chasm

Clearly, but I'm pretty sure that this is the same type of person who goes to McDonalds and orders a triple big mac value meal, super sizes it, and then orders a diet coke, just so they can save the 100 calories that a regular coke would add to their 3000 calorie meal. The world is full of them....

I'm glad you brought this topic to light, Tom. One of my biggest pet-peeves is smokers and their complete disregard for the rest of society. I’m tired of their misguided thought process that allows them to think it is their right to smoke in an enclosed room with me, so that I can suffer in the short term and the long term just so they can have their five minute high. I’m also disgusted that they believe they can just flick their butt onto any yard, park, or street they feel. If I were a cop I would constantly be on the look out for "butt flicking" rather than speeding. At $300 a flick for littering, I'm sure some regard might be instilled in these otherwise rude and inconsiderate people.

Yeah, I hate "butt flicking". First of all, it sounds GAY! But although its bio-degradable, it really makes everything look gross. There is no need for it. I prefer not to be stuck in environments with smokers, however I have to say, the recent no smoking bars in New Jersey are rediculous. I understand when I go to a bar, Im going to a place where people may be smoking. Kick it out of malls, offices, you name it, but these people have to have some place to go. That my 2 cents, CHA CHING!

I completly disagree. Hawaii had smoke free bars and restaurants, it was the best. You could actually go out and not come home smelling like the worlds largest ashtray. I have no problem with smokers feeling like they have no place to smoke, maybe if they begin to feel ostracized, it will discourage people from starting. Smoking is disgusting in the first place, and flicking the butts any old place is irresponsible. They take anywhere from 18 months to 10 years to degrade, and are the most common litter on earth.

I LOVE that you aren't allowed to smoke anywhere in Cali. It makes my day. I can go anywhere at any time, and no one can smoke. No coughing, so smelling. It's glorious :)

I dunno, I just have a tough time telling people they can't smoke at a bar. The rest of the establishments I think it is reasonable. But I think bars should be left to people and their devices. Should we outlaw more than say three drinks because people get too rowdy and start fights? Yes it is annoying, but I think they deserve some place they can go, especially in colder temperatures. Id hate if someone made me play Halo 2 outside! hahahaha

Ummm... actually there is a three shot maximum posted in most bars, I have no clue whether they enforce it or not, but it is there. And legally, a bar tender is not allowed to serve someone who is visibly intoxicated. Also, people do get thrown out and therefore no longer served for being to rowdy and getting in fights. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

Well, then shouldn't there be a "smokiness" maximum? "Sir, you've puffed over three full clouds yourself. We can't allow you to kill yourself any more today. Get a movin' now ya here?"

Drinking yourself into oblivion, unless you get rowdy and start kicking ass, does not directly affect others health. Secondhand smoke is actually more harmful than firsthand. I could care less if people drink until the cows come home. But, since I don't smoke, I do not feel the need to allow people to use my lungs as smoke receptacles.

I agree... :-) EXCEPT for bars. I think they are an "enter at your own risk" kinda place where that kinda stuff belongs. If an independent owner wants to make a smoke free bar, I think that is fine. I just dont think it should be a law.

I think we are going to agree to disagree on this one. It's funny, cause you don't even smoke, do you?

No I dont, in fact I hate it, and the smell is GROSS. However, I feel the need to fight for the little man, lets agree to disagree :-)

Just out of curiosity, Jon, who is the little man you talk about? Is it the large tobacco companies that reap the benefits while I fit the bill for greater health care costs because I contracted some second hand smoke disease? And what happened to the job of the government to protect the health of its people from any threat including its own population? Lastly, the most important reason why alcohol and smoking regulations at a bar should be different is because the reason for going to a bar is to drink; not to smoke, not breathe others' smoke; but simply drink. That is the purpose of the bar. Anything other than that should not be subjected to the masses.

Yes Berg, you who spends a significant amount of time at bars...... How has your health been affected by second hand smoke so far? And do you think your health is degraded more by second hand smoke, or pounding away the brewskies! CMON! This is such a line of shit. Believe me, I HATE CIGARETTE SMOKE! It smells gross and is a nuisance. However, Ill be damned if I am going to take away the only public place that it is allowed. If you want a smoke free place to go get drinks, go to a freekin restaurant. Lastly, dont hate the tobacco companies, hate the smokers who buy the product despite rediculous government taxes. Hey where is Languorous on this whole thing anyways :-)

I find it baffling that you fight so hard for the smokers. Hell, why not let people smoke their crack in bars too. Open the bar doors up for any kind of nasty, chemical induced euphoric feeling. I think it's crazy that people think it should be a right to smoke inside.

Jon!! Im surprised at you!!! tsk tsk, bars are the ONLY place left for smokers? If only that was the case. New York has had smoke free bars and restaurants for years (of course, another reason why my state is better than yours heheh)and even my friends who ARE smokers, agree that it is just. Not only is smoking nasty, but its rude and incosiderate for others. Do I take a swig of my beer, a sip of my soda, a gulp of my soup, and then blow the contents in the faces of others? Unfortunately, smoking has become a socially acceptable nasty habit. As far as Im concerned, its no different than spitting on the table @ a restaurant. I think and agree that smoking, in all its forms should be relegated to the outside... and even there, it doesn't belong.
Props to the restaurants, bars who are enforcing this statute!