Need HELP regarding Greenleaf legislation

[BDR]

I've been asked to do a piece for the Huntingdon newspaper about the potential impact of a smoking ban on area pubs. I'd like to use quotes from those directly impacted by the idea — area musicians and club owners.

To anyone willing to contribute thoughts on whether a smoking ban is a good idea and why, either respond with your opinion in his thread or PM me. I ask that you include your full name, along with your city of residence and your band/club name.

I see there is a lengthy thread pertaining to this issue, but I want to get specific permission from interested parties to use their thoughts in the story. If you want, you can just authorize me to use your comments from the other thread by replying in this thread.

Thanks in advance for your help.

r:>)

[RobTheDrummer]

Hey, why don't you contact an area that has already had smoking banned and get some thoughts from those people.

[BDR]

That's part of it, for sure. Still, on top of that, I need local reaction, pro and con.

r:>)

[lonewolf]

Rob, here is a good report to look at about the NYC ban:

http://www.bantheban.org/archives/009491.php

If the proposed smoking ban would have a similar economic impact on local taverns as there was in NYC, it would be disastrous. New York taverns reported an average customer decline of 30% after their ban. With the possibility of DUI another concern, I believe that there would be an even steeper decline in rural areas where there are no metropolitan public transit systems.

This is not an issue of smoker's rights versus non-smoker's rights. This is a direct assault on private property rights on an unprecedented scale. If we allow government to ban otherwise legal activity on private business property, what will be next? Our homes?

Oh yeah...you have permission to use this Rob.

[Imgrimm01]

I cannot speak for the whole band But you may use my quote as

"Bobby Lee singer for THE GRIMM"

I believe that the ban on smoking would be yet another blow to the local music scene , a blow which it cannot handle, with the already ridiculous limit on blood alcohol levels and the PLCB's continuous harassing of local clubs about noise violations the last thing Club and bar owners need is another reason for patrons to stop attending rock shows." End Quote...

[HurricaneBob]

Well said Bobby Lee!

[ToonaRockGuy]

Feel free to use my comments.

[bassist_25]

Rob, if quoting me isn't a conflict of interest........

"The proposed legislation is an unconstinutional attack on the way private entrepreneurs are allowed to conduct business. The issue in question violates no laws of ethics, unfair business practices, or established environmental concerns. Criminalizing tobacco use would be another step away from the privitization of small business, and one step closer to government regulation.

Further more, the government itself stands to be adversely effected by the proposed regulation; the negative effect on the local economy would in turn cost the government hundreds of thousands of dollars in income, payroll, sales, and capital gains taxes. The conclusion is both the private business owner, and the government ultimatley lose in this situation." - Paul Rainey

[grimmbass]

I put up with the smoke because I like to play music, but.......

A non-smoker is not fouling anybody's air by not smoking.

A smoker IS fouling the air by smoking.

Second hand smoke is proven health risk.

Cigarrette smoke makes your clothes stink.

Cigarette smoke lines your nostrils with black tar.

If I run a private restaurant, I still have to comply with health standards in my kitchen, even though my place is private property. Businesses are subject to health laws. Why should cigarettes be an exception?

I don't think that cigarettes should be outlawed, but I also feel that people should be able to endanger the health of others. People should be able to committ suicide one drag at a time if they so choose, so long as I don't have to breathe their air.

I personally would love to play smoke-free clubs...unfortunatley there'd be no one in them.

I still love you, my smoking brothers and sisters, but I don't like cigarettes. I've lost too many people I care about to cigarette-related illnesses to feel anything but complete hatred for the tobacco companies (i.e. death dealers).

Kent, Bass, The Grimm

[RobTheDrummer]

Right on Kent.