STRIKE UP THE BAN

By Dan Miller
January 8, 2008

With smoking no longer allowed in most restaurants, things are smelling rather pleasant inside places that had, truthfully, reeked for years.

But the smokers haven't stopped smoking.... they've just moved outside.
And, bless their hearts and lungs, that's certainly their right.
I guess smokers have to light up somewhere.

Thirty years ago when I was a smoker, I felt there should be absolutely no restrictions on smoking outdoors.
I simply couldn't comprehend that my smoke might actually offend or bother someone.
But I was wrong.

So, on behalf of non-smokers, I'll simply appeal for human kindness and consideration toward others.... specifically consideration for those among us adversely affected by smoke.
And people are affected.

I have someone in my family who, literally, develops a visible, uncomfortable rash within minutes of exposure to cigarette smoke.

One recent night, my wife and daughter accompanied me to a nice restaurant that we'd not visited since before the statewide smoking ban.
As we approached the entrance, we were surprised by the overwhelming stench of cigarette smoke.
Then we saw them.... people lined up along both sides of the path leading to the front door.

It was reminiscent of columns of cheerleaders who wave pompoms as they welcome a football team onto the field.
But instead of pompoms, they were waving cigarettes and blowing smoke.
I suppose they were either waiting for their table, or taking a break from their drinks or meals to grab a smoke.
For us, it was impossible to make it through the human tunnel to the front door, without smoke permeating our clothes.

Another day we stopped at one of those little 24 hour breakfast places that you'll find at nearly every off-ramp along the interstate highways.
I won't mention the name.... but they specialize in waffles, among other things.
As we pulled up next to the little building, an employee was sitting on the stoop right at the front door, not only smoking a cigarette but repeatedly spitting on the ground.
We watched for a few seconds.... considered our options.... and drove away.

I don't mean to suggest that all smokers are inconsiderate of others. But, sadly, it seems many are.

This year, on all of the property owned by Channel 4, a smoking ban took effect.
No longer can our employees stand outside the door, or even in the parking lot, to grab a quick smoke.

Since my office is very close to the back entrance -- (which had been a favorite gathering spot for smokers) -- I must admit I was glad to see the outdoor ban imposed.

While some of the smokers at Channel 4 have expressed their annoyance with the ban, at least two long-time smokers have told me this is exactly the motivation they've needed to kick the habit.
That's encouraging.

These outdoor smoking bans are beginning to make a lot of sense.

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