Smoking Ban approved in State of PA

[Bradster]

http://www.philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20080611_Pa__smoking_ban_approved.html

HARRISBURG - After months of debate, the Senate yesterday overwhelming approved a bill to ban smoking in virtually all public places and most work sites throughout Pennsylvania.
It effectively bans smoking in all public places including hospitals, schools and sports facilities. It bars smoking in taxis, trains and buses and in train and bus stations. It also eliminates smoking in all restaurants.

I believe that within several years we are going to see legislation to strengthen the law and place more broad restrictions on all public places in the state," said Greenleaf.

Ok, the smoking inside deal, I’m ok with. Smoking outside of an entrance way I'll even give you that provided we have an alternative spot with an overhang to stay out of the weather. We are human too you know. But to ban it in public, wonder how long it would take me to be locked up for life if that ever happens.

My place of work decided to put out its own policy on smoking. There is no smoking on the grounds allowed now. The funny part is to get off the grounds is like 2 miles. Today a rent a cop stopped me and said "You can't smoke here". I asked why? he said "because there is no smoking on our grounds". To which I replied, "Do you see where i'm standing? this is the road, which is controlled maintained and owned by the borrow, if you have a problem with me smoking on their properpty then you better take it up with them. Its out of my hands on what they enforce".

He looked at me annoyed but what could he do, I was right. he drove away pissed

OWNED

[SaltyPoison]

Yea, they did this in Arizona a few years ago. At the time I was a smoker, but it really didn't bother me. Its great to go to the bar now and not come home smelling like an ashtray. And, almost everywhere now has a patio to hang out on!

[Xzin]

Smoking is horrible and is clearly linked with death. But I will defend your right to do it. Just don't do it around me. It is nice to be able to go into a bar and not have to bring my own SCBA tank just to be able to breathe.

[thinus]

But if you're going to use "second hand smoke" as a reason to ban, you better outright ban alcoholic beverages as well. Because you can't stop someone from drinking and driving unless you remove the substance alltogether. Sames for smoking really.

Uhm, that makes no sense. Driving drunk is illegal. Smoking in public places is illegal. Driving drunk is illegal due to second hand damage done to other people. Smoking in public places is illegal due to second hand damage done to other people. I don't see where there is a difference. The important thing is that they are now legally admitting that second hand smoke is harmful to other people.

And banning alcohol has been tried before, I am sure organized crime would love alcohol/tobacco to be banned.

And I second the opinion of being able to go to a bar/club and come home not smelling like an ashtray. The smoke goes into your clothes and your hair and smells pretty awful to me. Over here in NZ they have made the change a long time ago. There are no more smoking/non-smoking sections anywhere. You can't smoke in most public places period. NZ seems to have a relative small percentage of smokers anyway so I hardly notice it ever. You do still get the smoke waft now and then when the 1 or 2 people at work that do smoke come back from a smoke break and walk by you. We have 1 or 2 designated smoking spots, both outside, at our company.

[Ughmahedhurtz]

My only concern in all this is "Where does it stop?" Once people start generically approving "protect you from yourself" legislation, it opens up a whole host of potential abuses.

[Qlimax]

Smoking is horrible and is clearly linked with death. But I will defend your right to do it. Just don't do it around me. It is nice to be able to go into a bar and not have to bring my own SCBA tank just to be able to breathe.

Way to steal that old philosopher's qoute and adapt it ;P "I do not agree with what you are saying, but will defend to the death the right for you to say it"

[thinus]

My only concern in all this is "Where does it stop?" Once people start generically approving "protect you from yourself" legislation, it opens up a whole host of potential abuses.

Its not "protect you from yourself", its "protect other people from you".

[Bradster]

I agree with no smoking inside. For the same reasons non-smokers don't like it. I've always been pretty considerate when it comes to smoking, i always pick a spot out of the way. I keep it away from my so my cloths don't stink, I also wash my hands after every smoke break. There's people that i've worked with for 2+ years and just recently found out I smoked from my rant about the rent a cop today lol.

As far as the new law no smoking in public buildings I totally agree with it. The thing I have a problem with is work places taking it to the next step, then of course if they ban smoking in public entirely, it's unconstitutional.

[Ughmahedhurtz]

My only concern in all this is "Where does it stop?" Once people start generically approving "protect you from yourself" legislation, it opens up a whole host of potential abuses.

Its not "protect you from yourself", its "protect other people from you".

So you're telling me, from the context of the rest of this thread, that there is scientific evidence that people have indeed suffered from cancer because of second-hand smoke inhaled at outdoor work sites? Or from bar/restaurant smoke?

[Anozireth]

We've had a law almost exactly like this in Washington for a couple years now. No smoking indoors in public places or within 25 ft of the entrance. I like it, it's nice to be able to go to a bar or go bowling and not come home reeking of cigarettes. :thumbup: