What's your view on Pennsylvania's new smoking ban?

 Pennsylvania's statewide smoking ban became law Thursday, outlawing smoking in most public places. The idea is to make most workplaces smoke-free. [ Read PG story ]

What do you think of the new law?

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I called the county health department, tobacco free allegheny, and the state. No where can I find a list of places in the county where I can smoke. This ordinance was rushed into effect without the proper measures. I don't have a problem with the ban if they gave me a list of places where I can have a beer and a cigarette.

 I think the ban is about 10 years too late, and is riddled with loopholes, but it's a start. One can blame the tobacco companies for many of the problems with addiction to smoking, and I certainly do - especially with regard to the fact they are still marketing products to children - but smokers need to accept responsibility too. Secondhand smoke is not just 'stinky', it kills. I don't want to breathe it in, nor do I want my kids or anyone else's kids too, either. Next on the legislative agenda should be to fine any parent caught smoking in an enclosed car with any child under the age of 18. I hope this ban opens the door for more anti-smoking legislation. It's about time! And we should all thank a Republican (yes, a Republican!) for doing a large sharre on the work reagrding the ban, Stewart Greenleaf.

 

Larry Zalewski (Democrat), Mt. Lebanon

Alcohol and its effects are just as lethal as smoking and as offensive to people as smoking; but no one is on a big campaign to rid the world of drinking. I think the new law is discriminatory. If smoke is bad for people, why doesn't is have an unhealthful effect if you are in a casino or bar?? The only reason this law was enacted was so the lawmakers could point to something they actually did instead of just talking and to satisfy the insurance companies and special interest groups. Unless you belong and agree with special interests groups, the ordinary citizen has no rights today.

Kudos to Pennsylvania for finally passing this law.  Although I live in NY, my family often vacations in PA, and now we can enjoy going to smoke-free establishments and not worry about breathing in second-hand smoke as well as not smelling like cigarettes afterwards.  This happens to be great timing for us as we'll be coming to Pittsburgh next weekend.

The smoking ban is one of the best decisions made by PA in the last 10 years.  Not everyone smokes, and smokers should not have the right to light up anywhere they want.  The ban is not about citizen's rights, its about protecting our health.  If you want to smoke, and I'm ok with smokers smoking, just don't do it near me.  I don't want to die because of your deadly habit.  And as a former smoker who used to live in a state where smoking was banned - its easy to get outside and smoke.

It's about time!  I moved here from NY 6 years ago (where smoking was already banned in public places) and couldn't believe that you could smoke in a restaurant in this city!  Why should non-smokers have to put up with breathing in chemicals and smelling like a filthy ashtry?

 I believe the smoking ban is a terrible infringement on property rights. Nobody is forcing me to work in a smoker friendly business or visit such a place.  I am not a smoker, so when I go clubbing I know it will be smoky.  I assume the risk and have a good time.

Sure smoking is bad for your health, but, so is ice cream.  Nobody trying to ban ice cream.  All of us should be expected to make conscience decisions and then be an adult about the consequences.

Because with the exception of drunk driving, which I realize is a problem, smoking directly affects everyone whether they are smoking or not...if you are in a bar sitting next to me having a beer it doesn't directly affect myself or anyone else.

 In other words if i own a bar and i want to make it a smoking enviroment and tell non smokers to stay out smokers only i'm not allowed? Nice to live in America.

 Great! I wish the law was in public places when I started smoking, wasted a part of my life.

If you don't like smoke, don't go to bars.  If you work a bar, and don't like smoke, get a job in a restaurant.  Eat 'N' Park doesn't allow smoking.  Apply there.  Leave people who wish to enjoy a beer and a smoke alone. 

I have no problem with the smoking ban in PA. It's long past due. I do, however, take issue with the suggestion that residents take matters into their own hands when they witness someone violating the Clean Indoor Air Act. I have neither the time nor the inclination to engage in a conflict with someone, then complain to management, then file a complaint with the Health Department. If I manage the business where the event takes place, then it's my obligation to follow the law, post the proper signage, and hide the ashtrays! But as a patron of said establishment, I will not act as Big Brother. Is this how the state plans on policing this issue?

I am a smoker and a bartender and I believe what has occurred is an insult to my right as a citizen.  I agree that smoking should be prohibited in restaurants.  But for bar/restaurants that sell a low percentage (over the required 20%) of food should be exempt.  I feel it should be up to the individual owners to have smoking or non-smoking venues.  If they do chose to have smoking, that is where the government should step in and require a special ventilation system that will minimize the smoke in the facility.  Just like turning the channel when something comes on you do not agree with, you can chose the bar next door that does not have/or have smoking.  Small businesses will be affected tremendously and who will help, certainly not the government body of PA.

 

 

 If you own a bar or restaurant and payroll employees - you are required to pay for workers' comp insurance.  If your employee gets lung cancer from cigarette smoke and sues you - the workers comp insurance covers it.  But if you're a bar owner and not exempt from paying for workers comp insurance... you'll lose your bar and a whole lot more in the lawsuit.  Don't you find that frightening?