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Y! MyWebState senators push smoking ban change
Moose Lodge 501's governor says proposed exemption may not come in time to save it.
COMMENT: Should private clubs be exempt from the smoking ban?
RELATED: Find local smoking complaints
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
MIDDLETOWN — Three state senators visited Moose Lodge 501 in Middletown on Tuesday, June 24, to promote a bill that would exempt private clubs and family-owned businesses from Ohio's indoor smoking ban.
Sens. Gary Cates, R-West Chester Twp., Bob Schuler, R-Sycamore Twp. and Bill Seitz, R-Green Twp., all co-sponsors of Senate Bill 360, were in town to drum up support for the legislation, which they hope to get passed by year's end.
But members and employees of the Middletown Moose, the largest Moose lodge in the nation, say that may not be soon enough to save them. Even with 10,000 members and daily raffles, the lodge might have to close its doors because of shrinking revenues, said Larry Turner, the lodge's governor.
The state smoking ban has cost the Moose an estimated $400,000 in lost beer and food sales during the past year, Turner said. And if business doesn't pick up, Turner said he would be forced to shut the lodge down and lay off its 45 full-time employees.
"I don't think we can last until the fall," Turner said. "We've done everything we can do, but the bills are the same."
Since the indoor smoking ban was passed two years ago, the Middletown Moose has been among the state's top violators. The Butler County Health Department has recorded more than 200 reported violations and levied a fine of $100 against the Moose in November, which the lodge appealed.
Cates said a "legislative change" is needed to help struggling lodges and veterans halls. He believes Senate Bill 360, introduced two weeks ago, is the answer.
About 100 employees and members of the Moose, Orioles, Eagles and American
Legion lodges cheered on the senators as they spoke. Some carried signs that read: "Let us light up!" "Save our lodge," and "Save our jobs."
No one sparked a stoggie in protest, as the senators were careful to remind the audience that "the law is the law."
Seitz, whose comments were greeted with a few "Amens" from the back of the room, told the crowd he wanted to "blow away the smoke screen of the anti-smoking zealots" who "bamboozled" voters in 2006.
Though the measure was approved with a 58 percent majority two years ago, the senators — and many of those in attendance — maintain that the bill passed because of its vague and sometimes "onerous" definitions.
Ana Mihajlovic, a spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society, a major backer for the original bill, said the new legislation "would pick and choose what employees receive protection" from second-hand smoke.
But Schuler argued that the original smoking bill did exempt private clubs and family-owned businesses, and this new legislation would merely clarify those provisions.
For Scott Maddox, a 30-year member of the Middletown Moose, it comes down to basic personal freedoms.
"We want our rights back," Maddox said.
Comments
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By Roger
July 6, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this
Four pasts back, I commented under, “Yes, Secondhand Smoke Is Harmful,” to make a point about some people who may be posting under more than one name.
Linda, you and I have debated many times, and we are the ones who discussed Issue 4 not defining a door as a solid door. And you like the word “Sheeple” a lot. If perhaps you are posting under multiple names, I hope it is not done to add to the perception of support for your cause.
A debate is best if it is conducted honestly and candidly.
By Roger
July 6, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this
And http://nisa-sids.org states on its website, that “Babies Sleep Best: 5. In a smoke free environment”
The website www.sidsinfo.us states: “Babies exposed to smoke have an increased risk of SIDS. In addition, babies and young children have more colds and other diseases when around smoke.”
When we expect to influence a debate using information, we should represent that information truthfully, not the way the information on SIDS has been presented here.
By Roger
July 6, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
Sids Alliance on its website states, “Cigarette smoking and environmental smoke exposure collectively represent one of the most lethal health hazards for women and infants.” (www.sidsalliance.org)
Under the topic of “Seven steps to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome,” www.cjsids.com states, “2. No smoking near the baby - Do not smoke during pregnancy and do not let others smoke near your baby.”
By Roger
July 6, 2008 8:58 AM | Link to this
One of my main criticisms of the people who debate the other side of this argument is the bad information they spread to support their cause.
Secondhand smoke IS a major risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and has been determined to be “causal.” People should not attempt to downplay this tragic risk to further their cause.
The “SIDS Foundation,” on their website under, says, “Keep your baby in a SMOKE FREE environment. If you are a smoker, do not share a bed with your baby.”
By Yes, Secondhand Smoke Is Harmful
July 6, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
Yes, secondhand smoke is harmful; its effects include lung cancer, heart disease, asthma, low birth weight, middle ear infection, and many other harmful effects. It’s hard to believe that some people will deny that.
Even Philip Morris, on its website, contradicts these denials when it states, “In children, secondhand smoke can cause conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, cough, wheeze, middle ear infections and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.”
By Dan
July 4, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this
Private clubs I beleave should be left up to the buisness owner. It is Private property with membership only. This is a violation of private property rights. The violation of business owner rights. and is now causing an economic impact on his/their buisness. the Free agency of employees to choose their place of work. Free agency of clientele to determine where to spend their money. Personally I would rather for smokers be inside an establisment with smoke eaters then poluting the outside.
By hiredgunn
July 4, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Private clubs I beleave should be left up to the buisness owner. It is Private property with membership only. This is a violation of private property rights. The violation of business owner rights. and is now causing an economic impact on his/their buisness. the Free agency of employees to choose their place of work. Free agency of clientele to determine where to spend their money. Personally I would rather for smokers be inside an establisment with smoke eaters then poluting the outside.
By hiredgunn
July 4, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this
Private clubs I beleave should be left up to the buisness owner. It is Private property with membership only. This is a violation of private property rights. The violation of business owner rights. and is now causing an economic impact on his/their buisness. the Free agency of employees to choose their place of work. Free agency of clientele to determine where to spend their money. Personally I would rather for smokers be inside an establisment with smoke eaters then poluting the outside.
By Sharon
July 4, 2008 3:33 AM | Link to this
Nice good blog!
By Sharon
July 4, 2008 2:08 AM | Link to this
Nice good blog!
By Sharon
July 4, 2008 2:07 AM | Link to this
Nice good blog!
By alijane
July 2, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
A vote for a smoking ban is a vote to put Mom & Pop small businesses out of business. It has happend across the nation as these issues come up. Small business owners at best make a living, maybe provide a few job and contribute to the economic stability of the community and the state. Big chains provide jobs and ship their profit out of state.
Adults can make the adult decison to vote with their dollars and support or not support a smoking establishment. Put a sign on the door!
By fuofcu
July 2, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Ahhh Roger, yet again the propaganda spouting, Big Pharma party line spewing little sheeple.
Your math regarding the voting percentage is hideously wrong. Your health claims have been debunked HUNDREDS of times, including the SIDS Foundation openly telling the ACS to stop LYING about SIDS being caused by SHS.
As for the financials of a private club. You know nothing..
Issue 5 ballot language was a LIE. The Issue 5 petition language was a LIE. ORC 3794 is predicated on LIES for $$$
By Tired of being lied to.
July 2, 2008 9:46 AM | Link to this
FURTHERMORE
Issue 4 stated EXACTLY what they were proposing in 2006. I had read some posts from Issue 5 supporters trying to redefine definitions of A DOOR concerning Issue 4 at the time to slant things. Surprised?
SFOs tried to weave their webs by deception. A door can’t really be a door and a private club really can’t be a private club…….
PRIVATE CLUBS WERE TO BE EXEMPT concerning Issue 5.
PERIOD.
THAT’s WHAT IT SAID AT THE BALLOT BOX and that’s what the Ohio VOTERS voted on
By Tired of being lied to.
July 2, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
SB346 is a bright light.
There really should be no need for it as Issue 5 stated that PRIVATE CLUBS were to be EXEMPT.
It was there in BLACK AND WHITE at the ballot box.
NO ONE can argue with that. Not even the tobacco control people getting on here clouding the issue with their usual SMOKESCREENS.
To know what SFO/Issue 5 meant by PRIVATE CLUB in their hidden invented language one had to go to the SFO site and read 5 pages in to find the deception.
Issue 5 as presented in 2006 was a farce.
By Linda
July 2, 2008 7:52 AM | Link to this
Do you know that the RWJF ?J&J funded the bans through the ACS,ALA,& AHA to secure the smoking ban? While Ohio business suffers losses & closings, pharmaceuticals are profiting from smoking cessation products? One reported funding to them is 99 million dollars. I think that could be called creating the problem that they have the answer / product for. For profit of course!!! Now ACS is trying through their statement to bring issue 4 back into play to cloud the issue of the exemptions on issue 5. Do they think people are idiots who can’t see through their ploy to once again fool the people
By Linda
July 2, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this
What part of the exemptions as listed do you not understand? PROPOSED LAW (Proposed by Initiative Petition) To enact Chapter 3794. of the Ohio Revised Code to restrict smoking in places of employment and most places open to the public.
The proposed law would: * Prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment;
By History Buff
July 2, 2008 2:51 AM | Link to this
I have to ask: Since tobacco is in the same FOOD group as broccoli, tomato, potato, green pepper and other foods, ALL containing nicotine, do you have any insight as to when those foods will also be put on the ban list? I gather many restaurants had best get prepared.
By kim
July 1, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
To the people who say 208 members of that Moose must not want smoking because they reported smoking in the club, that is not necessarily so. It is possible that a non-member couldn’t get in and it ticked them off so they called anonymously and made a false complaint. The constitution of the UNITED STATES gives you the right to face your accuser. Find out how many complaints are made anonymously, and I think you will be amazed. Remember, the government sends cigs to the guys in ration packs
By kim
July 1, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this
As canteen manager of VFW 3494 in Mansfield, Ohio, I know how much business we have lost since the smoking ban. I have had to cut our hours, lay-off employees and go to volunteer bartenders, who are officers of the post. Do people of this state realize how much money veteran organizations donate to cancer research, community programs, and all the military programs such as Military Assistance Program, which aids the families of deployed vets. What happened to our rights?
By Tim
June 30, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this
208 complaints out of 10,000 members. I bet out of those 208 compaints, there are multiple calls from the same people. So to say 208 people do not want smoke there is not a true statement. As far those “issues” about a “safe” work environment goes is CRAZY. Isn’t that what unions, OSHA and Management are for? Why is it the people in Ohio just can’t say they don’t want smoking because they don’t like it? Why make up all this untrue crap? The simple thruth is the money.
By Tim Hunt
June 30, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
I cannot believe people are still debating this issue. We have REAL issues in this state and I get angry that stupid people are wasting our leader’s time with this non-issue. Second smoke does NOT kill! All the non-smokers need to just wake up and do research. They will find it is not a health issue - it a matter personal preferance and that an issue for gov’t to regulate. This a FREE ENTERPRISE society. If you don’t want to smell 2nd hand smoke, DO NOT GO INTO a place that is smoking!!!
By Roger
June 29, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
And last, claims of financial loss by Moose 501 are disproven by the fact that they have 208 complaints against them.
By Roger
June 29, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this
And last, claims of financial loss by Moose 501 are disproven by the fact that they have 208 complaints against them. The ARE smoking, so any financial losses cannot be because they cannot smoke.
And where are the 208 complaints coming from? Isn’t it obvious that Moose 501 members want a smokefree environment? If not, how many complaints would it take? Don’t forget, these members are “paying members too.”
By Roger
June 29, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this
Third, the Ohio Licensed Beverage Association (OLBA) opposed the challenge of Issue 5 to exempt private clubs because they want a level playing field.
Fourth, since only 25% of the population smokes, these Senators are not representing “Private Clubs,” but only the minority of members who smoke.
By Roger
June 29, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this
First, secondhand smoke causes heart disease, lung cancer as well as other cancers, asthma and asthma exacerbation, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome among others. No one has the right to impose those risks upon others . Second, over 58% of Ohio voters voted for Issue 5, with only about 39% voting for Issue 4, which would have done what these Senators are trying to do.
By virgilk
June 28, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this
I have charts that show, only 17% of smokers die of lung cancer and if you look at most studies you will find that most smokers have no higher death rate than non-smokers at any age. I also have info on more than 150 studies and only 3 have a risk factor of 3 to 4. That is risk not known cause. The rest find no causation and some show a protective effect. The WHO study found that children raised in a smoking family were 22% less likely to get cancer. Put that in your pipe and smoke it.
By virgilk
June 28, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this
Concerned Doctor. I have an article that states that Doctors are the third leading cause of deaths in our U.S. and that the Health Industry is the leading cause. That includes Hospitals, Doctors, Health departments and Drugs. Another says, if smoking is at an all time low, why is Asthma going up every year. You may be part of the problem. Don’t believe everything the Drug salesman tells you would be good start.
By virgilk
June 28, 2008 4:15 PM | Link to this
I have read every comment and I wonder at some statements made by some who believe that their anti-smoking ideas are actually their own opinions. We are inundated 24/7 by misinformation from the EPA,ACS and other agencies that make their living using their fraudulent studies. If not for Big Pharma there would be no smoking bans. Every time a statement is made, if we stop and think, follow the money. Every ban costs every tax payer. Profit is made only by those who sell Smoking Cessation products.
By Toni
June 27, 2008 1:48 PM | Link to this
And, Furthermore, so called concerned M.D. I am 34 and I KNOW I will outlive you, so, I guess I will see you in Hell, because you have yourself up there on a pedestal like your God condeming all smokers to a sentence of death. HOW DARE you comment that we will die, of course jacka$$ we all will die someday, from one thing or another, WHO the HELL are you to tell me and the millions out there that we will Die, maybe you should look into another line of work or did Ringling Brothers kick you out
By Toni
June 27, 2008 1:29 PM | Link to this
You know what concerned Doctor, no you won’t have to tell me I have lung, cancer , you mook, How dare you!! My father is a cancer survivor double lung, and yes a smoker, but guess what chump? His lung specialist and oncologist told him it was you SOB, it was AK, how you feel now, you fool they also did not condone smoking but never stated that it contributed to it, GOD, you SOB, I love my father, and you have pi$$ed me off. I pity your patients
By Concerned MD
June 27, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
I am NOT a member of the Middletown Moose, but, my parents are…have been since way before I can remember. And, no they do not smoke! I do belong to a few other private organizations…and am so thankful that there is NO SMOKING! I am an Oncology doctor working in a major Cincinnati hospital…that specializes in cancer treatment. Not a day of my life goes by, that I don’t have to tell someone that they have very little time left. On a daily basis I am giving a smoker the news that they never want to hear. I find the comments on here ludicrous. You smokers have the audacity to call the non-smokers idiots and stupid. When you know that your nasty habit is killing you (and killing your family around you) who does that make stupid and idiotic? So, Mr. & Mrs. Smoking Moose Member…please take a look in the mirror and try to imagine how it will feel when I have to tell you that you have lung cancer and that I can do nothing for you and you WILL die! How will you feel then? How will your parents, children, grandchildren fill? Once you get the news (and you will) you will look in that mirror and call yourself an idiot…for not stopping the habit that is killing you!
By Toni
June 27, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
Go Doc Holaday-Best comment yet, Thank You
By jwi
June 27, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
Way to go Doc Holaday!! Best comment I’ve read. It’s called FREEDOM OF CHOICE, which the American people is having taken away! Is that because of too many “Activist” groups?
By Doc Holaday
June 27, 2008 7:07 AM | Link to this
Ok.. Let me get this right..The non-smokers have the right to tell me that people can’t smoke in my bar? It’s “MY BAR” If you don’t like smoke STAY THE HELL OUT!!Are non-smoker illiterate? I say,If I choose to put a large flashing sign in my window that says “This is a smoking establishment” Then if you don’t like smoke “STAY THE HELL OUT!!The non-smokers have the right to open a bar and make it a non-smoking bar if they choose. I bet my bar would be busier and a whole lot more fun. Cheers
By jelly
June 26, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
ohio fight for rights i live in california and you cant even smoke on the beach!!! but there are oil plat forms ,tanker ships,at least 50 or so bond fires also a dog beach and now there trying to keep us from smoking in are cars so remember for every law made freedom is lost
By Toni
June 26, 2008 1:36 PM | Link to this
Sue and Anita: I am positive, that I am going to lose sleep over your comments, and I wont debate the issue, of restaurants, but one thing is for sure for as many losers you think we are, we think of you as a stuck up stuck on yourself, self rightous, full of s**t, narrow minded, and did I mention you have no clue, except for the issues you choose? Stuck up beotch!! Be careful, you never know who u are sitting by, or who you may be around, think about that
By 501 Member2005
June 26, 2008 11:57 AM | Link to this
Smoking can be bad for you - So we ban smoking. Consuming alcoholic beverages can be bad for you - ban drinking? What next, fried food?
GINA - Way to go girl! TK - Thanks for the post bud (I appreciate what you do!) Lol, Toni said “beotches” ROTFLMAO :>)
By John
June 26, 2008 8:12 AM | Link to this
Bars and private clubs, including VFWs, have been closing for the past decade. And it was not because of a smoking ban since it didn’t exist then. Fewer people have been going to these places because they don’t want a DUI. The Veterans clubs have been losing membership for years and younger Vets are not joining. There are also too many bars and privsate clubs in some areas of the Dayton area.
By snowbird
June 26, 2008 1:53 AM | Link to this
I believe that non-smokers, like anyone else, have this right.
But how far does that right extend?
Should it take priority over someone else’s rights?
Court houses, publicly owned buildings and anywhere else an individual might be forced to go should properly be included in any smoking law. What should not be included are places located in or on private property,
providing an individual is not compelled by necessity or law,
to frequent or work at that specific location.
By snowbird
June 26, 2008 1:52 AM | Link to this
I believe that non-smokers, like anyone else, have this right.
But how far does that right extend?
Should it take priority over someone else’s rights?
Court houses, publicly owned buildings and anywhere else an individual might be forced to go should properly be included in any smoking law. What should not be included are places located in or on private property,
providing an individual is not compelled by necessity or law,
to frequent or work at that specific location.
By Dixie Belle
June 25, 2008 11:25 PM | Link to this
Hmm…I’m confused. I just read the article about the Moose and the smoking ban. It states that The Middletown Moose is one the state’s top violators with more than 200 reported violations. So, if this is a “private organization” that means that more than 200 members have filed a complaint! Sounds to me like the members have decided and are taking a stand! No more confusion!
By Dawn
June 25, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this
I have been a member of the Moose 501 for many years. I think the smoking ban is “right on.” And I personally don’t think that it has much bearing on the Moose losing money. I have been going every Friday (and the first Saturday of the month) for many years and the place always clears out…right after 9 PM. Once the numbers are drawn and one person has “hit the jackpot” everyone else leaves the building. Maybe, that 9 PM drawing time should be later, thus, keeping patrons hanging around longer. There are so many places around town losing money and closing up shop…due to the economy. I really don’t think the smoking ban has much to do with The Fashion Bug closing their doors…do you?
By Linda Cole
June 25, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
If smoking is so deadly, why doesn’t the government ban them all together? Could it be that people would still be getting cancer, and the government would have to answere for it? Ever heard of a scape goat? These same people whine they don’t want to be exposed to second hand smoke, but they will go to a club, drink like a fish, then get in their cars, and expose everyone on the road to the chance of a deadly car accident….GO FIGURE
By Linda Cole
June 25, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this
Why can’t the law be for both? If I own a club I should have the choice weather it’s smoking or non-smoking, not the government. Why don’t all you do gooders worry about the tainted beef, tomatoes, spinich, and everything else you consume on a daily basis? Not to mention the pesticides and fertilizers that is in everything you eat and drink. The air from AK, the fumes from the water waste systems. Do you honestly think they don’t cause cancer?
By Robb
June 25, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
I feel that clubs should be exempt since they are a place that you have to seek out and pay for membership. The voters stripped the freedom from these places and it was wrong and unethical. If you can’t ban cigarette sales then you shouldn’t be able to ban smoking in houses or private clubs. Don’t join a club if you don’t agree with its beliefs.
By Caren
June 25, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
oops! input….typing too fast..and proof reading quickly enough…lol
By Caren
June 25, 2008 7:47 PM | Link to this
Thank you for you intelligent imput Kevin
By Caren
June 25, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this
Hello love my kids……you are right we live in a wonderful country and the Middle East is a lot worse off than we are…but can’t you see the big picture? These bans on “right to choose” will escalate until we are in similar situations of those other countries.
By barfly
June 25, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this
I find it ironic that the Moose is claiming the smoking ban put them out of business when they are one of the biggest violators of the law. Maybe all the nonsmokers are going to establishments that are actually following the law to drink.
By TK
June 25, 2008 6:37 PM | Link to this
this is a private club issue not a restraunt issue. Yes i smoke but it doesn’t bother me that i cant smoke in an eating establishment.Now this is for the IDIOT who thinks people get paid for selling raffle tickets,making popcorn and being officers it’s all volenteers and if you notice you see the same people doing all the work because nobody else will do it.Lets relight at the 501
By Donna
June 25, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
When the people voted for the Smoke Free Ohio law, the language included an exemption for private clubs. Our Governor has publicly stated this as well. The Senators are correct in trying to amend the law with this exemption as it was voted on. This bill has co-sponsors from both parties as well.
By KELLY
June 25, 2008 5:19 PM | Link to this
I’ve smoked for over 20 years.smoke free for 2 years not by choice and no health problems.I don’t agree with smoking ban! This issue should have never been put on election ballot.The owners of these establishments always had the right to or not to allow smoking.Now the state tells us we can’t smoke here or there.
By Donna
June 25, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Sue, Question: Why would you work to pass a law that is 100% controlling? Even our governor disagrees with portions of it. Why couldn’t you have worked for a law that the vast majority of your Ohio citizens could have lived with?
By Donna
June 25, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this
Question: Why would you work to pass a law that is 100% controlling? Even our governor disagrees with portions of it. Why couldn’t you have worked for a law that the vast majority of your Ohio citizens could have lived with?
By Sue
June 25, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this
Obviously I don’t care if they smoke in private clubs. Go for it, but I disagreed with Anita’s post when I first read it, but now I have to agree with her. This group is waiting for the club to open? It is nice out go have your smoke outside. Toni, I am not a paranoid schizo, restaraunts were not for the most part were non smoking. I will work to fight this legislation too.
By Toni
June 25, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Sue we are all soooo proud of you for working hard, it was you and you alone who passed that bill, get over yourself. Your kids don’t have to breathe in the air, paranoid schizo, restaraunts, for the most part were non smoking, thats not what this is about, this is about a private club that pays its dues, and its members wanting a bill passed that lets us have a place to hang out, and have fun, don’t worry sweetie, smokers cant hurt you, just your opinions
By Toni
June 25, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Sue we are all soooo proud of you for working hard, it was you and you alone who passed that bill, get over yourself. Your kids don’t have to breathe in the air, paranoid schizo, restaraunts, for the most part were non smoking, thats not what this is about, this is about a private club that pays its dues, and its members wanting a bill passed that lets us have a place to hang out, and have fun, don’t worry sweetie, smokers cant hurt you, just your opions
By Donna
June 25, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this
Sue, the economy has NEVER stopped attendance at bars. A VFW Hall in the township next to mine has closed, and it wasn’t due to the economy. Thanks for your hard work on the Ohio Smoke Free law. Hubby and I now to go Vegas where he can enjoy a cigar with his beverage with other like-minded adults since that is illegal in Ohio. That’s an awful lot of money that’s not going to the State of Ohio.
By Donna
June 25, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this
Have the non-smokers bothered to go the Ohio Legislature’s website and actually read the bill before commenting, like I have? It’s clear that there would be far more non-smoking establishments than smoking establishments. Stop being paranoid.
By Sue
June 25, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this
Have the clubs looked at the economy of the state, the unemployment rate, the price of gas. Could that be the reason that why they are loosing so much money. I personally agree and worked hard to pass the No Smoking Ban (and love going out to eat and not needing to worry about my kids breathing in smoke) I think it is wrong to set up new legislation after the voters voted. Where were the smokers?
By Michael J. McFadden
June 25, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this
Mark wrote, “I wouldn’t take my kids into a smoke filled room.”
Mark, no one is proposing a change in the law that would require you to take your kids into a smoke filled room. There would always be plenty of restaurants that ban smoking even if there were no law at all. If you wanted, you could even pass a law forbidding parents from taking their kids to places where smoking is allowed or to events like NASCAR where the air is filled with gasoline fumes.
By Toni
June 25, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this
Anita: Oh my, what a can you have opened, I think I would resend, and apologize, because their are way more of us, that are reputable in those lodges, than there are of narrow-minded loosely opinionated idiotic, close minded, beauracratic, beotches like you, so, I would be careful, rather than open that up, dearheart. What’s the matter cupcake Moose refuse to take your application? Wake up sugar,
By History Buff
June 25, 2008 3:39 PM | Link to this
To Anita:
Your mentality is over whelming in the pit of stupidity.
Think about what you just said and try to figure out what this country would be if everyone was as narrow as you are in all catagories.
By Donna
June 25, 2008 3:33 PM | Link to this
The majority of Ohioans believed the Smoked Free Ohio law exempted private clubs (as it stated), and the Governor does as well. This is the LEAST that can be done to correct the debacle.
By DONNA
June 25, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this
When the people of Ohio voted, they belileved the language exempted private clubs, and our current Governor does as well. This is THE LEAST that can be done to the mistakes made with this law.
By GINA
June 25, 2008 3:18 PM | Link to this
I HAVE A COMMENT FOR H WHO WANTS TO KNOW WHY THERE ARE 45 PAID EMPLOYEES AT THE LODGE. I HAVE WORKED FOR 19 YEARS FOR 501 WE HAVE PAID EMPLOYEES TO BETTER SERVE PEOPLE LIKE U WHO TEND TO BE A LITTLE IMPATIENT WANTING A DRINK OR FOOD. I VOLUNTEER MANY HOURS SELLING TICKETS AND MAKING FRESH POPCORN AND MANY OTHER THINGS I DON’T REMEMBER SEEING YOUR NAME ON THE VOLUNTEER SHEET BUT FEEL FREE TO JUMP IN ANY TIME WE’LL TAKE THE EXTRA HANDS!!!
By Anita
June 25, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
Smokers who sit around bars in private clubs or lodges are basically a bunch of drunken losers. Why should we amend the law to please them?
By love my kids
June 25, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
this country is the best country to live in. there is so many other countrys with much bigger problems. fighting/ wars/ killings/ the list goes on. im proud to be american and live in this country if all we have to complain about is a couple people smoking in bars or clubs we dont even have a problem. i just come back from the middle east. let me tell you they got problems very big problems and smoking is the LEAST of there problems wake up america it could be a lot worse.
By Toni
June 25, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this
Hey Ron themselves, not themselfs, hey after you learn how to spell, we’ll all light one up for ya, now, STFU
By Toni
June 25, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
History Buff you hit the nail on the head! I am only worried about these mom and pop stores, that have been around for years, losing profits, not only from this ban, but the increase in everything that is hurting us right now, gas, groceries, its getting bad, I wish people would look beyond this, and get over, we have bigger things to worry about, Private is Private, and we pay for it, and it is ours, if they dont like it, dont patronize it.
Thanks for your comment, IT IS SO TRUE.
By love my kids
June 25, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this
im angry as an american these days. all of our rights are bieng taken from us. we need to do something before its to late. i thought in this country its what the people want. that is so not true. its what the suits want with all there stupid little laws. why cant it be like it use to be when we all stuck together and fought for what we wanted.im not a smoker but believe in having rights. people who smoke those rights are taken away if you dont smoke dont join private clubs.peace to all……..
By ron
June 25, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this
if smokers want to kill themselfs let them lite up.
By History Buff
June 25, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this
To those who think smoking should not be in a restaurant:
Many restaurants in Ohio were non-smoking before the ban. People who are private businesses spent their money and their sweat to build their business and they do NOT force you to enter the door.
For those that can not make decisions or can not read a sign, do the American thing. Build your own business and put any damx sign up you want.
If you can’t respect others choices, move back to your ancestral homeland.
By History Buff
June 25, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
Many say that the business revenue downturn is not due to the smoking ban. All one has to do is look at the books of the businesses AND the state revenue by dates!
The ban has ruined many businesses and caused a lot of loss and hardship for many, many people. I think the ACS and its funder (the RWJF) needs to pay for this! They built their deceits with at 35 years of studies that they paid for to fit THEIR agenda and now it is time to pay for damages.
By Toni
June 25, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this
Okay, I am back on those last 2 comments
You get a double Hell Yeah, and a I second on the STFU- BEAUTIFUL!!!! I LOVE IT, and yeah, I don’t know what people snarled over before they had smokers to blame for everything. God bless the last 2 comments, I needed that
By JustAnotherOpinion
June 25, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Furthermore…Why dont all you non-smokers start a club of your own so you dont have to put up with us smokers! That way all you have to breathe is the fowl odor n chemicals from AK Steel & all the junk car pollution in this area. How would you like it we all made non smoking sections n through your butts OUTSIDE or in a corner like your degenerates! Theres SO many more things this town can be focusing on than smokers! Build a bridge n get the hell over it already…not alot to be proud of!!!