STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

I just have to say, that I at this moment am a nonsmoker but, I fall off the wagon at times an smoke for a few months before quitting again. I am also an ex bartender, server, cocktali waitress. I live in CA and we have had this ban for a while (and I think we are getting of just got the 25 ft rule too) and I like it for several reasons.

I smoke(ed). That is my decision. Others may not, I respect that. If I need to smoke I can go outside. I do not think I have any right to make someone else uncomfortable, ill, or anything else with my bad habit. I will not even smoke on an outside patio if people are eating.

I hated bartending and having to breath smoke all night. My snot would be brown, I would wake up with a heavy feeling in my chest etc. Those employees should not have to breath that, even if they smoke, being in a bar with people smoking all night long really adds up.

As far as my rights go, I can still smoke if I want to. But can those who dont want to stop breathing? Rights vs. common courtesy no question for me.

In CA it took some getting used to but it is no big deal here. People just go outside, we are pretty lucky the weather is usually pretty good.

Irene- I just want to say that if people had as many beers a day as cigaretts or were addicted at all, they can die from cancer too. liver, heart etc. Drunk driving is not the only reprocussion with steady drinking.

Drinking is regulated as well, just in a different way. You cannot walk down the street with a beer in many places, drive or even an open container, certian distances from schools etc.