The New Intimacy

In what places do you believe smoking should be banned?

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Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
With NYC now declaring that smoking is banned in parks and beaches as well as in bars and restaurants, I wonder what EF thinks about having the freedom to light up where you'd like.

Please select all appropriate answers.

If you think that it should be permitted in some place but only in a smoking section, please select that patrons should be permitted to smoke there.
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
I think smoking should be permitted in bars/clubs.
60
I think smoking should be permitted in restaurants.
19
I think smoking should be permitted in places of businesses/office buildings (separate from food facilities and supermarkets).
8
I think smoking should be permitted in delis/supermarkets/other places where food is sold
1
I think smoking should be permitted in retail stores/malls/shopping centers.
3
I think smoking should be permitted on public sidewalks.
68
I think smoking should be permitted in amusement/theme parks.
41
I think smoking should be permitted in healthcare facilities/hospitals/clinics/doctor's offices.
2
I think smoking should be permitted on beaches.
52
I think smoking should be permitted in a private car.
92
I think smoking should be permitted on public transportation (including subway stops, bus stops, train stations, etc.)
8
I think smoking should be permitted in apartment building/condo/multifamily housing unit public areas (lobbies, hallways, etc.)
23
I think smoking should be permitted in this other place you totally left out.
15
I do not think smoking should be permitted in any of these places.
39
Other/I'm Just Here For the Party/I'm a Heffalump
20
Total votes: 451 (134 voters)
Poll is closed
02/03/2011
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Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
I think it should be permitted anywhere outdoors and in a person's own car. Smoke dissipates relatively fast outside, so if people are too stupid to stand far enough away from a smoker not to be offended, then that's their problem.

It always irritates me how people jump on the high horse about smokers ANYWHERE, yet they don't bother to stop and think about how much perfume bothers a lot of folks. Ever have to stand behind a woman in line who has apparently bathed in a bottle of Dollar General's best? It's 1000x worse.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by Alan & Michele
I think it should be permitted anywhere outdoors and in a person's own car. Smoke dissipates relatively fast outside, so if people are too stupid to stand far enough away from a smoker not to be offended, then that's their problem.

It ... more
LOL.

Yeah, my boyfriend's a smoker and I'm not.
And it only bugs me when he and all his friends smoke around me.
I usually busy myself in the kitchen or he goes outside, or cracks open a window.
But, it should be allowed most anywhere. Just get away from them.

Now this one guy kept smoking in a packed stadium for a kid's soccer game and he was just puffing away, that was sort of annoying.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Gallowraven Gallowraven
I am a smoker, while I agree that there are certain areas smoking should be restricted. I think any outdoor public place should be smoker friendly. If it is really that big of a deal put an ashtray out, and paint lines on the sidewalk for designated smoking areas. people are going to smoke, and all these health nut non smoker activists need to mind their own business.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Gallowraven Gallowraven
Quote:
Originally posted by Alan & Michele
I think it should be permitted anywhere outdoors and in a person's own car. Smoke dissipates relatively fast outside, so if people are too stupid to stand far enough away from a smoker not to be offended, then that's their problem.

It ... more
yea, the smell of smoke, I will admit isn't the best, but someone who has decided they should wear 5 gallons of perfume, or in some cases cologne is so much more offensive. it makes my nostrils close up and my eyes start to burn.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
Quote:
Originally posted by Gallowraven
I am a smoker, while I agree that there are certain areas smoking should be restricted. I think any outdoor public place should be smoker friendly. If it is really that big of a deal put an ashtray out, and paint lines on the sidewalk for designated ... more
If you can figure out how to keep the smoke in the painted area that would be fine. But as we all know the smoke wafts beyond the restricted area to damage those of us who are smart enough to avoid the known health risks of smoking and second hand smoke.

My father smoked and long before it was fashionable he forced himself to smoke outside. We lived in a rural area so the only people he offended were squirrels.

Later in life I had to share an office with a smoker and got exposed to smoking in so called no smoking areas of airplanes - even though the air was recirculated.

I'm luck enough to have benefited from the activists who pushed for the elimination of smoking in aircraft, rental cars, restaurants and other public venues.

Hopefully you'll find the strength to stop - you will be far better off once you do - best of luck.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Rarity Rarity
I don't think smoking should be allowed where there are large groups of people who might potentially be offended by the smoke. There are loads of people who smoke on the streets and I die a little every time I have to walk right behind them because it is too crowded to walk past them.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
Quote:
Originally posted by Gunsmoke
If you can figure out how to keep the smoke in the painted area that would be fine. But as we all know the smoke wafts beyond the restricted area to damage those of us who are smart enough to avoid the known health risks of smoking and second hand ... more
Respectfully I have to point out that there are more health risks in walking down a city street (think traffic exhaust fumes) than there are from walking past a smoker, so I wouldn't worry too much.

And please don't assume that everyone who smokes wishes to quit. I'm sure that there are habits that you have and enjoy (maybe coffee? a favorite junk food?) and you might find it absurd if everyone seemed to think you wanted to quit those things. Many smokers feel the same.
02/03/2011
Contributor: buzz buzz
I understand that smoking can't be done in buildings, and I like this. However what I don't like is all the people who smoke right freaking next to the entrance doors!!! Walking through 10 people's cloud of smoke is horrible for me. I start a coughing fit and have to tell myself to keep walking in order to get out of the smoke. I don't mind people smoking outside or what not, I just wish they would consider how much their smoke affects people who don't smoke.
02/03/2011
Contributor: BluePixi BluePixi
As someone who tends to be sick for several days after coming in contact with strong odors or idiots with leaf blowers. I don't think smoking should be allowed indoors except for private residences. Outdoors should be allowed some places so long as it is an open area and not near the entrance of a building or on a major walkway. It really sucks to get a face-full of smoke because some jerk doesn't think they can survive the 15 seconds it would take them to walk over and sit on a bench 30 feet from the entrance of a building; the trouble breathing, fever or rash that may follow aren't much better.
I don't care if you want to waste your money on chemical soothers but for heavens sake keep it away from me. I can't say that I am fond of the nitwits who pour on the perfume or cologne either.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Yoda Yoda
I get sick with one or two breaths of second-hand smoke. Some smokers don't even realize how destructive their habits are to others.
02/03/2011
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
I think smoking should be allowed in private residences and vehicles period (if the owner is ok with it). I'm not a fan of laws and ordinances that regulate a legal activity in a private residence or property.

I feel bad for people who can't be around smoke and have issues walking into/through an area where smokers do their thing; I can't be around heavy perfume either. Unfortunately, you can't legislate consideration...
02/03/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
I have no problem with smoking in a private residence or vehicle. I smoke in my car and if I want a cigarette when I'm home I go outside. I don't do it because it's "fashionable," I do it because I don't like the way smoking inside smells. My car doesn't even smell like smoke unless I've just put the cigarette out, and friends of mine that don't like smoke at all never say anything about my car.

Outdoor public areas are a little trickier. If you're in a thick crowd, just wait. If you're by a doorway, go somewhere else. But even a large crowd of smokers in an outdoor area doesn't always create a huge issue. The only bar I ever go to has a large outdoor area for smokers and I think there's one time, maybe, in the 2 years I've been going there that I've ever had a problem, and I happened to also be sick.

Indoor places I'm pretty ok with having a smoking ban. But, I think that if a business is willing to cover the expense of making an indoor smoking area that's completely separate with its own ventilation system, that should be allowed.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Darling Jen Darling Jen
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I think smoking should be allowed in private residences and vehicles period (if the owner is ok with it). I'm not a fan of laws and ordinances that regulate a legal activity in a private residence or property.

I feel bad for people who ... more
I so agree, JR. Though I may not like it, people should be able to smoke in their privately OWNED (not borrowed or rented) property like their home or car. But in places that I have to be? No thank you.

My university banned smoking on school grounds anywhere within 100 feet of a school building, leaving only the flag pole in the middle of the HUGE campus for smokers unless they walked off campus and into the city. Yeah, they were pissed. And I totally get the "freedom to do what you want" thing. But I had to leave my dorm at sometime and walk into and out of school buildings multiple times a day. So each time I was walking through a crowd of smokers. I have sensitivity to it which aggravates old asthma and that smoke tends to get itself embedded in the clothing I'm wearing. I say my right to health comes before your right to give yourself cancer. They didn't ban the practice, just where you can do it.

As for public parks, I'm all the for the ban. When I think of parks, I think of parents pushing baby strollers, kids throwing ball and playing tag, and families picnicing together. Infants and children I think are the epitome of who should be protected from smoke since they're not even of age to make the decision themselves of where they want to be (i.e. if they want to avoid the smoke) because their parents have full control.

And as for a point that I hadn't even considered until my mother (an ex-smoker) brought up to me: for restaurants and businesses, will you as a customer subject your server/waiter (who may be ill, sensitive to smoke, asthmatic, or pregnant) to your smoke just because you feel it's your right to have a puff while eating? They have to make money to pay their bills and they can't just up and leave their job to get away from smokers.

There's definitely a balance that has to be made between the freedom and rights of smokers to do as they please as responsible adults and the freedom and rights of non-smokers who choose not to engage in that activity.

Hey! How about all smokers move to that new fangled fake cigarette that contains nicotine but only releases water vapor??? There's no smoke OR ash as a by-product.

/end wall of text.
02/03/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
I'm happy to see the responses thus far! We stopped going out to our favorite local bars because smoking was prohibited and we were forced to congregate in a huddled mass outside - 20 feet away from the door - like a colony of lepers. It's like people think smokers aren't aware that it's a dirty, nasty habit. But, damn it it's a habit we enjoy! Huzzah! I would love to see a very well thought out study on the loss of revenue for establishments that sell alcohol but smoking was not permitted. In my area it's hit or miss and we only know two bars where we can drink and smoke. Oh and if you have to smoke outside, you can't take your drink with you unless there is a patio and there's usually some mother or grandmother giving you the stink eye because you're fifty feet away and exhaling in the opposite direction. It's very uncomfortable, so we just stay home. Why should I pay a 300% mark up AND not be able to smoke on top of that when I can spend $1.50 a drink and smoke until my lungs crawl out of my body?

It's weird how they get away with it too. The way our liquor laws are set up here, food has to be a certain percentage of the sales so there is no such thing as a straight up bar in a lot of the towns. This makes the establishment a "family" restaurant. Can't purchase alcohol on Sundays from a liquor or grocery store. BUT, you can smoke in establishments that are 18 and up. Can't watch a football game in a club but you can in a sports bar you can't smoke in. It's frustrating as hell.
02/03/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Quote:
Originally posted by Darling Jen
I so agree, JR. Though I may not like it, people should be able to smoke in their privately OWNED (not borrowed or rented) property like their home or car. But in places that I have to be? No thank you.

My university banned smoking on school ... more
And as for a point that I hadn't even considered until my mother (an ex-smoker) brought up to me: for restaurants and businesses, will you as a customer subject your server/waiter (who may be ill, sensitive to smoke, asthmatic, or pregnant) to your smoke just because you feel it's your right to have a puff while eating? They have to make money to pay their bills and they can't just up and leave their job to get away from smokers.


They also have the right to not work at that particular restaurant and I have the right to not patronize the establishment because smoking is prohibited. I do agree that there need to be limitations on where smoking is allowed. But smokers also need a few establishments where they can go and let loose. The filtration technology available is amazing these days and I have been in places that have installed them. With a room of 50 people lighting a cigarette every few minutes, the room never got smokey. It wasn't a field of lavendar, but there was no visible smoke in the air.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
Quote:
Originally posted by PussyGalore
I'm happy to see the responses thus far! We stopped going out to our favorite local bars because smoking was prohibited and we were forced to congregate in a huddled mass outside - 20 feet away from the door - like a colony of lepers. It's ... more
It's not about restaurant or bar revenue. It's about the health and safety of the staff and other patrons.

I mentioned my father was a smoker. On his death bed, 40+ years of tar from his lungs tried to get out. The black goo was too much to endure - I felt so sorry for him. But just the thought of that is enough to expunge any thought of smoking, maybe the thought of this happening on ones death-bed may give others pause as well.
02/03/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Sidewalks as long as it isn't crowded. (I'm short and I have been burned by cigarettes in public many times.) Private cars, as long as children or people who object aren't in the car. And, no, opening the window doesn't make any difference.

I HATE cigarette smoke, my kids have asthma, My Man smokes, but only outside. Yesterday he thought he had a free pass "because it's so cold out" Nope, he CHOOSES to smoke. If it's "too cold" he can buy some nicotine gum or patches or he should have thought about that before winter came.

I have noticed a huge decrease in asthma attacks in my kids, pneumonia and bronchitis and a my migraines since I finally put my foot down a few years ago and took a stand and said "NO MORE smoking in the house!" Our pediatrician (after an other bout with pneumonia for two of our kids and bronchitis for the other one, and pneumonia for me a few years ago) finally told me, "Tell that man to take his cigarettes outside. I actually could call DCFS, but I won't. You're a strong woman, let him know it's harming his kids and you care, and he has to either stop or take it outside."

I did, and he occasionally tries to sneak a smoke inside (No, putting the cigarette in the fireplace doesn't work. I can still smell it!) and I always bust him. Usually, he makes the Law, but on this, because our health is involved, I really put my foot down.

Smoking in cars, when the other people in the car are opposed to it is really nasty. There is NOWHERE to go to get away from it.
02/03/2011
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Alan & Michele
I think it should be permitted anywhere outdoors and in a person's own car. Smoke dissipates relatively fast outside, so if people are too stupid to stand far enough away from a smoker not to be offended, then that's their problem.

It ... more
Cheap perfume is nasty, but it isn't a carcinogen and it won't cause pneumonia or bronchitis in children or adults.

I also notice (and I am being nice about this, I'm married to a smoker) always say, "And you can't even smell the smoke, it dissipates so quickly." No, THEY can't smell it.....they're smokers. It's a proven fact that smokers have lousy senses of smell. My Man can NEVER smell smoke, cigarette or otherwise. I know in an instant if he has smoked in my car, even if it is a day or two later and he left the windows open.

Let the non-smokers decide whether or not "you can smell the smoke." Chances are, if someone smoked there in the past 4 or 5 days, we'll be able to detect it. And if non-smokers can smell it, there is still particulate matter in the air and in fabrics, which means there are still carcinogens all over the place and able to infiltrate innocent people's lungs.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Angel deSanguine Angel deSanguine
Quote:
Originally posted by Alan & Michele
I think it should be permitted anywhere outdoors and in a person's own car. Smoke dissipates relatively fast outside, so if people are too stupid to stand far enough away from a smoker not to be offended, then that's their problem.

It ... more
The problem I have with smoking outside of restaurants and stores is even if a smoking area is provided there is ALWAYS a group of smokers so close to the entrance of the building they could be door decorations. I don't smoke, I quit over a decade ago (I have actually developed an allergy to it) and I have no desire to walk through a cloud of smoke that is going to make me reek and have to have my wool coat cleaned yet again so it doesn't smell like a damn ashtray.

While I do agree that the woman or man bathed in cologne does stink and sometimes gives me a headache and should be banned from the perfume department at least I don't have to take my clothes to the cleaners to get the smell out (unless I brush up against her and then it's my own fault.)
02/03/2011
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Quote:
Originally posted by Gunsmoke
It's not about restaurant or bar revenue. It's about the health and safety of the staff and other patrons.

I mentioned my father was a smoker. On his death bed, 40+ years of tar from his lungs tried to get out. The black goo was too ... more
I think there are a good many smokers who have thought about the end of life consequences and have decided they're okay with it.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Crystal1 Crystal1
Quote:
Originally posted by buzz
I understand that smoking can't be done in buildings, and I like this. However what I don't like is all the people who smoke right freaking next to the entrance doors!!! Walking through 10 people's cloud of smoke is horrible for me. I ... more
This is pretty much exactly what I was going to post! I hate when businesses place smoking areas RIGHT next to the doors!

I work for Major Florida Theme Park (ahem) and I like the way they have the smoking areas set up. They're a little off the beaten pack, where smoke isn't going to drift over and gag you.

I'm torn over smoking in bars. It gets frustrating that several of my friends can't go to see local bands play with me because they can't be around the smoke, but on the other hand, I get that it's a *bar*.
02/03/2011
Contributor: liilii080 liilii080
If you're outside, in your own residence/car, or a designated smoking area, have at it. If you're inside, on a plane, or in other tight quarters, then no. If you've got an e-cig with water vapor "smoke", do as you please but I get the right to snicker at the fake burning end!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Crystal1 Crystal1
Quote:
Originally posted by Gallowraven
I am a smoker, while I agree that there are certain areas smoking should be restricted. I think any outdoor public place should be smoker friendly. If it is really that big of a deal put an ashtray out, and paint lines on the sidewalk for designated ... more
Not everyone that dislikes smoke is a "health nut non smoker activist." A lot of people have allergies, asthma or other respiratory disorders that mean having to walk through a crowd of smokers to get into a building is going to result in them having trouble breathing, sometimes for several hours. I'm of the "do whatever you want as long as it doesn't hurt anyone" mentality, so if you're smoking in a place that's actually away from where people have to walk, I could care less.

I think a lot of people don't realize how smoke carries and the smell lingers. My sister smokes and I had to change the sheets on my bed after she sat on it the other day, the scent was so saturated into her clothes.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Gallowraven Gallowraven
Quote:
Originally posted by Alan & Michele
Respectfully I have to point out that there are more health risks in walking down a city street (think traffic exhaust fumes) than there are from walking past a smoker, so I wouldn't worry too much.

And please don't assume that ... more
you worded that much more elegantly than I could have.
02/03/2011
Contributor: markeagleone markeagleone
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
With NYC now declaring that smoking is banned in parks and beaches as well as in bars and restaurants, I wonder what EF thinks about having the freedom to light up where you'd like.

Please select all appropriate answers.

If you ... more
I think smoking should be up to the business owner. It should be allowed outdoors, anywhere. I do not believe the government that is in power now should throw away our personal freedoms that this country was based on. If government tells us what, when, how and why to do things, then democracy is dead and we live in a communistic type government.---Guess what, freedom is dead!
02/03/2011
Contributor: Jobthingy Jobthingy
Quote:
Originally posted by Alan & Michele
Respectfully I have to point out that there are more health risks in walking down a city street (think traffic exhaust fumes) than there are from walking past a smoker, so I wouldn't worry too much.

And please don't assume that ... more
And how about just walking across the street and getting hit by a bus. Really, there are more things to worry about. If a waft hits you, well guess what, *lights up a smoke* that one quick breath of itty bitty smoke is not going to give you cancer in 3.7 days. Like Alan and Michelle said, not all smokers intend to quit. I smoke. I love smoking. It is my vice. One day I am sure I will quit. Maybe I wont. But why should I stop something that may one day in many years kill me. If I get hit by a bus tomorrow that sure as heel is not the fault of my smoking.

What irks me more is that people are going above and beyond to allow pot smoking everywhere. Yet smoking a cigarette is a big taboo.
02/03/2011
Contributor: ahammer ahammer
Quote:
Originally posted by markeagleone
I think smoking should be up to the business owner. It should be allowed outdoors, anywhere. I do not believe the government that is in power now should throw away our personal freedoms that this country was based on. If government tells us what, ... more
i'm kind of the same way.. but I also will make sure any business that allows it will not get my money or employment.
02/03/2011
Contributor: Chilipepper Chilipepper
Lost revenue? Here's a funny story on that.

The diner I worked at in Montana had allowed smoking inside since it opened in the 1960's. When the state laws were passed to ban smoking in public establishments, the owner complied and informed her customers of the change. The old smokers at the counter bitched and moaned and told her she'd lose a ton of business because of complying with the law.

Those old men at the counter who did nothing but smoke and drink dollar coffee (with free refills) for hours on end never came in, and therefor actual paying customers were able to come in and order food, eat it, then leave for the next group of customers. Her revenue actually increased because the smokers weren't taking up room and paying only for coffee.

Depends on the types of people is all.
02/03/2011
Contributor: BluePixi BluePixi
Quote:
Originally posted by Jobthingy
And how about just walking across the street and getting hit by a bus. Really, there are more things to worry about. If a waft hits you, well guess what, *lights up a smoke* that one quick breath of itty bitty smoke is not going to give you cancer in ... more
the passerby may not get cancer but they may have a severe allergic reaction and end up dead or in a hospital, but its not your fault they have allergies is it?
less serious cases may have an asthma attack, hay fever(think flu-like symptoms), more typical allergy symptoms such as itchy burning dry eyes, rash, sinus headache, post-nasal drip which leads to a sore throat and infections.
so yes that itty bitty breath of smoke can and WILL make me sick for days and all I ask is not by the freaking entrance of the building I MUST enter and exit to get to class.
Parks and open space I could care less so long as its not crowded, your own home and car are none of my business. I am on the fence for other locations, depends on the type of business.
02/03/2011