Smoking, same rights as free speech?

[Rudyard K]

Originally Posted by Woody of TX

One person is smarter

Sorry. I've been busy.

[atlcomedy]

Originally Posted by Rudyard K

Sorry. I've been busy.

Don't worry, WTF has been driving the liberals nutz on the suicide thread with his unique ideology

Although I think they are going to get a keg and kiss and makeup

[Guest112113-3]

Originally Posted by Rudyard K

Sorry. I've been busy.

For a second there I thought you were waving a "Hook-em Horns" ! What happen to those Frogs after leaving Austin?

[doggie83]

GneissGuy has a valid point about liability of bar owners for the environment they expose their employees and customers to. In addition if a pregnant woman is an employee or customer, her fetus will also be exposed to second hand smoke. I suspect there is data to suggest that feti exposed to second hand smoke have a greater likelihood of developing respiratory illnesses (asthma for one). My local watering hole (smoking is still allowed in bars in San Antonio) had a bartender that continued to tend the bar while pregnant up until term. While that was her decision, her unborn child had no say in the matter. Her financial situation surely influenced her decision in that she makes very good tips working in a smokey bar. So she may have felt she really didn't have the option to quit and find a job elsewhere.
I also own my own business. Before I could get a C of O to be open to the general public, I had to satisfy certain ADA regulations regarding access to people with disabilities (handicap parking, handicap accessible bathroom, ramps, etc.). Because bars are exempted from the smoking ban in San Antonio, people with respiratory disabilities are denied access to these public establishments. This is discriminatory. If a bar wants to be open to the general public it should comply fully with ADA regulations.
This isn't a private property issue. I own the land and the building that my business is on. But in order to be open for business, I have to be in compliance with numerous city, county, state and US codes, rules and regulations. ADA, OSHA, TWC, IRS a veritable vegetable soup of dos and don'ts in order to offer my services to the general public. I don't know what the rules are for private clubs, but I would assume that a private venue may be exempt from many of these issues.
I use radiation (X-rays) at my business. OSHA mandates that the workplace environment be as safe as possible for my employees and clients. When taking X-rays, protective aprons, gloves, etc. must be worn to prevent unneccessary exposure. Perhaps the donning of hazmat suits when frequenting or working in smoking establishments will allow these businesses to continue to allow exposure to the general public of known carcinogens and toxins (joking).
Really, I like smokers. Some of my best friends are smokers. My Grandmother is a lifelong smoker and I love her to death. But I like to drink ice cold beer, play some pool or darts and socialize at my neighborhood bar, which I can walk to, without having to reek afterwards. I suppose I could move on down the road to Dave and Busters, but that would mean I'd be breaking the law (can u afford a DWI). Besides, I don't really like that atmosphere (lol).

[pjorourke]

Wait a minute. Let me get this straight doggie83. You have a bar that x-rays the patrons? Kinky!

[charlestudor2005]

Originally Posted by pjorourke

Wait a minute. Let me get this straight doggie83. You have a bar that x-rays the patrons? Kinky!

There are bars that have metal detectors at the entrance (and armed guards located frequently around the premises).