Smoking Ban --- We're Up to Our Ashes in Conversation
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Don't Like The Smoke . . . Then Go Away . . .
There's an old joke out there about the "Five Greatest Lies" that you will ever hear.
One of my all-time favorites is . . . "This is the last computer you will ever have to buy."
Another on the list is . . . "We're from the government and we're here to help."
The legislature (telling me that they are here to help) has its fingers in my privacy again. And I'm not sure I'm backing the governmental party line this time around.
THE NEW POLICY COMING OUT of LANSING: No Smoking . . . anywhere the public might gather.
Not so fast there, Sparky.
Here's how I see it. And know this before you read further . . . My building at 509 Center Ave in Downtown Bay City is SMOKE FREE.
DATELINE: BALDWIN: Baldwin, Michigan is a smoker's paradise. Most restaurants in Baldwin have a NO-SMOKING TABLE, not a no-smoking section. Everybody smokes in Baldwin, MI.
But the Lighthouse Restaurant (in Baldwin) announced formally on May 1, 2008 that it was going SMOKE FREE. Mario (the owner) has big yellow signs outside his eatery announcing "SMOKE FREE, SMOKE FREE, SMOKE FREE."
Mario made a a business decision. He (and here's the operative word)CHOSE to be SMOKE FREE. If he chose wisely, he wins. If he chose badly, and loses business . . . well, he loses big time.
I like the fact that Mario took the opportunity to make a personal choice on May 1, 2008. He made it HIS CALL.
Another perspective . . .
DATELINE: CHICAGO: I just read where the smoking ban in Chicago has hit a snag. First, the bar owners are not enforcing the mandate. And secondly, the Chicago police are also looking the other way because the police feel awkward enforcing a law that puts them (police) in a no-win situation.
For the Health And Well-being of the People
Seat Belts, Kid Car Seats, Motorcycle Helmets, Prohibition
Our government has always been quick to move on issues that are for the "common good."
A few that easily come to mind are: Mandatory Seat Belts; Car Seats for little ones; Motorcycle Helmet Laws . . . well, you get the idea. And of course, there was the No-Drinking Prohibition fiasco of the 1920s.
Now, along comes the State-wide no-smoking legislation of 2008.
It seems logical TO ME that the "Market Should Dictate" what is needed and not needed .
I am in the advertising and news-gathering industry. I am out-and-about on a frequent basis. My list of places to "loiter" include the Stables Martini and Cigar Bar (West Side). In addition, I have, on occasion, stopped to visit with Tim Socier at Timothy's Fine Tobaccos on Bay City's East Side - http://www.timothysfinecigars.com/
Both of these establishments have worked hard to fill a niche in the community. Both have been successful in marketing their business concept. Both concepts involve a lit tobacco product.
And now, the government (who says they're here to help) is about to lay down a law that says "NO SMOKING" in these two businesses.
I say . . . If you don't like the smoke, don't go inside.
Socier agrees. "If my customers cannot come in and smoke, I'll lose half my business," Socier said. "In a state (Michigan) that has the worst economy in the union," Socier continued. "Now our lawmakers want to hurt our business even more. Brilliant," Socier said.
Tony Jeske, manager at Old City Hall (Downtown Bay City) echoed Socier's comments. "My restaurant is smoke free. My bar is not," Jeske said. "Let the customer make the call. The market will dictate smoke free or not," Jeske said.
I totally agree with Jeske and Socier.
I suggest something simple yet intelligent -- How about something like the Movie Rating System (G, PG, PG-13, R,).
But . . . With respect to smoking preference, this time it's easier since there's only TWO CATEGORIES - Smoking and Non-Smoking.
Just put a sign on door -- Smoking Allowed Inside . . . or . . . No Smoking Allowed Inside. Simple as That!
And here's a novel idea . . . Let's allow the owner of the bar or restaurant make the decision. After all, it's the business owner that has the sweat equity in the business venture.
And then the patrons . . . the people spending the money (hurray for capitalism) . . . can decide if they want to go to Mario's Restaurant for Smoke-Free breakfast or if they want to smoke a cigar while they sample a Mexican Sampler Platter at Stables. Or dinner on one side of Old City Hall and a drink and a smoke on the bar side.
And maybe 10-15 people, that enjoy a cigar every once in awhile, can get together and mingle at Tim Socier's Tobaccos. And the only people affected will be other smokers . . . smoking cigars.
And the people that don't want to be around smokers, can stand around outside - pointing angry, accusing fingers - looking through the window - and see the cigar puffers having fun.
I remember an old MTV advertisement . . . It went like this: If it's too loud, maybe the music's not for you.
If the music's too loud . . . turn it off.
If a TV show offends you . . . stop watching.
If the movie is not your style, don't go.
This logic works equally well for smoking and non-smoking preferences when it comes to bars and restaurants.
I think I speak for bar owners and restaurants everywhere. It's my bar/business. I choose to allow smoking in my bar/business. If you don't like it . . .
Go Somewhere else.
If they're wrong . . . Let the customer decide. They'll figure it out.
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O. J. Cunningham |
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