Marylands' Businesses may be able to smoke until 2011?

As of February 1, 2008, Maryland has joined 20 other states in the national smoking ban. Several businesses have already complied with the Clean Air Act prior to the law taking effect claiming that it has improved their businesses. They have stated that second hand smoke has been a problem in their establishments, while other restaurant and bar owners worry about this immediate ban. Bars and Restaurants that feel that they have a 15% decline in food and beverage sales, over a two month period, can apply for a temporary "hardship" waiver. The waiver allows them to hold off on being smoke free until 2011.

How can we modify the smoking law...continued

Continued from previous post [click here]

I think I may have confused people with this, maybe you can help me out "Smoking for even numbered addresses on even numbered calendar days is permitted". Even numbered addresses would then become non smoking on odd numbered days. "Smoking for odd numbered addresses on odd numbered calendar days is permitted". Odd numbered addresses would then become non-smoking on even numbered days. A non-smoker would be able to find a restaurant to eat at everyday, and if you are a smoker you would be able to find a restaurant to eat at every day. I know its confusing but once I find a way to explain it out better, it makes sense compared to our present law where smokers can't go anywhere and smoke. Kinda like sharing all public places. I'm a smoker today is February 6th, I would find a bar or restaurant with an even numbered address, tommorrow February 7, I would be looking for a bar or restaurant with an odd numbered address. Sorry for the confusion...

Thanks,

Kevin

How can we modify the smoking law?

I am in no way qualified for politics. I thought this was very interesting. I would love to get some feed back and maybe find out your view. Also, If you have a way to modify our law, send it over to me at info@madurowoman.com

Q. In fairness to Proprietors, Employees, Smokers and Non Smokers, the new Illinois smoking law should read like this...

For Bars, Restaurants, Bowling Alleys and Casinos.

Smoking for even numbered addresses on even numbered calendar days is permitted.

Smoking for odd numbered addresses on odd numbered calendar days is permitted.

Employees can apply for Non Smoking or Smoking days.

This is fair to all, the antis will not have a leg to stand on once "second hand smoke" and the "employee health” is eliminated from their argument, this idea would do just that.

Let me know what you think?

Thanks,

Kevin


A. While it is a very creative idea, I do not think it is a feasible one. It causes too much confusion. The law is pretty flat when it comes to rule making. Either it is or it isn't. An idea of that nature would cause businesses to lose. Customers will be forced to not go to a bar or restaurant because there is smoking on even days. If a particular business would like to enforce that sort of rule then to each its own but to enforce a law of that nature would be confusing. One's ritual to dine out every Saturday would be reduced to maybe every other Saturday or simply they may opt to do something else all together. Honestly, I do not feel that the law should have ruled out smoking in these places all together. They should have really left it up to the particular businesses to enforce their own rules. The law should regulate unfairness and prejudice and allow businesses to practice a smoking or non smoking rule.

Breana Blaque

In response to the Illinois smoking ban- Part one

Article by Anthony M

In response to the Illinois smoking ban- Part one

I am saddened by the new smoking ban that has gone into effect in Illinois. By no means am I upset over the non - smokers wanting not to inhale second hand smoke when they go to a restaurant or when they visit and night club. What’s troubling me are those that do not want smokers to have a place of their own to enjoy the nightlife.

I am not a cigarette smoker but I do enjoy an occasional cigar and for the law to prohibit cigar lounges from serving a nice drink while I smoke my cigar is wrong. What’s worse is the new law will not allow a private cigar club the right to a liquor license or a license for the members to smoke in the lounges is absurd.

If I understand, what’s happening is that the owners of the same restaurants and bars would like for me to continue coming and to enjoy myself. But if I want to smoke, I would have to go outside. Hm mm, it’s funny they did not seem to mind when I was spending my money there prior to the new law. They did not raise a fuss over my rights then. But now the bar owners would like for me to just say OK , frequent their spot and still spend my money there.

Well if that’s the case, some free drinks should be provided for my inconvenience. So in response to the new law I will not go or spend my money there. I can buy my own food, my own liquor and my own music and I will frequent my favorite cigar lounges. If the law can not be changed to allow smokers to have an establishment, I will only spend my money at cigar/and other tobacco lounges. What has happen to us as a country?

Anthony M , owner of http://www.thevipcircle.com/

Fighting Back, the Public Smoking Ban

The Smokers club offer unique ways, almost semi-militant approaches to fight smoking bans. One suggestion was to smoke in a bar anyway since one really can't get arrested, but if caught, he/she would be fined. The smoking club offers examples on how this approach has been taken in various bars in NY. I can't see myself taking this approach. I am not interested in the penalty. But here are some interesting ways we can help. See link below:

Smokers Club Encyclopedia