It has begun...

Post by **Jim Price** » Monday Aug 16, 2004

(Source: AP) -- If state Senator Stewart Greenleaf has his way, tobacco smoke will disappear from restaurants and other workplaces across Pennsylvania.

Greenleaf, a Bucks County Republican, wants Pennsylvania to join other states that have passed laws restricting where people can light up. Last week, Greenleaf introduced legislation to ban smoking in every public building in Pennsylvania, including all commercial establishments, restrooms, lobbies and schools. He knows it's an uphill fight, but he thinks public support for the idea is gaining momentum. Patrick Conway, president of the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association, opposes the measure. He says restaurant owners should be able to choose whether to go smoke-free.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Monday Aug 16, 2004

This is why we need more libertarians in office.

If this goes through, I wonder what I could get for my gear on Ebay. (because I doubt there will be anyone in the bars to play too)

Larry · Post by **Larry** » Monday Aug 16, 2004

People will still go out if all bars are smoke free. But, I do hate when politicians try to control my personal life.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Monday Aug 16, 2004

People would still come, but if we were to take a cue from New York, you can bet that we'll see decreased attendance. With the recent noise laws and the new BAC levels, this is another nail in the coffin that we could all do without.

As Lonewolf has already pointed out, it's not so much a question of smoker's vs. non-smoker's rights, it's a question of the government interfering with private business.

I really wasn't being serious about hawking my equipment; I love music too much to just quit. But if clubs aren't making enough money to support the hiring of bands, we might as well play in our basements.

ps: By saying "we", I'm not trying to speak my opinion for everyone, (because I know some people disagree) I'm just using the plural to encompass the scene in general.

tonefight · Post by **tonefight** » Monday Aug 16, 2004

So this will include all buisness establishments of any kind? Private Clubs also?

I think someone is trying to end the bar scene in Pa, Time to move to Vegas.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Monday Aug 16, 2004

When they began Prohibition (alcohol) , people just went underground, and drank in speak-easy's. Alcohol consumption per capita actually went UP. You know how it is... tell someone not to do something... ----->JMS

DisturbedViking · Post by **DisturbedViking** » Tuesday Aug 17, 2004

Time to go back to high school days. Smokin in the boys room.

lonewolf · Post by **lonewolf** » Tuesday Aug 17, 2004

tonefight wrote:So this will include all buisness establishments of any kind? Private Clubs also?

I think someone is trying to end the bar scene in Pa, Time to move to Vegas.

I think the deal is that smoking would be banned anywhere there are employees. Its the old O.S.H.A. trick.

DMFJ03 · Post by **DMFJ03** » Tuesday Aug 17, 2004

Next, all the owners will be complaining about having to buy smoke deposits or all the butts in their parking lot.

bassist_25 · Post by **bassist_25** » Tuesday Aug 17, 2004

tonefight wrote: Time to move to Vegas.

Tuxedo - Check
Real Book full of Swing and Bop standards - Check
Lounge arrangements of popular songs - Check
Extensive repertoire of Elvis Presley tunes - Double Check