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retsuki03 · 03-02-2005, 06:50 AM

I live in Austin, TX and here some active people have collected enough signatures to put the issue of smoking on the ballot. Currently, we have a city wide ordinance than bans smoking in restaurants/bars if they don't make at least half there money from alcohol sales. This leads to virtually every restaurant banning smoking because none of the alcohol sales remotely approach 50% of their total sales.

This current policiy also has an effect on music venues in Austin (live music capital of the world). People under 18 cannot enter an all ages music concert unless smoking is not allowed. If smoking is allowed, people 18 and under cannot enter. This has put a noticeable strain on local bands (according to the local radio station yesterday).

The new ban would prohibit smoking at any indoor public place.

What are your thoughts on the issue?

I personally think, if it was good for businesses to ban smoking in their bar/restaurant, they would do it. No one is forcing people to go there, and if they don't like it, they can leave. The government should not be concerned here. It seems to me like an attempt to legislate utopia, rather than letting free people make their own decisions.

03-02-2005, 06:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
retsuki03 Crazy Location: Austin, TX	Smoking Ban I live in Austin, TX and here some active people have collected enough signatures to put the issue of smoking on the ballot. Currently, we have a city wide ordinance than bans smoking in restaurants/bars if they don't make at least half there money from alcohol sales. This leads to virtually every restaurant banning smoking because none of the alcohol sales remotely approach 50% of their total sales. This current policiy also has an effect on music venues in Austin (live music capital of the world). People under 18 cannot enter an all ages music concert unless smoking is not allowed. If smoking is allowed, people 18 and under cannot enter. This has put a noticeable strain on local bands (according to the local radio station yesterday). The new ban would prohibit smoking at any indoor public place. What are your thoughts on the issue? I personally think, if it was good for businesses to ban smoking in their bar/restaurant, they would do it. No one is forcing people to go there, and if they don't like it, they can leave. The government should not be concerned here. It seems to me like an attempt to legislate utopia, rather than letting free people make their own decisions.