumble...
Never underestimate the power of dumb people in large groups.
Signed
~A non smoker
I think it's geat! I cannot stand the smell of smoke and I think folks look a little ridiculous when they do smoke. Besides we tell our children, "Say No to Drugs". As adults we should know better and should be setting a responsible example. Not contradicting ourselves. It's just a shame it had to be made a law and not just "common sense".
And you can bet your butt (no pun intended) that if I go to a bar or resteraunt and see ANYONE smoking, rest assured that the proper parties will be notified.
Finally! I can have a nice meal/drink at a restaurant/bar and still wear my shirt the next day without smelling as if my clothes where hanged in a smoke-filled chimney!
I understand that smokers and non smokers all have rights. But I have never been so happy to have an issue pass. Your poor smoking rights have not been taken away... sit inside your house or your car and smoke your pretty little life away. I'm so glad I can go downtown or out to dinner and not have to worry about my health. It is so selfish what these smokers are saying, only their rights matter... YEA RIGHT!! Non smokers came out and voted to do the right thing because our rights are just as important!
i thought this was a free country. now we can't smoke when we go out?
I'm a non-smoker and I do like to bowl and go out to the bars with a few friends every now and then. I sit down at the bar with nobody smoking around me. Suddenly someone sits down and lights up right next to me. Why would I have to leave if I was there first? Do I have the right to tell that person they have to leave cause I don't like it? Smokers say that this is America and we all have rights. What about mine? I don't have a right to sit at a bar or go bowling without someone smoking next to me? Even when I was there first and sat away from the crowd smoking? People should think about others beside themselves.
All of you talking about "RIGHTS". As a citizen of this great nation, we have a right to voice our opinions and be heard as a majority by way of the vote. The people of Ohio have spoken. By almost 650,000 votes, with 98% reported, we the people of Ohio have had our say. So its not about taking away "RIGHTS" or anything like that. Its about excersising our rights as citizens to make a majority decision.
If smoking is so horrible, it should be illegal! How does banning a person from smoking in a PUBLIC place seem right? If something is so horrible, make it illegal! I hope that people quit smoking and something good comes out of this. The funny thing will be when taxes are raised and all the non-smokers will be upset that they have to pay because there are enought smokers to foot the bill
I am a non-smoker, who has always been able to choose where I go to. If I don't want to be around smoke, I go to a smoke free establishment.
Criminalizing smoking is simply insane, especially when all of the comments on this blog indicate that the people that are happy about it are happy because now they can go to a bar without smelling smoke. Hurray for the non-smoking alcoholics, hurray for governmental control of personal choice. I say lets go further and make this a dry state, after all it is alcohol that is the real threat. I am embarrassed to live around such idiots that voted for this restriction.
I am sooo happy that issue 5 won! I uses to love going to clubs and bowling alleys but I absolutely hated the cigarette smoke and the bad smell that I brought home at night. I would literally have to scrub myself down in the shower and wash my clothes immediately to get rid of the awful smell. I don't smoke, my friends don't smoke, and we never sit near those who do but we always come back smelling like smoke. I can't wait until January so I can go out again and patronize all the restaurants, clubs, and bowling alleys I have avoided all these years. (I just hope the places don't reek of smoke come this January).
It sad that smokers feel like their rights are being violated. But they are the ones choosing to blacken their lungs. I've had to put up with all their smoke and bad smell all these years. Why can't they put up with my clean, smoke free air? It will do them a lot of good.
And yes, it is sad smokers have to pay for the arts with their cigarette tax. But they should feel lucky that they don't have to pay for all the medical and other expenses of those who have suffered and/or died from lung cancer. What a trade off.
We'll have to see how much people enjoy walking in and out of office buildings and bars and on city sidewalks with crowds of smokers constantly gathered outside puffing away and littering the streets with butts.
After reading some of the comments I would like to know where a smoke free bar is! If businesses created smoke free bars or bowling alleys I would of gone there instead of voting for issue 5. Smokers can smoke outside or better yet at home where they can help their own family die from cancer instead of others. Yes it is true that someone can go to the bar and drink then drive then kill someone. They go to jail! How about making a law that you can write down everyone's name that smoked next to you and if you die from cancer later down the road those people go to jail. Sound fair? Too harsh? Then how about the victims family being able to file a lawsuit against you?
This is a good thing! I've been to places such as Dalas TX, Florida, San Fran. that don't allow smoking and like other things People adapt. There are plenty of Bars in San Fran and Dallas, I think the argument of buiness are going to be hurt is going to turn out to be incorrect. Being in Summit County where they tried to ban smoking in some places but not other, I felt if we did ban smoking it had to be equal. Not it is. I hear that this takes effect in 30 days, thats a quick turnaround.
For all of you who think bowling alleys and bars are going to lose business over this, you are severely mistaken. People will still come out. No one is going to drive to Pennsylvania or Michigan or wherever it is still legal to smoke in bars. If it's like this everywhere, no one will lose business, because there is no alternative. One guy might insist he's not going out anymore, but within a week, when all his friends are at the bar and he's home by himself, he'll suck it up. In one year, this won't even be an issue. Also, to those who say the government is telling us what to do, remember that the PEOPLE voted. Our government follows through with what the people want. And the people have spoken. Smokers are still ALLOWED in bars, bowling alleys, etc. You just can't smoke in there. You are NOT second class citizens. You have a habit that is hazardous to your health as well as those around you. But it is your decision. I am an ex smoker. almost two years now. it is the hardest thing i have ever done. i still crave them. I was stubborn about it too. but in the end, i know i made the right decision. when you watch one family member die from lung cancer, you take a good look at yourself. i always talked about quitting, but never did. Then i read a quote by Walt Disney that made sense, "the best way to get started is to stop talking and begin doing". Quitting smoking is a test of strength. Not being able to smoke in the bars is a step that Ohio has taken for you. But it is your decision to take the next step or to keep talking.
-Jake, Akron
as a father of an 18-month old and with another one on the way, its a sigh of relief to know the next time i go to a restaurant with the family and sit in the non-smoking section, there will really be no smoke. i stopped going to restaurants because of smoke from the smoking section drifting into the non-smoking area.
drew from lakewood
It is a person's RIGHT to smoke, and now it's going to be more expensive on top of it. Kick us while we're down! Thanks to all the non-smokers who took away OUR RIGHTS. As for Issue 18 as well, they should tax something everyone uses such as toilet paper. I am appalled the American public think it's fine to take away another American's right.
The government is smart. They know that no matter what they need money for there will always be a dumb smoker that's willing to pay for a $10 pack of cigarettes. If you don't like paying for all buildings downtown, then stop smoking. You'll be surprised that you just might live longer and have more money in your pocket. So you know, if you smoke a pack a day that's $1700 a year or $3400 if you smoke two packs a day. Take you family on vacation or have a nicer Christmas.
America is a "free country"? How can we be "free" if the goverment can tell us were we can smoke, schools tell us how to dress our kids, etc. our children, were we eat, thes
I don't feel like I live in a free country at all.
It is about time this happened. I am tired of trying to go to lunch at some of my favorite locations downtown and having to deal with all the smokers. I end up getting back to the office reaking of it.
The only problem now will be the continued smokers who are herding around the building entrances. I know the ban says 10-20 feet, but who actually enforces that?
For the idiots on here that say business are going to be hurt by this, check the facts. The in-door smoking bans only hurt business in the short term... until they built the awnings and overhead coverings for their smoking patrons. Since then, business has actually picked up. Again, check the economic facts involved in other areas where comprehensive smoking bans have occurred.
I think it the best issue I have ever had to vote on before. For once I can go somewhere and enjoy smokefree air. I don't believe any business will suffer from this law. New York and California are both smoke free and have some of the largest cities and it hasn't bothered them. It is about time we cleared the air!
People are blaming air pollution solely on smokers. Now that's not right. What's next? Outlaw driving a car or truck? They put off more pollution that cigarettes do. What about the factories? Going to outlaw those too? Come on now, it's bad enough that this absurd law is creating more unemployment since smoking won't be allowed in most places. Such as, bars will lose their patrons, which in turn will make people lose their jobs. People will quit eating out which means that fewer employees will be in demand at restaurants. Just think, what is this world going to come to? After this, people are going to say that vehicles and factories are causing the air pollution. What? Are the factories going to have to go out of business too? Are we going to have to start walking to get to where we need to be because of the vehicles putting out too much pollution? This is just ridiculous. I know that I may have repeated myself on some of these issues and may sound redundant, but sometimes we have to repeat ourselves over and over just to get our point across. Maybe one day the truth will matter and not just opinions.
Actually, I will be eating out, going out to listen to live music.........a lot more often now that I don't have to smell that wretched smell. It's like smokers honestly believe that the smoke STAYS in the "non-smoking" section. FYI-it travels, and thank goodness it won't be traveling my way anymore! If someone wants to smoke that's certainly their business, but do it where other who don't aren't affected!
I helped to gather signatures for this and am not involved in Government at all. I am proud that we have won a victory for all Ohioans ... even if the smoker's cannot accept that at this point! I was a smoker and am now unable to stand even the slightest trace of the smell of smoke. My wife and kids and I will actually be able to go out to eat places we wanted to try but had smoking sections which were bound to cause breathing problems for them as they all have asthma (I quit before I met my wife or she wouldn't have gone out with me in the first place).
Joe
North Canton
Being a bar worker and a non-smoker, I cannot wait until the days that I can come home from work at 4 A.M. and not smell like an ashtray. I am just a graduate student trying to put myself through school and there is no reason why I must be subjected to some other individuals right to smoke. If smokers were more respectful and conscious of themselves in a social setting we might not have had to pass issue 5. I cant count the number of times I have been burned or had smoke blown in my face because someone is smoking and not paying attention to their surroundings.
In response to a person's right to smoke, they can do so at their liberty in the comfort of their own home, but I also have a right to breathe clean air. If they choose to subject themselves to the risk of lung disease and other respiratory disorders they can do so by their choice, but when is it someone elses choice to put me at risk of such disorders?
I hope all the smokers quit smoking because of this. Then the arts will suffer, the sports arenas will close, and our schools.... well, could they get any worse?
This nation needs to start focusing on important things like the failure of our schools and government.
It is about time. For years we had to put up with the stinch if we wanted to go out for awhile.Thank you Ohio for letting me breath again.
I am continually amazed at how willing and enthusiastic people are to vote away their constitutional rights. Are people simply ignorant or do they dream of a totalitarian society? Even more interesting is the thought that many people who bitterly protested the Patriot Act will then go out and vote for an issue such as this which is even more of an attack on personal rights. One last thought: didn't our forefathers envision our government as a way to protect the rights of the minority from the will of the majority?
Somebody posted this comment.. "we as a society have forgotten what is most important to us. What happened to worrying about health care, taxes, crime and so on. we have forgotten all of that for a moment to worry about wether or not a person in a bar is smoking or not."
Does the fact that 434000 people die each year in the USA from smoking not represent a health care issue ? All these people keep boo-hooing about how its thier manifest destiny to smoke away and kill themselves , which is fine if they just killed themselves. The real issue is they are killing other people by smoking indoors. If Cletus the Slack Jawed Yokel was running down the street spraying a known carcinogen on people not one of you would stand up and defend his behavior as "his right" or "freedom" . Smokers, get over the denial , you're killing yourself and anyone around you while you smoke.
For all you non-smokers, I'll make sure to blow the smoke in your face as you walk past me on the way into the restaurant/bar. Also, I will NOT be buying cigarettes in Cuyahoga County from this point on.
It is about time. For years we had to put up with the stinch if we wanted to go out for awhile.Thank you Ohio for letting me breath again.
Waiters, bartenders and non-smoking patrons of bars and restaurants have been faced with an unreasonable ultimatum - find another place to eat/work or accept the health risks imposed on you by people who have made the choice to smoke. Why should the onus be on non-smokers to make the 'all-or-nothing' decision instead of the smoker, who is perfectly capable of stepping outside for a few minutes if the need arises?
Nobody said that going smoke-free was painless or would be an instant boon to the economy. It will also not destroy the economy either. I for one have avoided bars and clubs because of the smoke. For every smoker who can't deal with the notion of spending an evening out without finishing off a pack or two, there will be a non-smoker happy to take his (or her) place.
One item really not covered very well are the exceptions outlined in this legislation. Bars and restaurants with outdoor patios will have their 'smoking section'. Private clubs and smoke shops will be allowed smokers, and I expect that business owners will make creative use of these terms.
As for excise taxes -- i actually agree with the smokers. We should not be so dependent on the 'sin' taxes that we have to tacitly support the underlying 'sins'.
My 2¢, as always.
-tw
Wall of Cats
I feel that Ohioans were either confused about the issues or very narrow minded and weren't capable of seeing the whole picture. How happy are these voters going to be when smokers choose to chew and split in the restaurant booth next to them? Did these voters think about how much their taxes will go up to cover the tax that will not be made off of cigarettes, and how many more tax dollars will be needed to pay more government workers to police this issue. Most importantly, how many bars, bowling centers, bingo halls etc will lose business. This WILL result in job losses in Ohio, which is the last thing Ohio's ecomony needs. I find peoples flatulence much more offensive, and it is more toxic, so they need to go outside for that too! If it were 60 degrees year round in Ohio, it would be fair to ask Ohioans to go outside, but why wasn't a separate smoking room enough for them. Can anyone produce one death certificate from secondhand smoke, absolutely not !! There are many other toxins and radiation in the air which will affect you more than any cigarette smoke; let alone the fact that this is one more step closer to a dictatorship for our government. This is gotten way out of hand; business owners should have been entitled to make this decision for themselves.
I think that it is great that I can finally go to a restaurant and not have to breath in smoke. My husband and I rarely go out to dinner or anywhere else because we hate having to breath all of that smoke. Even in a so called non smoking area we can still smell it. As for bars, I haven't been in one for many years because I don't want to come home smelling like cigarette smoke. This will be a great change!
I think those of you who claim this is a violation of your rights as a smoker are totally missing the point. No one is saying that you have to quit smoking. What they are saying is that you do not have the right to force me to inhale your second hand smoke. I'm sick of hearing people say "you have the right to not go into places where people smoke". Now smokers have the right not to go in-do you see how that arguement sounds when you are on the other side of it?
Business will actually increase for most establishments. There are a lot more non-smokers than smokers as you can tell by issue 5. The other 50 percent of non-smokers will be glad to go out now instead of avoiding places with clouds of smoke filling the area. Now non-smokers can have the "go somewhere else if you don't like it" attitudes that smokers have.
As a smoker, I feel that smokers are the only minority that politicians continually make life harder for. They continue to raise taxes on cigarettes and now we cannot even smoke in restaurants that WANT to be an all smoking establishment. Why not tax beer as heavily as cigarettes? It kills more innocent people than cigarettes, but more people enjoy beer than smokes, so it would never pass. It is easy to pick on the minority, but our government should protect us from gross atrocities.
I think that Issue 5 passing is wonderful! Even if you ask to be seated in a no smoking section of a restaurant, the smoke still lingers over to that side. So, either way you cut it, smoker or not, you still inhale all of the wonderful carcinogens that people can't seem to break away from. It is especially bad for pregnant women and children. If you want to smoke, go outside, go to your car, go home, or better yet, get help for your addiction. No one is saying you can't smoke...we are just saying that not everyone wants to contract cancer just from going out to a leisurely dinner with family and friends. If you want to blacken your lungs and shorten your life, who am I to stop you but that is not my choice and now I can feel comfortable about going out to dinner without feeling like I'm asking the waitress "can I get a side of nicotine or cancer with that?"
Majority rules... Thank you democracy! Could not be happier! I don’t see declining economies in NYC or California, both smoke free, so the argument about the economic impacts are just foolish attempts to put fear into business owners! Regarding the taxes on cigarettes to pay for the stadiums! Thank you!
Here we go, I'm very opinionated on this. I love the new law, it's been a long time coming. Will no smoking lose money for businesses? No. Are you telling me that ALL smokers will just up and quit going to the bars because that can't have a cigarette? Give me a break. Columbus (specifically Franklin county) has been nonsmoking for a few years now and the bars are always packed. They have outdoor patios with huge heaters to keep warm. I love the fact that I no longer have to wake up after going out and feel like terrible the next morning because of all the smoke. As far as your right to smoke? Who gave that right? It was allowed, and now with all of the health effects of second hand smoke it's being rightfully taken away. My right is to not go to a bar and have smoke blown in my face. There aren't any bars in the area that were smoke free so I didn't have a choice. Issue 4 was all about money, look who backed it: RJ Reynolds, Cigar Assoc. of America, Retail Tobacco Dealers Assoc, etc. Issue 5 was about health: American Cancer Society, Ohio Public Health Assoc., etc. In my opinion Issue 4 was not to support smoker's rights, it was about making money for these supporters.
Once again the people of Ohio have proven how un-educated and ignorant they are. There are 2 reasons I have a problem with the US study on second hand smoke. 1) The British in 2003 completed a study of 35000 spouces of smokers and non-smokers and found that there was no significant differences between smoking spouces and non-smoking spouces as far as Cancer etc. 2) In a meeting a couple of years ago regarding Marijuana, it was stated by a physician that if an employee states that he had THC in in system from second hand smoke that it would be a false statement. Now how can second hand smoke be an issue and NOT Marijuana. Remember, the EXPERTS? in the US stated years ago that Red dye #5 was dangerous and now say they were wrong. They also stated that Eggs were bad for us and now they say they were wrong. Who can we trust. I will go with the British Statistics, at least they are easier to believe. Now the US EXPERTS? are taking away my rights by giving false information to the ignorant people in Ohio and now they voted to take away my rights? Well I am going to smoke when and where I want, doesn't matter to me. I have been courteous to non-smokers all these years however, now I will never be courteous again.
I sure am glad that the public has spoken....now can the state officials worry about the unemployement rate, education for our future leaders, health care costs and "Coin Gate"? I am a smoker that is conciderate of others that do not smoke. Let's all move on and try and change the important issues we are faced with in Ohio.
What is next and how does the state of Ohio plan to enforce this law..How much will that cost the taxpayers of this state...and what about all the little mom and pop bars where most of the regulars smoke...Mabey they should charge one dollar and call it a private club. this is obsured..."Land of the free home of the brave" Lets all go out and put those tracer chips in our arms...Bottom line...Voters are giving the goverment to much power to decide..
Nov 16th will make 1 year that i have quit smoking and i think its is wrong to regulate smoking in public places..for those who agree with this i hope then ban something you like to do . Thanks to this im sure there will be 100`s of companies going under because of this stupid rule.....Maybe we all should protest and not go to Browns Games and what not...And yes im a Non-Smoker and this was WRONG
Rob
Berea , ohio
hooray!!!
Finally, I don't have to worry about being placed in a non-smoking section only to have the smoke from the smoking section float over to my table and choke my kids and I.
You don't have to pay to build things with your tax, you can quit. As someone that had lung cancer and was fortunate to get it all out by removing half a lung and am in my 8th survival year now. I am glad I quit. I used to smoke 3 packs a day and if I can quit so can anyone. Or is that cigarette more powerful than your brain. Support the billion dollar tobacco CEO's. Get them to build stadiums and see what they say. Get them to pay your medical bills and guaranteed you will have them.Its one of those, it'll never happen to me things. I never knew how bad I smelled while I was smoking but I can smell any smoker a mile away. You may as well burn garbage and inhale the smoke from it. Its probably healthier. And having no smoking sections in places is like having no peeing sections in swimming pools. People have the right to brethe clean air not the right to pollute others air. If you smoke, your kids most likely will too and they are probably already having health effect from your smoke. You have the right, yes but go out and smoke in traffic with the rest of the poisonous gasses.
Has anyone given any thought to all the "Sin Tax" that will be no longer? Has anyone thought about the businesses that will go away because of this issue?
Now, anyone who would like to smoke while they drink their beer, will buy a 12 pack and drive around in their car so they can smoke and drink.
YAY! It's about time! It's ridiculous to even humor the thought that all the drinkers are going to stay out of the bars, I mean really, who are you trying to kid? Us Non-Smokers have suffered long enough. You can't just move away from the smoke either. Having a non-smoking section in a restaurant is about as stupid as having a non-peeing section in a swimming pool! I guess the majority spoke! YAY!!
Sherry
Jefferson, OH
Another thing to the people saying its government taking away your right, the smoke has killed your thinking. Its the voters, your friends and neighbors that passed this law, not government. If 80% are non smokers they have the say. Don't blame government for taking away your right. Does your right come with another right to kill others with your smoke? Get over it and go outside to smoke or quit!!
I am a non smoker, however alot of my friends including my boyfriens smoke. I think this ban will just cause inconveniences for us when we go out, for example bowling....now they will have to walk 500 feet from the buildong just to have a cigarette? That;s a little rediculous. I believe if it bothers you then don't be around it. It's almost like the government is trying to control our lives...free country? Not anymore, and soon enought it will be worse.
This means i will no longer be able to smoke at the house of blues... THATS RIGHT I SAID I CANT SMOKE AT THE HOUSE OF BLUES DURING A CONCERT- i never thought i would see this day
I am thrilled that Ohio will be smoke free. We visit family in NY and FL and it's so great to go out to eat and not have to smell smoke. I am a former smoker that has asthma. I also have a 2 year old that I will not expose to smoke. We are excited to get out to more restaurants! Thank you to everyone that voted. More lives will be saved!
THis is the best thing ever!! Finally...no more second hand smoke. I love that I am able to go home and not smell like crap! Ive traveled to Columbus and Sacramento,California this past year and both were smoke free. I was so jealous!! LOL
I am a non smoker, but many of my friends including my boyfriend smoke. I think it's stupid to ask people not to do something that is readily available to them. You raise taxes on cigarettes and then ask people to quit? ... I think it's just ridiculous. People go to bars to enjoy themselves,and many people smoke when they drink. Now it is imposing on our rights as people. I think there should be some places that could be smoke free, that people could choose to go to if they didn't want to be around smoke. But asking people who smoke now to stop smoking in places they are used to smoking in is just unfair.
Restaurants will probably see an increase in business now. I would not eat in an establishment that allowed smoking.I smoked 3 packs a day for 35 years and quit 16 years ago. I will not even sleep in a motyel room that has been smoked in. You are really a smoke junkie if you can't go for an hour to a meal without smoking. See the hold that piece of garbage has on you. It constricts your blood vessels alot like plaque does. Is it worth it?
Leslie
I dont agree with this because people have been smoking forever why should they stop now and i dont think its fair and i dont smoke.
Business owners should have the right to choose if they want to cater to smokers or non-smokers. Non-smokers do not have to patronize the businesses that allow smoking. It is their choice. These types of situations are best left up to a free market and not in the hands of government regulation. Like we need more of that!
Anonymous, Richmond Heights...
I have never smoked, but try to be as neutral as possible. I feel for both sides. If someone does not like smoking, then do not go to that place. If a Rest or bar wishes to be smoke free, then go to that place. People have a right to smoke if they wish. They pay high taxes on the smokes. Now all the money to the Rests and bars will be gone. Now What?
Since when is the governments purpose to be the "nanny state"? What's next, no alcohol or no perfume? Most of the public places are already non smoking so why couln't we accomodate 30% of the populatin. Seems rather selfish to me.
On another note, Ohio is in pickle economically as it is, and now the private bar owners and club owners are going to be suffering......
I do not agree with issue 5. How can they decide for business owners how they want to conduct their business. Whats next are they going to make it that you can't drink in public too. Thats bad for your health it causes cirrhosis of the liver! They should stop using the tax money from cigarettes to pay for public buildings which now all of the non smokers get to enjoy while the smokers probably will stay away.
I guess its OK for you to smoke but do it in a space suit so it doesn'r drift to endanger others, only yourself!!
FINALLY! Now we can all breathe clean air when we go out. As for the worried businesses...don't worry! NY went smoke free and their businesses are just fine (some even increased business). And for all those smokers who are questioning paying taxes to build things vs. quitting...you don't have to pay taxes, just QUIT smoking!
so they passed the no smoking band in bars and public places yesterday. 1st of all its my right as an american to spark up a cigarette in a bar or restaurant if the establishment allows it. this country is becoming a dictatorship!!! this is america land of the free!! wether u r a smoker or not, this is taking away your freedom to enjoy a smoke in public establishments. like browns stadium has a smoking section, now its gone, jacobs field has a smoking section, now its gone. wake up people in ohio, u r making this state a dictatorship!! now we r being told what lifestyle we should live, not the lifestyle we choose. the american flag flies proudly in this country because we r free. this is not the soviet union. yes i am a smoker and yes i dont agree with it, but like i said even if ur not, think of the amendments of the constitution. they were set 200 plus years ago for us now. you dont have to agree with what i am saying, i am not asking u to agree with me at all. but think about it, what is going to be next?? i had family that fought and died in battle to protect this country and all its freedoms. and i am proud of that, but not proud this country is taking those freedoms away. if u dont like whats on tv, change the channel, if u dont like whats on the radio, change the station, if u dont want smoke around u in a public establishment, then choose to sit in the non-smoking sections. wether it be in a mall, a bar, a restaurant, or at a stadium, thats why they have designated smoking in public places. thats what freedom means!!
larry b.
cleveland, ohio
I think its nothing but stupidity! Not only is a right being taken away, but basically its just another thing that goverment can tell us what to do. Bars are going to go out of business because when people drink they like to smoke. Its a bar if you dont like the smoke then dont go into the bar! This is going to be more trouble then its worth, because everyone knows very well if someone is a smoker they are going to smoke whether anyone likes it or not. Sooner or later the goverment is going to be able to tell us where we can and can not go, and all you people voted this to happen! They wont stop till they win!
I am very happy to see that Ohio will be a smoke free state...I have a child who has severe asthma and only one lung working fully, the other only partially.......Now I can take him to restaurants without having to ask for "non smoking' and NOW knowing that he will not be succombed to second hand smoke...he is very excited, as I am too...thank you Ohio for passing this issue...I am grateful.
so they passed the no smoking band in bars and public places yesterday. 1st of all its my right as an american to spark up a cigarette in a bar or restaurant if the establishment allows it. this country is becoming a dictatorship!!! this is america land of the free!! wether u r a smoker or not, this is taking away your freedom to enjoy a smoke in public establishments. like browns stadium has a smoking section, now its gone, jacobs field has a smoking section, now its gone. wake up people in ohio, u r making this state a dictatorship!! now we r being told what lifestyle we should live, not the lifestyle we choose. the american flag flies proudly in this country because we r free. this is not the soviet union. yes i am a smoker and yes i dont agree with it, but like i said even if ur not, think of the amendments of the constitution. they were set 200 plus years ago for us now. you dont have to agree with what i am saying, i am not asking u to agree with me at all. but think about it, what is going to be next?? i had family that fought and died in battle to protect this country and all its freedoms. and i am proud of that, but not proud this country is taking those freedoms away. if u dont like whats on tv, change the channel, if u dont like whats on the radio, change the station, if u dont want smoke around u in a public establishment, then choose to sit in the non-smoking sections. wether it be in a mall, a bar, a restaurant, or at a stadium, thats why they have designated smoking in public places. thats what freedom means!!
larry b.
cleveland, oh
The biggest question concerning the smoking ban is the equality issue. Although cigarettes are legal, smoking them is not -- Liquor is legal, drinking is legal. I understand the second hand smoke problem -- what of the drinking problems -- drunk driving, assaults, battery? One would appear to be a more immediate problem; however, no one complains about drinking whether in public or in private. Where is the middle ground?
Just hope everyone remembers when tax revenues go down, etc. and then you are asked to pick up the slack in your city taxes or state taxes or property taxes....don't complain...you voted and your voice was heard. Gambling will probably sound pretty good to you then...take the tax burden off yourselves yet again.
I don't understand how people can say we are taking away a smoker's rights when you are violating EVERYONE's health that are non-smokers with your bad habit. What about the non-smokers rights? Just go outside and smoke, big deal and you aren't hurting others. I DO NOT agree with taxing smokers, I do not think that's fair at all and voted against it. I have asthma and I have trouble even going to a restaurants with a smoking section. I think it's about time that people stood up for their health and I am so happy that I don't have to use my inhaler days after I visit a bar just to watch a football game. Thank you voters!
The government is slowly but surely taking away our rights. If smoking is illegal in public places, is drinking alcohol next? It seems like peoples rights (and privacy) is a reminder of prohibition. Alcohol consumption causes numerous deaths by drinking and driving (in public places) but the politicians are not doing anything to curb deaths caused by drunk drivers. Non-smokers weren't complaining when smokers funded the new sports arena(s)[where we can't even smoke at] and will now be funding the Arts and Culture - I agree - you can't have your cake and eat it too but it seem that the politicians/government is exempt from that rule of thumb.
When you take one person's rights... You make it easier to take others rights. I am not a smoker. Does this still make it right since it is not me? NO, IT IS NOT!
I can only think of this Holocaust quote: "When they came for the gypsies, I did not speak, for I am
not a gypsy. When they came for the Jews, I did not speak,
because I wasn't a Jew. When they came for the Catholics, I
did not speak, for I am not a Catholic. And when they came
for me, there was no one left to speak."
This is what I see happening.
The government is slowly but surely taking away our rights. If smoking is illegal in public places, is drinking alcohol next? It seems like peoples rights (and privacy) is a reminder of prohibition. Alcohol consumption causes numerous deaths by drinking and driving (in public places) but the politicians are not doing anything to curb deaths caused by drunk drivers. Non-smokers weren't complaining when smokers funded the new sports arena(s)[where we can't even smoke at] and will now be funding the Arts and Culture - I agree - you can't have your cake and eat it too but it seem that the politicians/government is exempt from that rule of thumb.
Its ridiculous. for the democrats who wished for a hands-off government, the government and public now takes away the rights of smokers. designated sections are reserved for smokers, dont enter them if you feel 'threatened', boo hoo. get over it
I think this law is unconstitutional to me all it says is that people who smoke have no rights and non smokers have all the rights.I also think the people that made this law should be sued for discrimination.The Government has no right to tell people how to live.
if you whan't to make laws about what i can do and were you can do it you can pay my bills since you can make choose's for all us smokers. I thought we where a free country i guess i was wrong.
I think this new law is ridiculous. Smokers are taxed to death on cigarettes, (even more so thanks to the Arts & Culture bill) and now we can't even smoke anywhere. Non-smokers already had the majority of seats in a restaurant (usually the nicer and more comfortable ones), stadiums
(that smokers pay for) and so on. Non-smokers don't want to breathe my "toxic smoke" but they sure are quick to take "first available" at a restaurant even if it's in the smoking section. If you don't want me to smoke anywhere then stop taking my money to pay for everything that I'm not allowed to smoke in. Last time I checked cigarettes are not illegal so when did smoking become a crime? People need to stop telling other people what to do and mind their own business. What's next, I'm not going to be allowed to smoke in my home? Or what about my own backyard, God forbid it drifts into a non-smoking neighbors yard. OH NO! Since when does a non-smoker have more rights then me? So much for a free and equal society. Where does it end?
I think it is the same as any other illness. You do not expose your healthy body to any other contagious illness. So I say thank you to the voters who realized that being in a smoke filled invironment is exposing your body to a potentially deadly disease and as a non-smoker who understands that it is very hard to rid yourself of the desire to smoke - I do have sympathy for smokers. But at the same time I want to lead a healthy life. If smokers can not wait to have that cigarette for 1/2 hr or long enough to eat then the cigarette has taken over your life and has become uncontrollable.
I am for no smoking in restaurants and bars that serve food and most public places. However, I think that bars that do not serve food should have the choice. If they chose to allow smoking, then I think we should have made it manditory to have proper ventilation and air quality tests thus creating jobs here in Cleveland!! As far as private owned businesses - it should be up to the OWNER of the business NOT the public that may or may not ever even go there anyhow. I am now affraid of what will happen to our cities bars - I know a couple of people in California that owned bars that went out of business after and because of the smoking ban. Good luck to all the bar owners!!!
What can I say, once again stupid ran down hill and theres no stoping stupid. I think I will push for legistration that outlaws the use of Purfumes and hair sprays in puplic places, they turn my stomach and bother me for days.
I think it is absolutely crazy! I agree with a comment another wrote. That you tax us for outdoor parks, yet we can not smoke! WOW! You don't like me smoking, you have the right to get up and WALK AWAY. It feels as if you are taking away my right to make a decision! MY DECISION! We all have choices right? But now I cant CHOOSE to go to a restaurant and smoke a cigarette while i wait for my meal? And yet, we have a freedom of choice? HAHA! What next freedom of speech? OH, Wait the goernment has a stern hold on that one too! This country is failing!
i think it's terrible that the choice to be "smoke free" has been taken away from business owners. i agree that places like resteraunts (where there are children) should be smoke free, but bars?! that's just crazy!!
It is about time we can go out to dinner and actually taste our food instead of smoke!. smokers say they have rights, what about the rights of non smokers to not breath or smell like smoke. we were ALL born not smoking, non smokers chose to not smell like smoke, smokers chose to force non smokers to smoke, stink, get sick and other problems. we were born smoke free and we should stay that way! i opersonally think smoking items should require a prescription from a dr.
So much for this being a FREE COUNTRY! My god what will be next. Are they going to outlaw alcohol it causes liver cirrhosis. Or how about any fattening food that causes obesity, high cholesterol.If you don't like the smoke than sit in the non-smoking section!! Please stop taking away americans rights. And stop using my tax money to build statiums which I now can't even enjoy but the non smokers whose tax money did not pay for can fully enjoy it!! Thanks to the State of Ohio and the American lung society for taking away my rights as a citizen of the united states of Ohio!
I do not smoke but I think this ban is an outrage, What other rights do they want to take away. This is America not a third world country. If they are so worried about the air they breathe Lets ban diesel trucks they emit a black sootinto the CLEAN air. How about we tow all the vehicles with bad mufflers. This is completely out of control. In restaurants people may have a after dinner smoke but they dont hang out all night. What did all these people do before there was ever a non smoking subject? They accepted and guess what they all lived a pretty healthy life. Where are they going to get the revenue to build or upgrade places I know Lets set up a income tax to make up for it! WOW thats a great idea
To address this person's post:
"I would like to know which person in your life forced you into breathing second hand smoke? They twisted your arm around and made you go to that nasty old smokey restaurant?"
Oh please! So, I guess this smoker believes that non-smokers should just never go out anywhere? Smokers will finally learn what it is like to be "inconvenienced" by going out. Any smoker who agrees with the above smoker's comments should just not go to any non-smoking places. After all, no one is twisting your arm to go to that nice smoke-free restaurant.
I just want to say to all you dumb people who voted for this, you do not have a clue what you just did! All the unemployment we will have due to this is going to be unfair and all the people whom own there own businesses will have to suffer due to this. Let me say if your business is shut down due to this issue I hope that whomever you are and if you voted for this issue that I hope like hell that you loose your house and your not accepted to the welfare system due to you being the stupid fools that you are!
A total invasion of our rights. Most smokers are curtious and I'm sure more people die from drunk driving in Ohio than second hand smoke, but you'll never see the ban or constant taxes on alcohol, because that would effect the thousand of people that voted to ban smoking. Oh yeah do you drink and then drive home from Jacob's field....your welcome.
Diana
Perry
Diana
Way to go, Ohio! I'm from California where we have had a similar law since 1994 or so. I recently visited Cleveland and stayed in a smoke-free hotel by the Cleveland Clinic, and it was a wonderful week as a result! Your bars and restaurants will now GAIN business, not lose it, if the CA experience is any indication!
I don't have a problem with not smoking in a restaurant but I feel that taking it out of the bars is NOT fair. If the non-smokers are so worried about their health...why are they in a bar drinking alcohol? It has been found just as bad for your health. I also feel that if they want to take the price of my cigarettes back to $.50 a pack...I will stand outside and smoke it.
Some posters here seem so confused. It's NOT the government that took your right to smoke away...
We are a democracy and it was the vote of the majority of citizens that took our right to healthy air back.
As a person who is a non-smoker, never smoked, or desires to do so, I must agree with the smokers. Sorry. I feel this is more of a "rights" issue, then a health issue. I think that we have become a society of paranoid individuals, that use everyone else's issue's to blame our own ill's and ail's upon. I feel smokers should have the right to smoke, just as I have the right to get up and change locations in a eating establishment, should I become annoyed by smoke. Next thing the Government will do, is tell us what we can & cannot do in our own homes. If I were a smoker, I would boycott anyplace that instills taxes, or gains any revenue from smoking products. Think of where the Stadium would be, if there was noone in it, to watch the games.
To everyone whom voted for this I want to say when you loose everything you own due to all the rules of this and you are on welfare if you can even get on it which I hope that you can't that is what you deserve!
I'm sure it stinks for smokers to change their lifestyle over this. California and New York made it through, I'm sure Ohio will too. I don't force alcohol down someone's throat seated near me in a bar. I don't expect to inhale smoke when I made a health and life choice not to. When someone's choice endangers my health and life, I have to draw the line. I'm thrilled with the change. Also, my 8 year old son is allergic to smoke and can get a serious battle with bronchitis over it. I'm thankful for the benefits to my children as well as myself. My last thought is, if you hate the fact that taxes are out of control on smokers, then don't buy them. Seriously, the government will just tax something else! The government won't go without tax money if smokers rebel!
I think it is great to ban smoking in public places because the air will simply be cleaner. Also bars will be alot cleaner smelling. Taxes will force people to smoke less because of the cost each week and month. And possibly people might stop smoking because of the taxes. Maybe my Dad will quit too.
Sharon Center,
Paige
Many smokers are saying that businesses will lose money now that Ohio is smoke free. I disagree, everyone knows that smokers are the minority. We've proven that simply by getting this passed. And by because of that reason, instead of businesses losing money they will probably do even better. Non smokers will now be able to go out and enjoy themselves instead of always staying home in order to avoid the smoke. I say hooray! It's about time!
As an ex-smoker, I still believe that since tobacco is not an illegal substance, it is absurb that this could even be put on the ballot! To have cigarettes banned from bars is is a violation of our rights as Americans! If a person is upset about the smoke in a bar, leave and go somewhere else. What is happening to the business owners' rights to operate as they see fit? Where are the smokers going to go? Bars are for adults...smokers and non-smokers.... What's right is going to disappear next? Alcohol? Candy? Animals?
I don't have so much of a problem with the restaurants and bars. I do have a problem with no longer smoking in public. This is very reminiscent of McCarthyism in the 1950's. My workplace is forcing us to use their property for parking but prohibiting smoking in private autos on their property. I am an ER nurse and I've see what smoking does on a daily basis. However, whatever happened to an individual's right to choose?
This law proposes the same ideas as those suggested in the movie Soylent Green and George Orwell's 1984. Let's all go back to book burning too. Right now, it's legal to put makeup on while driving, use a cell phone while driving, talk to passengers while driving, but will soon be illegal to smoke while driving? I'm embarrassed to be an Ohio resident right now! California is a good example of an area that should have tighter smoking controls because of the environmental concerns and the raging fires they've had. Not Ohio. By the way, tobacco funds a lot of state-wide projects in Ohio. What do you propose to fund things like education since those funds will now be unavailable?
P.S. Why is it illegal to smoke in Ohio but you can still purchase alcoholic beverages at gas stations?
Brian F., RN BSN PCCN
Shelby OH
I see alot of comments saying what next, taking away my rights to eat fatty meals? NO! You only hurt yourself when you do that not everyone aroubd you. If you can figure out how to smoke only hurting yourself, have a blast. Smoke in a plastic bubble. And if we don't like smoke we don't have to go there?? Thats a dumb statement. You smokers think you own everything and are the only ones with rights. Why do you think that when 80% don't smoke. Are you priviledged because you smoke and build an arena? Let the team owners and players build it with their ridiculous salaries that are undeserved and teams aren't helping Ohio anyhow!
I don't have so much of a problem with the restaurants and bars. I do have a problem with no longer smoking in public. This is very reminiscent of McCarthyism in the 1950's. My workplace is forcing us to use their property for parking but prohibiting smoking in private autos on their property. I am an ER nurse and I've see what smoking does on a daily basis. However, whatever happened to an individual's right to choose?
This law proposes the same ideas as those suggested in the movie Soylent Green and George Orwell's 1984. Let's all go back to book burning too. Right now, it's legal to put makeup on while driving, use a cell phone while driving, talk to passengers while driving, but will soon be illegal to smoke while driving? I'm embarrassed to be an Ohio resident right now! California is a good example of an area that should have tighter smoking controls because of the environmental concerns and the raging fires they've had. Not Ohio. By the way, tobacco funds a lot of state-wide projects in Ohio. What do you propose to fund things like education since those funds will now be unavailable?
P.S. Why is it illegal to smoke in Ohio but you can still purchase alcoholic beverages at gas stations?
Brian F., RN BSN PCCN
Shelby OH
My husband and I rarely go out to dinner or anything because we want to avoid the smelly air. When we do go to a restaurant, we sit in the non smoking section but it is such a joke. Usually there is just a partition or partial wall between the two sections, so how is that non smoking? Do people think that the smoke doesn't drift over the wall? That is such a silly assumption, because believe me it really does. It will be great to finally get to go out for the evening and not have to come home smelling like a cigarette. Thanks Ohio!
I hope all you non-smokers keep thinking you can go out and enjoy yourself......where u going to go there will be many places closed down due to this! I took a survey today and out of 20 businesses I personaly talked to 18 of them are going to have to close due to this issue and the other 2 have no idea what they are going to do. Wait till the next time that a law is passes taking away one of your rights that is when smoke will be blowing up yours!
Here is another example of the excessive left wing conservatives in Ohio who actually vote to take away personal freedoms and are not smart enough to even know it. If smoking is not your choice, than you have a choice to stay away from places that allow smoking.
I love how a lot of you're preaching about how you non-smokers have rights .. blah blah. Well us smokers also have rights. You're not higher or better in life because you don't smoke. I didn't see any of you non-smokers complaining when OUR money built Jacobs Field or the Browns Stadium. Or when our cigerattes price got increased so E-Check would be eliminated in all Ohio counties.
Non-smokers had a choice to go places that were smoke free ( yes, before this law passed there was smoke free resturants, bars etc.) but now us smokers don't have a choice. How is that fair ? Like I said before, were not lesser just because we smoke.
Resturants I can agree with no smoking. I smoke but I don't want to smell smoke when I am trying to enjoy a meal. Banning from bars is just ridiculous. All it's going to do, besides make them lose business is put more drunks out on the street. People are going to drink a beer, head outside to smoke, go drink more, go back outside to smoke. That's all we need is more drunk loitering. Give it time and I'm sure drinking will be banned too.
So much for being a free country.
Way to go Ohio, for making yet another choice on something that the government can control. Next thing you know were all going to have cameras in our houses watching our every move !
It is about time! I am thrilled that Ohio has gone smoke-free. Ohio has done the right thing for a change.
This is truly a step in the right direction for the health of all of Ohio.
For those smokers that feel this is an infringement on their right to smoke....I say stay home and smoke your brains out!
I wonder if anyone did any studies of the areas that have already banned smoking. Has any of the bars or businesses suffered any substantial losses. I suppose the people that wanted the law passed do not have any friends or family that own or work in any of the establishments because I'm afaid that they may in danger of losing their jobs in the future. I'm not a full time smoker but when I go to the bar I enjoy a smoke with my drink. I hope the people that voted for this can keep the businesses open because I will not be going out anymore. I'll stay home where the government can't make personal desicions for me.
I am so happy that I'll be able to join my pals at the bar and not worry about coming home smelling like an ashtray. Smokers are ONLY complaining because they are addicts who are having their ability to score fixes threatened. Their pathetic yelping should be pitied and ignored. No one has the right to force anyone else to inhale toxic chemicals, and EVERYONE has the right to breathe clean air. Period.
I live in Ohio and spend a lot of time in California working in the film biz. I been pushin and calling people in Ohio to ban smoking like they have in California and other states. I had many dinners at Dennys in North Olmsted and I spend 10 min in there my eyes burn and my cloths smell like smoke sitting in the non smokeing section. I think this is a good law, if smokers want to smoke do it outside.
Comments eh? Instead of Banning the smoke from ciggarettes...How about banning the oil being burned into our Ozone from the top of Ashland oil in Canton and toxinx from other major companies...or the black smoke pouring from the rear of busses and semi's?? That pollution is giving us cancers more than any ONE PACK of lit ciggarettes!! And how do all those NON smokers that complained...GET TO those restaurants and work places that they are so upset with cig smoke at??? The oil and fuel burned from their cars have killed more people from cancer than again, ONE pack of lit ciggarettes!!!
Why don't they ban hormones being put in our foods and flourides and poisions from being put in our drinking water...or ban the PLASTICS that are made from poisions that WE THE PEOPLE eat, drink, drive, and live with?? This is becoming more and more less of a free country!! Its not even the actual tobacco that is poisonous or the paper, its the crap that the companies are ALLOWED to put in them!!!! They will never ban the things that they SHOULD ban because then the drug and insurance companies and big time oil tycoons would be very unhappy and then they would only have or make as much as us little people working in walmarts and mcdonalds...or some low paying office job. God Forbid. So, To all those claiming good for the government...Way to go!! You have allowed OUR "Government" to once again put humans on a leash and Yank!! I am now a non smoker. I started out trying to also stop eating stuff that was poisonous to my body but, I would probably starve to death since the ground, rain, trees and everything else that surrounds us and things have to live on in order to eat...are all poisoned. So, to everyone that voted for what the "government" wanted...Im sure your chain will be yanked too!! ENJOY!!!
If cigarettes are so bad, why are they legal?
This smoking ban is long past due. If I were sitting next to someone smoking and I took a piece of gum out of my mouth and asked the smoker if he/she wanted to chew it, they would, of course, say "no". Well, by that smoker exercising his/her rights, I am in fact smoking their cigarettes, without any choice on my part. As a smoker, you have every right to smoke, but you have no right to disease my lungs!
Grateful Jody in Massillon
ANDREA FROM WOOSTER...
I understand & am perfectly fine with the smoke-free in restaurants,but a BAR?? COME ON NOW!! People who go to bars know that others smoke in there even if they do not! That is their choice to not smoke. I think smokers should still be allowed to smoke in bars period. This isn't good for those type of businesses at all and they may lose a lot of patrons due to the new law.
If smokers are caught smoking where they shouldn't be, what is going to happen? Everyone will recieve a ticket/warning or what?? Get real here!
I am a non-smoker for 23 years now but I have a real problem with this legislation. I agree with others who have posted comments regarding the drinking issue. What's good for one is good for all. Drinking and driving, alcoholism and the associated issues are every bit as serious as the smoking concerns. The difference is, the majority of the whiners about smoking are doing it in a bar where they're drinking and then driving. The issue will never be addressed because there are more drinkers than smokers.
Im a smoker, now what is going to be taken away from us ( smokers and non smokers)?Way to go, you just set the tempo to have the government infringe on us further.
I agree that when I go out to eat, i dont like the smoke. When I am at a bar, well smoking and drinking go hand in hand. You non-smokers have the right to breath fresh air at bars, but who twisted your arm to go there? I am appalled by the whinners of this country that assume no accountability for themselves. Its to easy to blame someone else. Whats next fatty foods? There just as bad for you. California has already started. I should have that right and say about how food is prepared.I see alot of people that will have a problem with that. Bar owners need to charge a 1 dollor membership therefore making it a private establishment, Where there will be smoking....non-smokers can go as well and they will, but are there by choice again, but cannot whine. Therefore having what we all once had..... A CHOICE.
Adam - LeRoy, Ohio
I welcome the ban and I am a smoker. I think that it is another useful tool to drive me to quit smoking. I do agree that it is not fair for smokers in general that pay the taxes to pay for municipal stadiums, etc.. to not have the priveledge to smoke in them, however personally, I have no problem managing to not smoke for four hours.
Bars and restaurants won't lose business because every place will be nonsmoking. In states that have passed laws like this one business is just fine. Even the pubs in Ireland got used to it pretty quickly.
Like others have said, it will be a relief to go to a restaurant or bar and not come home smelling like an ashtray. I'm looking forward to going back to some places that I avoided because of all the smoke, such as Adam's Restaurant in Euclid.
How can you take our right to smoke away? Can we tear down Jacobs field or maybe the Q.
You want to raise the taxes on our cigarettes, to build these places but you don't want us to smoke, am I missing something here.
Try putting a levy on the ballot to get your money for these buildings, and see what people say about that.
Regina
Cleveland
I am so happy to see this law pass. I am tired of having to sit in a restaurant and smell someone smoking or worse yet having asked for non-smoking and being seated at the edge of non-smoking and smoking sections and having the smoke coming in our faces. I hate having to walk through the smokers standing in the enterance and have the smoke right in your face. I've always felt my rights were being violated by the people smoking and polluting the air I was breathing. We all know second hand smoke is harmful, so why should someone else be able to risk my health for their addiction? I remember being so outraged when my father was on oxygen and going to a restaurant and having a whole table of smokers right next to us light up (and yes we were in the non-smoking section). I couldn't even believe my eyes. However I don't think it's right to make them pay more smoker's tax. I say to OHIO VOTERS.....THANK YOU!!!!!!!
Theresa
Seven Hills
I think we as a state and a country are losing the bigger picture. "Me-ism" is running our country. In Cleveland we have hopes of becoming a cosmopalitan, trendy town. A town where youth and star athletes want to stay and help renew our economy and make it grow and stabilize. Unfortunately, trendy Cigar Bars, upsclale bowling alleys and nouveau cuisine restaurants are going to lose the most. Smoke Less would have been sufficient to protect the non-smokers and still provide a diverse social environment. Non-Smokers have their rights too, without doubt, but if I as a smoker am going to be asked to save the arts and build sporting venues, I ought to be able to go out and have a life myself. A well ventilated room was our compromise for our "sin" dollars. What is anyone else giving up?
With all this voting regarding peoples' health, why don't we vote on whether a person can get on an airplane if they are sick?
Or better yet with all the talk
about the Bird Flu epidemic why
not vote on whether we can have
trees or not for the birds to perch
on? A person could go on and on with these things
You get my drift. Let people make
their own personal choices!!
It's seriously about time that we get real with smoking and it's perilous consequences. Addiction of any kind is such debilitating and destructive behavior that goes beyond most people's ability to control, therefore, the habit begins, persists and destroys. Please let us keep our health in mind while we advance into our 21st century. Let us learn from the past and improve upon it's extreme lessons and allow ourselves to move forward. We need clean air to breath everywhere we are and especially when we are within an enclosed space. Smoke-free public places per law is a pro-active health measure. We need to break out of old, molded, negative health behaviors that have been carried over from our past and move ahead with some insight, awareness and simple common sense approach to what is healthy and what is not. My experence is based on true life disasters close to the heart. Mom died of carcinoma lung cancer at age 64. Dad died of pancreatic cancer at age 43. I am breast cancer survivor at age 46 and revel every single moment of life. Qaulity of life is equal to 'as well as you feel' and that is that. Keep healthy. Live smart. DeniseW (Lakewood/Cleveland)
As a smoker and a bartender at a smoking establishment, I think this ban is ridiculous. I'm sure that the ones who voted for this don't frequent bars often enough to even care about why and where I CHOOSE to light up. I know that I personally will never go into a place that I cannot have my drink with a cigarette. Since this will be the case, I'll get my food for takeout or just stay home. Now it will look just plain tacky to have a bunch of smokers standing outside of an establishment to get their last puff in before their meals, while getting the dirty looks from the idiots who passed this ban. Just think of the money us smokers have put into all the new building projects from the taxes we pay by CHOOSING a lifestyle that others deem as "dangerous" to their health. In hopes that this will make people STOP smoking, where's the money going to come from now? It's okay to pay $2.50+ per gallon for gas, just to pollute the air in other harmful ways? What's next? Let's ban alcohol in public places because people drive home intoxicated and kill people everyday. What happened to being treated equally and having freedom? Just because I CHOOSE to be a smoker I get punished.
~Alicia, North Royalton~
I am so mad!! How dare the government tell us no. We as smokers dont have the right to exercise our rights. Non smokers now rule. Before they had the choice to go to a public place and make the decision to stay there or go to a non smoking area. We dont have that choice. Well now the bars will have patrons outside the establishment smoking and police will be called to more problems. Ohio how could you?
I hate more laws and regulations but this one is dead on! No one has a right to do something that causes discomfort and damage to another's health!! It's crap to say you have a right when others have no choice to breathe your smoke I have no problem with people smoking, just do it at home, where only YOU will have to smell it that way I don't have to be impacted by your unhealthy decision! Don't tell non-smokers to move away from it, you can't move away from it, it seems to gravitate right up the non smokers nostrils, maybe because you are immune from the odor you cannot fathom what it is to have to smell such a foul odor!! I look forward to going out now with my husband and enjoying going to places we never would have gone to before because we would have otherwise reeked of smoke! What about asthmatics? I guess they should just stay home according to smokers. I know for my sister, she could not enter a bar or restaurant without having an asthma attack!
Obesity is the 2nd biggest killer in the United States. Should the government have control over what meals obese individuals are allowed to eat in restaurants? Furthermore, I have to question those individuals who think banning smoking indoors will provide for a cleaner enviornment. I highly doubt smokers who are banned from smoking indoors will refrain from not just filling the streets outdoors with more cigarette butts. So how again is banning cigarettes indoors better for the enviornment? Last but not least, second hand smoke is the sidestream smoke that comes out of the cigarette, not the smoke exhaled by smokers.So unless you are sitting very closely and directly across from a smoker, you are not likely to be effected by the risks of second hand smoke.
I have to question what will the Gestapo..oops government ban next?
I would just like to ask how many people get sick when you are out in public when someone sits beside you that just took a bath in perfume? I get headaces and very sick. I work in the public and would just like to have a fair law about bannning perfume and ect. for people that can not take the smell and end up in the e.r rooms.Where is our clean air law? Jennifer From Cuyahoga Falls Ohio
After reading many of these posts I'm confused. Exactly where in the constitution is the right to smoke in public?? As others have said, no one said smokers have to quit. Just don't smoke in public places and pollute my air. Also, it's not the government who made a law; it was the citizens of Ohio who made the choice by voting. Thank you to all who voted againt Issue 4 and for Issue 5.
I am very sensitive to cigarette smoke and experience sinus pain and congestion days after being exposed to second hand smoke. I don't know how long it will take for the smoke to clear out, but I'm really looking forward to being able to go bowling, go out for a drink, go dancing, etc, etc, etc. I expect businesses to have an INCREASE in business, after some initial decline.
I believe that people have the right to smoke. I believe that smokers are not any better or any worse than people who don't smoke.
I believe that people in the government have leveled a double-whammy in their favor against people who do smoke. They realize that people who smoke are addicted, so they can level taxes on cigarettes that addicted smokers will be willing to pay. And on the other hand, they are pleasing the people who are against smoking (for whatever reason) by taking away the smokers' rights to smoke in public places.
I applaud their resourcefulness. The non-smokers are happy, there are lots of funds for the patrons of the arts and the sports-watching addicts, and the smokers have no recourse (being degenerates anyway).
I only hope that some day, something that you're addicted to (and everyone is addicted to something - some things just considered to be virtuous) comes under as as much criticism and judgment as an issue as smoking has become. And I hope then you will understand how smokers feel. We are not all inconsiderate vandals, you know.
Hail to HEALTH - the new religion. I hope you all live to be 120!
So smokers are the minority, than drinkers are the majority, and thats a REAL problem. Thank a service member in a war you complain about, for giving you the right to take away our freedoms and his, while they put there life on the line to give up what he/she has and all they might ask in return is to go to the bar and have a beer and a cigarette. You whinning people are the problem with this country not the solution.
anonymous said, "I do not feel the taxes on alcohol and cigarettes should fund sporting arenas and the arts."
The wages of sin are death.
I say there is nothing wrong with profiting from death.
So you will smoke fewer, live longer, smoke longer, pay more for longer, and still get nothing.
Simple economics, chattle.
Thats fine go ahead and make it illegal to smoke in a bar, Every bar in the state will make themselfs a members only bar that all you have to do is pay a $1 for a year membership, and POOF smoking is allowed because issue 5 cant stop private clubs from allowing there members to smoke inside.
ie. ELKS, MOOSE, VFW,
If only our fore fathers could see what this country has become. they fought for freedom from a country with ridiculous laws and taxed them to poverty. Sounds a little like our current government. Take away our rights and tax us more and more every day! Soon you'll only be allowed to have 1 child. the gov't will tell you where to live ,what to eat , where you work , how much you make.The worst part about it is there are idiot Americans who vote our rights away! long live the Communists States of America.
I think it's about time that smoking is banned in public places. Research has shown the smokers have a higher rate of lung cancer and other health issues. Also, second hand smoke has a negative effect on non-smokers health. I could care less if smokers feel ganged up on. Smoking is nasty and disgusting habit.
Everyone here focuses on what the issue means to bars and restaurants. But the issue is really about the kids not adults. Studies confirm that some children exposed to smoke have health problems later in life. Plus another study indicates that children are far less likely to pick up the habit if they are not exposed to adults who smoke.
By the way, I will be more likely to visit a bar now that I do not have to endure the stench of second hand smoke. I believe in 6 months time, bars will not see an appreciable difference in clientele.
I do NOT agree with this law being passed. You non-smokers want to enjoy all the gifts of taxing us to death (Jacob's Field & Browns Stadium) but you are not even going to let people smoke in them? Since when did non-smokers become so high and mighty and better than smokers? We are all people born and raised in America, the land of the free. Well you have slowly begun to take away a good portion of your society's freedoms as human beings. NICE!! It should have been left up to the owner of each establishment to decide what they wanted to do with THEIR business that THEY pay the taxes on, not you!!!
I understand the concern some people have about this major change. We frequently visit in other states where no smoking in public places as been in effect for quite some time. It will take some adjusting but it is a positive step for the people of Ohio.
I don't feel the concern about business in bars and restaurants will be a problem. There are many places we have wanted to go to but have avoided because of the smokey conditions. We enjoy live music but that is usually a smoke filled bar... now we can go there and enjoy a great night out. I'm sure other people will take advantage of this also.
Its about time! myself and non-smoking friends can now enjoy a meal or a few drinks without enhaling nasty smoke from cigars and cigarette smokers! It has worked in florida very well! smokers are still going to visit bars to drink!
Second hand smoke is harmful? Is it now. 3,000 people die from second hand smoke every year? Is that right. Why don't we take a look at some simple statistics that you don't need a doctor to understand. I have been smoking two packs of cigarettes a day for 8 years. Thats 40 cigs a day, 14,600 a year for a grand total of 116,800 cigs I have smoked over 8 years (not to mention the 3 years before when I smoked less than 2 packs). I have no health problems, not even a cough and I am even an avid bike rider (and yes I see a physician every year). Now according to SmokeFreeOhio, if you sit in the non-smoking section of a smoking restaurant for 2 hours, you inhale the equivalent of 1 and a half cigarettes. So according to those statistics you would have to spend 77,866 two-hour period's in a smoking restaurant to inhale the same amount of smoke I have inhaled over my entire 8 year period of smoking 2 packs a day (and like I said I have no health problems). Sounds easy enough. You would just have to spend 2 hours in a smoking restaurant every day for the next 213 years. No problem! Does anyone else see how absurd all of this sounds?
(Commenting on minimum wage)
The minimum wage increase won't affect me. I own a business, I currently employ 7 people at $5.15/hr. On January first, I will hold a meeting and explain that I have to let 2 people go, because the vote didn't change my labor budget. So, the seven get to vote one employee out, then the six will vote one more out. Then, I'll be paying 5 people $6.85/hr.
Steve, Painesville
Do people realize what this will do? Many businesses i.e. bars are going to go bankrupt. Good job citizens of Ohio for voting Yes on this ridiculous law.
How nice make the 2 issues worded so we vote wrong first off. What about taxing alcohol, it kills people faster than smoking, ever hear of someone wrecking their car from smoking. Why sell cig's at all if they are so bad and we can only smoke where "THEY" say. Everyone is different, we all have our vices I could think of worse vices than smoking.....How about put a little more effort in worrying about drugs,and repeat offenders. Than Cigarettes. You people who helped pass this just opened up a big can of worms.....What's NEXT!!!!
So glad the smoke Nazi's finally got their way. But, wait, they want smokers to build them something else? Tough. I personally will buy my smokes out of county. They don't like our smoke? Well, I don't like their whiny, screaming, rude children, yet I'm subjected to them wherever I go. Now I see where they get it. From their whiny, screaming, rude parents. One of the first things Hitler did when he came to power was ban smoking in public. That worked out real well, didn't it??
I think it's sad that so many people let cigarettes control them and their lives. I don't believe that people will quit going out to bars, restaraunts, bowling alleys,e.t.c.......Other states that have done this don't have any problem filling these places. And stop whinning about having to walk so far to smoke a cancer-stick.Maybe all the obese Ohioians will drop some weight, then I won't have to look at smokers or fat people:)
LA is smoke free and thriving.
I'm looking forward to my next visit to smoke free Cleveland!
I hope the media doesn't portray this issue as smokers against non-smokers. I myself have been a smoker for 34 years and voted for issue 5. It's not fair to the workers or the patrons who don't smoke to have to breath smoke filled air. My mother worked in a restaurant for many years and I can only imagine how much healthier she would be if she hadn't worked in a smoke filled envirerment. I voted yes for all the NON smokers out there. Believe me I WILL miss that after dinner cigarette in a restaurant, and the cigarette with a drink in a bar, but I won't have non smokers breathing in my polluted air on my conscience either. Besides no one ever died from NOT smoking a cigarette.
It is absolutely ridiculous that my tax dollars are going to be used to regulate smoking. When everyone is living on smaller budgets why are voters creating bigger government. That money could have been used for so many other purposes. It should be the business owner choice to allow smoking or not. Consumers can use there own money to show their support (or not) of the owners decision. If you do not like the food, music or clientele you spend your dollars elsewhere. Now that voters have chosen to regulate the air - what next how I look or maybe my perfume??? By the way I do not smoke, just hate seeing money waster when better options exist.
I'm 23 yrs old and I used to smoke. I smoked for over 8 yrs. I think just another freedom tooken away. If people don't like smoke walk to the other side of the room. What is it going to be next "Fat People" which is probably half of the population.
David Schweitzer New Philadelphia,Ohio
I think the Ohio Smoke Free Bill is just another step to take away yet another one of our rights. The land of the free is just a joke anymore. When is going to stop when we have no rights to do anything? I think the owners of thoes business should make thoes decisions..and if non smokers dont like it dont patronize thoes business that do permit smoking. I personally dont drink, but i am not asking places not to serve drinks because i dont do it. When you pay my taxes, you can tell me when to smoke. Thank you
Ok folks, now it's time for the next step. As all you smoke free people go out to eat, I think you need to walk, ride a bike or buy an all electric car cause I'm tried of sucking in your gas guzzling carbon minoxide producing car when I'm out walking around.Oh, and lets raise the taxes on car ownership also for the next Hockey Arena.
(yes, it's sarcasm)
Veteran and Smoker
I am an X-smoker of 18 years and am so glad that Ohio is taking the steps to help those that don't smoke. If you have relatives that you have lost because of smoking or are ill from it, which I do, then this is a wonderful thing. Smokers do not have the right, as I didn't, to impose the second hand smoke on others. I had an aunt that worked/owned a bar & lost a lung from second hand smoke, she did smoke but only approx. 3 a day, sometimes less. Smoking is very dangerous. Even smoking outdoors close to others is not safe.
Anonymous Said: I am a smoker but I have always been curtious to non-Smokers. I just think it is wrong that our rights are being taking away alot of business will suffer because the bowling alley,and bars are almost all smokers they will lose business. Is this what ohio wants loss of jobs and business as well as no new business will want to come here because of the rules!!! This is just plain nuts don't ask us to pay the new taxes this is just not RIGHT and not
FAIR!!
Well, it is about time that us non-smokers have the same rights that the smokers have HAD ALL OF THESE YEARS!! Now I can go out to eat too! I am alergic to smoke and have not been able to go into places where smoking is allowed FOR YEARS. NOW I CAN! WE ARE ALREADY PLANNING OUR DECEMBER 8, 2006 OUTING!!! Thank God for all of those volunteers who made this possible!! GOD BLESS YOU!!!
FINALLY, I'M SICK AND TIRED OF LEAVING A RESTAURANT OR BAR AND REEKING OF SMOKE.
I am a native Ohioan currently living in Tennessee. I am elated that when i come home for Christmas, I can go out for a drink with my younger brother and not get sick to my stomach and have my allergies flare up from all the smoke...
A lot of people are worried about businesses that cater largely to smokers not getting enough business, but I pose a question: how many of those places would have PLENTY of nonmoking customers if they weren't avoiding the self-absorbed smokers puffing away? I LOVE bowling alleys but rarely go bowling entirely because of the massive amount of smoke.
When I was growing up, my mom smoked. I begged her to quit, and she got upset with me. I bet she's really angry this law passed... she has avoided going out to eat with me if the chosen restaurant does not allow for smoking. I don't avoid going out to eat with her and even sitg in the smoking section - my point is that non-smokers have been SO accomodating for decades to smokers who are in a highly addictive state and can't see past their addiction to have any respect for the health of others (yes, I blame the addiction).
And for those of you who are all about freedom? This has taken away the freedom of smokers? Well, would you also vote that homosexuals should to be able to marry? I would, but I bet a lot of people that are begging for a "free America" that want smoking allowed anywhere are very picky and choosy about how free you really want our country, about how many freedoms we really should have. If you're going to argue the freedom issue, throw out al our laws and all Americans to make the right, moral, just decisions. Because most of them can... right... come on, people. Smokers have ALWAYS had the ability to make the decision to not smoke in public places in respect of nonsmokers. But almost none of them make that choice. Why would they start now?
Boo Hoo! You can't smoke in public places. As you would say "Get over it" and "If you don't like it, stay home" Feels a lot different when the shoe is on the other foot. Businesses may hurt for a month or two, but after that, us "Non-smokers", who take your advise and stay home, will start going out to bowling alleys, bars, and restaurants because there will no longer be those huge clouds of smoke lingering. FOR THE LAST TIME...the people got the issue on the ballot, not the government! The people voted on the issue, not the government! It's not a government plot, it's not communism, it's not dictatorship. It's the PEOPLE who are tired of being smoked out of places and not having any RIGHTS! About 10 percent of smokers actually respect people around them if asked to stop the other 90 percent are just ignorant and say go somewhere else if you don't like it. Smokers can go ahead and buy cigarettes in another county. They can boycott Browns and Indians games. There will always be ways to get money from your addiction. As for bars, the are established for DRINKING! Don't be an idiot and think that we are going to ban alcohol from bars. Drinking and driving is a crime. Even worse if they kill someone. Shouldn't it be a crime if you smoked in public and someone died from lung cancer because of you? I bet you smokers would say no. Double standard, huh? If the 90 percent of smokers that are rude and ignorant would of been just a little more considerate towards others then issue 5 might not of passed. You brought it upon yourself and ruined it for the other 10 percent that are considerate.
P.S. I'm a republican, not everyone who voted yes on issue 5 is a democrat.
I'm not sure I understand why people are so upset about this smoking issue. "HELLO SMOKERS!!
CHOOSE OR LOOSE!!"
You know that smoking is bad for you, if you don't, here's some things you're inhalling:
Nicotine: a deadly poison
Arsenic: used in rat poison
Methane: a component of rocket fuel
Ammonia: found in floor cleaner
Cadmium: used in batteries
Carbon Monoxide: part of car exhaust
Formaldehyde: used to preserve body tissue
Butane: lighter fluid
Hydrogen Cyanide: the poison used in gas chambers.
Not to mention all the second hand smoke people around you are inhalling.
In my opinion you guys should say THANK YOU!! Hopefully this new wonderful law that the PEOPLE of Ohio passed (not the government) will encourage you to stop smoking and take your life and health more serious. It's not fun having someone close to you pass away because they dedicated everyday to this terrible and addicting habit. Then have to go through the aftermath of what they've done years prior.
I think this is a positive outcome and hopefully will be for smokers
stop paying into these tobacco companies, get healthier with your own lives, and start thinking of others around them who don't want to be in smokey environments.
No one can ever say what health issue the person next to him may have and even in an outdoor setting many asthmatics or those with allergies can still be effected. I was wondering why we even had to vote; I think we should have come to this without a vote. Perhaps some smokers will become non-smokers and I can not think of what would be wrong with that. It is true that many taxes from cigarettes and alcohol build many things, but how many smokers voted for that tax? Also,it would be nice if there was an additional tax to help pay the cost of diseases related to cigarette smoke, both filtered and second-hand. As for those who think the individual businesses should have the right to decide, I would disagree; this law was passed by the people of this state. No one is saying you can not smoke. Those of us who voted for this law want our feelings respected too. Sooner or later most people who smoke develope some health problem-cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung disease, and it surely is your right to have these diseases too; we don't have the right to choose when we are subjected to second-hand smoke in a closed in area. Thank you to all the intelligent and considerate people in Ohio!!!
maybe next our salt will be taken off the table after all its bad for you. but then there is also eggs that is high in cholesterol thats got to go to. Cars let off polution so we just can't drive any more. most of the jobs i have had in my life has have somekind of hazardous material i had to be around for a paycheck. where will it all end.
I AM A NON SMOKER BUT I BELIVE THAT THE GOVERMENT IS JUST CRAZY BARS ARE MAID FOR DRINKING AND SMOKING THE LAW I JUST PLAIN STUPID I KNOW THAT MY BUDDYS BAR WILL BE A PRIVATE ESTABLISHMENT NOW SO THAT PEOPLE CAN SMOKE IN IT!!
PRAY TELL, WHO WAS IT THAT THOUGHT OHIO SHOULD BE SMOKE FREE? WHO EVER IT WAS, LET THEM GET STARTED ON, OHIO IS DRUNK DRIVING FREE. IF WE HAD THE SAME PUSH TO GET THE DRUNK DRIVER OFF THE ROAD AS THEY DID TO BAND SMOKING, THAT WOULD ACCOMPLISH A LOT MORE. THE THOUSANDS THAT GET KILLED EVERY YEAR & THOUSANDS PERMANENT INJURIES, BROKEN HOMES, CHILD ABUSE, MORE PEOPLE SUFFER A LOT MORE FROM THE DRUNK DRIVER, ALCOHOLIC THEN A LITTLE SECOND HAND SMOKE. LET'S GET SOMETHING ON THE BALLET & SEE WHAT THE PEOPLE OF OHIO THINK.
P.S. THE MADD ORGANIZATION, WHAT A JOKE. WHAT HAVE THEY DONE TO GET THE DRUNK OFF THE ROAD. LET THEM REALLY DO SOMETHING & GET SOMETHING ON THE BALLET.
Smoking is not a right, CLEAN AIR TO BREATH IS A God given right. You smokers contaminate the air for everyone. The restaurants that are already smoke free say that business is even better than before. The non smokers have the RIGHT TO CLEAN AIR TO BREATH. If you don't like it go live on an island somewhere. It is people like you who think they should be able to do whatever they want in a free country, but remember, Freedom is not free, with freedom comes personal responsibility. We're not taking your right away we are just giving the non smokers the right to breath clean air and to life without the risk of deadly cancer if that is possible. When my husband goes bowling he comes home smelling like a cigarette factory. I don't want his life span shortened by your smoke. So get over it. THE NON SMOKERS WIN THIS ONE. I'm was a smoker 35 years ago until I lost my father and mother from lung cancer. Now I am a cancer survivor and I appreciate the new law more than you know.
Smokers have just become second class citizens in Ohio! The only rights we have is to pay taxes. If smokers bought their cigarettes out of state or on line, there would be no tax money for sport facilities or the arts. I'd love to see what the righteous people of "SMOKEFREE OHIO" would do then!
I'm so grateful. Finally, we don't have to stink after a night out. We don't have to have our eyes and throat irritated. We don't have to have ashes get on us. (Oh, by the way, I used to smoke too.) I never realized how nasty it truly was until I stopped.
I think it is about time that we moved to a smoke free enviroment in Ohio. People are talking about their rights being taken away. No one is telling you that you can't smoke we are just telling you that you can't take away our right not to have to breath your second hand smoke. Some people are touching on the drunk driving issue last time I checked that was a crime punishable by law. All the talk about businesses losing patrons is a little far fetched, people go to bars to drink, they go to bowling alleys to bowl, not smoke, come on people seriously smoke away your health on your own.
This is long overdue. I'm looking forward to patronizing restaurants and bowling allies that I have avoided because of the smoke.
My experience in establishments with a designated smoking section is likened to a swimming pool with a designated peeing section. Smoke does not recognize the no-smoking section signs.
I think that smoke free in family enviroments is great, but in bars to me is taking away some rights. I am not a smoker but if someone wants to smoke in a bar, they know what they are getting into when they go in there. I think it has gone a little too far. Controll the smoking enviroment but not rule out completely
Jill Rhoades
Akron Ohio
I can't believe this passed. Everyone that I have talked to has said they voted against the amendment. I am a non-smoker but I believe everyone has the right to do certain things. If you don't like the smoke then sit in the non-smoking section. If it doesn't protect you enough then do what you tell the smokers to do --go some where else. I think we are treading on too many rights of other people.
First, the Government did not make this law, we the people did! No one is telling you that you can not smoke, just not where other other are in public places. What is so hard about this concept? You smokers will adapt.
Non smokers should have really thought about what they have done. How many times has the price of tobacco products increased to ensure that stadiums are built for all persons enjoyment? How ridiculous to pass the issue for arts to increase tobacco products again, but take away the right to be able to smoke? How are churches going to get thier money without BINGO halls because of the non-smoking laws? (Non smokers better tithe more)
The fact that one of my constitutional rights, even if I don't choose to utilize it, has been taken away and that is pure crap. Soon we will go back to prohibition because of drunk driving, and cirrhosis of the liver, oh wait I know driving altogether because you don't have to be drunk to get in an accident and harm someone, and we know the law passed about seat belts and children, but how many of you hypocrites don't buckle up thier kids?
This is just UNFAIR. Us Smokers paid for the "Rock n Roll" Hall of Fame, the Quick n Loans Arena and many other entertainments for all to enjoy. What is the difference between Second Hand Smoke, then walking or driving by the smoke stacks from companies, the tale pipes of our cars/trucks? The air you breathe outside is so polluted. Where is our FREEDOM in America? What happened to our FREEDOM? WE don't have Freedom in America? We might as well all move over seas to IRAQ and get treated badly over there. When I go out to a bar (decent bar), I enjoy having a drink and smoking a cigerette. I guess I won't be going out to bars anymore. Businesses are going to go down hill now. All because we are losing our freedom.
Oh no, the smoke gestopo, eeeek, run everyone run, the place is being raided...HURRY NOW!!!!! ROTFLOL. This joke of an ammendment won't last long. Can anyone visualize the courts being tied up with smoking violations and judges getting frustrated because they can't focus on real crime, or paddy wagons full of smokers being hauled downtown...that's right folks, does this sound rediculous, if it does then you just admitted issue 5 should not have happened. Personally, i'm really not for or against people smoking in public places but i most certainly am against a group of whiney babies trying to tell business owners what to do in a place that they own and pay for....hey you whiney babies, do you see business owners telling you that you can't be a slob of a drunk or that you can't take that next pill because you can't deal with reality and act spaced out or you can't eat that 10th ho ho and balloon out another 50 pounds in YOUR place of ownership. Get over yourselves people, the world doesn't revolve around you!!!!
I think is sad that the state is dictating what grown adults can and can't do. Welcome to empty bar hell. Here in Columbus, the bars are pretty dead monday-Friday with only Saturday half way decent. Hopefully enough of them go out of business that the law would eventually get changed again. These people that voted in the smoking ban, they don't go out, they are usually doo gooders that stay at home. Its going to suck in Cleveland smoking out side by downtown with that snow and wind...Atleast here in Columbus it doesnt snow that much. The question is ..what are they going to ban next.
I think that it is ridiculous this non-smoking rule. However, I will not get upset about this matter. Ohio thinks that I would pay another penny for another pack of cigarettes to build yet another building that I could care less about they have to be crazy. I have got with some of my friends,and we are going to ban restaurants, and bars. We are also going to send out a petition to make this state wide for all of the tobacco smokers. I will be ordering my cigarettes from another city, and will not be giving Cleveland; one red cent towards their building needs. I think that you should tax the "non smokers" for their rights.
At a time when Cleveland is one of the poorest cities in the country, and the state of Ohio is in financial turmoil...we pass this ridiculous smoking ban. Small businesses like bars and Mom and Pop restaurants will surely close up shop due to lack of customers. Are we trying to drive jobs out of the state? What next..a drinking ban in bars? Perhaps a cheering ban at sporting events? Good going voters.
Whats next... no more soda pop? (thats not healthy) No more french fries? (thats not healthy) No more alcohol (thats not healthy) No more cars (exhaust isn't healthy to breath) hell, oreo's aren't healthy, what are they going to ban next?!?
I just wonder when the goverment will tell us when to dye our hair blonde, (hey, thats not healthly either!) and color our eyes blue!!!
My question is can we fight this??
Well I guess the next thing is we can't drive a car or truck because the exhust from it .. May just hurt someone if he or she breaths it... Come on Ohio isn't this America the land of the Free... Lets tax the fast food places $1.00 on every order then that would be more fair seeing we Americans love to eat fast food... Its really funny i cant smoke in a bar but i can get drunk and maybe have a wreck and kill someone or pick up a women in a bar and go out and have unprotected sex and maybe spread something but its ok along as i dont smoke..
Cigarette tax built The JAKE and helped renovate the Brown's Stadium and the Q but we are now not allowed to smoke there anymore so when is the tax going to come off cigarettes and the price go down on cigarettes. If I cant smoke there my smoking tax should not pay to build any more building that refuse to allow me to smoke in or around them It's time the majority quit tell us minority what to do
Parents are concerned about taking their children to bowling alleys, restaraunts etc. because of smoke and now they say they can take their children there. Not a word I have heard about the alcohol that is served in many of these businesses and the drunkeness that goes on and I must say this is very disturbing. This is a horrible message to be sending kids. No wonder many of them are messed up on alcohol and drugs.
When I saw Issue 5 passing, I called the Ohio Quit Line. I plan to terminate my smoking habit, not for my own health as much as to deny the State of Ohio an undue share of tax revenue.
When you do the math, sales and excise taxes on cigarettes put a person making $35,000 who smokes one pack a day in a higher Ohio tax bracket than another making $79,000 who does not smoke.
I'm tired of funding stadiums for semiliterate multimillionaire athletes, tired of having the bluenoses of our society attempt to make me feel like a pariah for exercising what once was a legal right, and tired of seeing a once-free nation being turned a police state.
OK, Issue 5 proponents. You win. I quit. Now grab your ankles and pay the taxes I will no longer pay as of December 9. Have fun replacing the carpeting in Cleveland Browns Stadium in a city that cannot graduate half of its high schoolers. It's all on you now. Enjoy!
It's like saying that the only people who have any rights are the non smokers and the smokers have none. A few years ago i visited Italy and the people over there that we were with made a joke of it that America was considered the land of the free. They all had a good laugh at that because they made the comment they're more free than we'll ever be. Funny they were so right! See they just give us the elusion that we actually make the choices around here i guarantee that issue was never gonna pass you think our oppinion actually matters. School struggle in every county and yet all people care about is weather or not smoking should be allowed. You should have just taxed the cigarettes and put the money to good use and maybe our kids would have a future instead of the goverment. But heck if they keep the kids stupid maybe the kids will actually grow up and believe that we have a right in this country.
Tobacco is the only product that if used according to manufacturers instructions, IT WILL KILL YOU!
Im ok with you guys buying cancer.
Im NOT ok with you sharing it!
The wise voter's of Ohio have spoken:There is no such thing as
"smoker's rights".
I am thrilled. Recently I visited my daughter who just moved to Fort Collins, CO, and asked for the nonsmoking section in the restuarant. Everyone looked at me like I was nuts. They already have a smoking ban. If second hand cigarette smoking didn't cause cancer, smokers should have rights.
But it does and they don't have the right to kill the rest of us.
All you non smokers say you are happy bacause you can now breathe clean air...and you tell us smokers that we are selfish because we are complaining...and keep telling you to "choose" not to go to places where smoking will go on; but now thanks to you we DON'T HAVE A CHOICE TO GO ANYWHERE...
All I have to say is it is about time. now we can go to dinner, out with friends, wherever, and not have to deal with the disgusting habit. you can still smoke in your home, and outdoors...people think it's their right to smoke? Well it's our right to go out and breathe clean air, and not have to put up with it blowing in our face! at least 1 thing came out good with the election, unlike the democrats now having more seats in the senate..God help us all.
I am thrilled that Ohio is now smoke free, but I really doubt it's going to make a difference. I see people smoking in non smoking sections and at non smoking events all the time. Even when they are told to put their cigarette out they scoff, wait a bit, then light up again. For all you smokers griping about how bars are going to lose business: I doubt it. I don't think ANY establishment is going to lose business. In fact I think the OPPOSITE will happen. I think they'll get MORE business, and probably a better crowd of non selfish non smokers! Now let's solve the problem of bartenders who continue to serve obviously drunk people that get into their cars and kill people!
This is a health issue. Smokers are concerned about their right to smoke. I have a right to breath air without fearing getting cancer from second-hand smoke.
Now, my wife and I will be able to start patronizing the bars and restaurants we previously avoided due to cigarette smoke.
This is a health issue. Smokers are concerned about their right to smoke. I have a right to breath air without fearing getting cancer from second-hand smoke.
Now, my wife and I will be able to start patronizing the bars and restaurants we previously avoided due to cigarette smoke.
THis is the best thing to happen in a long long time,Smokers think that they have right to smoke and affect other peoples health. What about the person that does not smoke he has rights to!!! the smokers all
say that if a non smoker does not like it the go somewhere else.
WHY DOESN"T THE SMOKER GO SOMEWHERE
ELSE!!!!!! To smoke his/her cancer stick. if they want to die from lung cancer GO FOR IT!!! but I don't want to die from it.
SMOKE FREE YAAAA HOOOOO!!!!!!
Liz from Brunswick
SMOKE FREE OHIO!!! I'M SO EXCITED! We won't have to breathe in other people's bad habit! We won't have to wait extra long for a non smoking table at a restaurant! WAY TO GO OHIO!!
What make me laugh is the smokers
saying that there rights are being violated what about non-smokers
rights not to be around smoke.
It just seems that all the smokers out there are one sided and just thinking of themselves.
BEST THINK TO EVER HAPPEN!!!!
I can finally go out to eat and enjoy my meal.
Marty
Garfield Hts,O hio
Most smokers are kind and considerate of non smokers, if a non smoker was to ask me to move or put it out, I am happy to do so. I understand that it isn't the healhest thing out there and I understand how it can offend people and I don't mind moving away, but I do mind loosing my choice to do something!
Isn't this ban considered discrimination to smokers? I think that this ban is a really stupid idea!!! It is my right as an American to be able to smoke if I want to. I am a smoker and to be completely honest if someone asked me to put out a cigarette at a restaurant I think that I would but in bars that is a given that it is basically going to be a cloud of smoke any where in the place. That is what is expected at the bar. When one goes to the bar what do they usually go there for...to drink and smoke. If someone has a problems with smokers I think that maybe they should think about where they are going in public. What is going to happen next...
To Anonymous whose message was posted at 7:54 p.m. -
Most people who do NOT smoke AND who are not regularly exposed to second hand smoke ALSO seem to develop some health problems, such as cancer, heart disease, or some other disease, resulting in DEATH - the ultimate failure in this society!
What do you make of that????
V
I believe in a person's right to chose. If you chose to kill yourself by smoking then do it but don't kill me or people that I care about in the process. As a waitress at a reestaurant that allows smoking I am relieved to know that I can breathe clean air and smokers can kill themselves quietly.
THIS IS FOR ALL YOU NON SMOKERS:
NOW YOU CAN GO TO THE BARS AND DRINK AND GET DRUNK AND KILL YOURSELVES ON YOUR WAY HOME, MY HUSBAND PLAYED IN A BAND IN BARS SINCE 1981, HE IS A NON SMOKER,AND NON DRINKER, NOW HE MIGHT NOT HAVE A PLACE TO PLAY MUSIC, SO THAT WILL TAKE AWAY HIS INCOME, SO IT HURTS EVERYONE, NEXT THE GOVERMENT WILL BE INSTALLING CAMERAS INTO EVERYONES HOMES SO THEY CAN MONITOR EVERYTHING YOU DO, WHERE DID IT SAY THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY? FOR WHO?
Finally I will be able to go to a bar. I have avoided them because they aggravate my asthma. The claim that bars and restaurants will close is bogus. That has not happened in Massachusetts, NYC, Florida or California. The bars and restaurants are as busy as ever. Secondhand smoke killed my Mother in September. I applaud this law that will save many lives.
I am a smoker and I understand if non smokers do not like being in a place full of smoke then do not go there. Just like I can decide to go to a non smoking place or not. The whole issue with me is ciggarettes are not the only thing that polute the air what about factories or semi trucks or suv's. Also it is my right to smoke and it seems like the non smokers are pretty happy yeah I get the I dont smoke but what will they take away from you...we are going to end up into a communist government.
As a smoker I feel like another freedom has been taken away. I agree that smoking should be restricted to specific areas, but prohibiting it entirely is unfair. As a smoker, I do not like to be over-whelmed with smoke while I eat, the smoking areas in public places are just not seperate enough. I just hope I am not going to get pulled over and ticketed for smoking in my car!!!
Michelle, Brunswick
this was democracy in action. the people of ohio voted. the smokers lost. end of story.
I was a 3 pack a day smoker, and know what it's like to want that cigarette - but I have also had cancer twice, and now realize how unhealthy even second hand smoke is. It has worked in other states, it should work in Ohio too.
I dont agree with this. i would have been fine with a smoke less ohio not a smoke free ohio. i am a smoker so i am kinda mad that i cant go to a restarant and smoke or anywhere else that i could go before this.
I support Smoke Free Ohio completely. It is not about taking away smokers' rights, but securing non-smokers' rights. Our American government was based on the belief that all people have certain "unalienable rights." These rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Our founding fathers did not simply choose this order for no reasons. They are in order of importance. Someone's pursuit of happiness (smoking) is not allowed to take priority over someone's life (their health). Also it really is a health concern in the long run people will be healthier. Some smokers may stop smoking and others will be healthier because they are not exposed to second hand smoke.
What is going to happen to the state of Ohio when they can't tax smokers anymore. What would really happen if we all just quit? I just feel really bad for all the bar owners. I can understand not smoking in a restraunt where familys are dinning, but at bars were people should already assume there will be smoking taking place. Just as our other freedoms in this counrty we smokers should have the right to smoke in a bar. If you don't like smoke then dont go to that bar. It should be the owners choice.
Fat people should not be allowed to eat at McDonald's, it is "unhealthy"
Ohio voters have absolutely no clue. The economy is not doing well, there are plenty of non smoking establishments, and now there will be many bars that will either go out of business or struggle. The business owners should have been allowed to continue to dictate the smoking and non smoking policies of their businesses. There are many places that are smoke free,even in Strongsville. Between this and the casinos not passing, the ignorant voters will see that the economy will get worse and unemployement goes up yet again. The enforcement of this absolutely ignorant new law is going to be interesting at best.
I moved here from California last year and the voters passed a smoking ban in public places some 20 years ago in California. I've heard the "businesses are going to lose business" statements before, and actually a lot of businesses flourished because non-smokers actually started to go out and spend there money knowing that they were not going to go home smelling like a ash tray. Welcome to the 21st century Ohio.
I absolutely believe it is a persons right to smoke if they so chose!!! But I also believe that their right to destroy their own lungs and health shouldn't infringe on mine to breath clean air. People keep wining about "rights" being taken away and don't stop to think about how that "right" is affecting people who want nothing to do with smoking
I would like to mention a quote that was in one of my alma mater's publications. When asking students to comment on the campus becoming smoke-free a smoker commented in anger, "We were here first," and then finished by saying non-smokers should then obviously have to just find new places t