 |
|
|
Updated: 2:13 PM Mar 26, 2008
Smoking Ban Passes in Eau Claire
The City Council voted 7 to 4 in favor of the city-wide smoking ban. It will take effect in July. Posted: 4:31 PM Mar 24, 2008Reporter: Mary Rinzel Email Address: mary.rinzel@weau.com |
|
63 Comments | Post Your Comments |
|
|
| Read Comments |
| Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station. |
|
Posted by: Austin
Location: Mondovi HS
on Mar 27, 2008 at 10:39 AM
I find it very funny that those who do not support the ban, tell us non-smokers to get over it, but when we tell them to get over it, they blow up. You still have the ability to smoke (which is a very unwise choice) so quit whining. I'm young. I deserve clean lungs! Regarding the "areas of non-smoking" yes, I am aware that there are certain areas for people who don't want smoke puffed in their face, however I don't feel like smelling like smoke. I should be able to go out to eat, and not come home to my parents asking if I've been smoking! You don't need to smoke inside, do it elsewhere. Also, regarding the "loss of business" what are business supposed to due when their entire "crowd" dies of lung cancer?
Posted by: Cory
Location: EC
on Mar 27, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Are people really so shallow that they feel their right to smoke outweighs the rights of others to breath clean air? Seriously children, your "rights" end where others rights begin. Who says you can't smoke when you go out? Really, is it that hard to go outside to have a quick one, then come back in? I make guests do this at my house, and they don't complain about it. I think this is going to be just like when the smoking ban for resturants happened. People freaked out and started screaming like the sky was falling, but things turned out just fine. Now, if you are one of these people that feel they can't go anywhere, without smoking, for more than a few minutes, you really need to admit you have a problem. And to the folks grasping at straws bringing the obesity issue into this. That is only harming the individual eating. The smoke is affecting those around you, not just yourself. Why should I have to risk getting cancer because YOU feel your "rights" are more important than mine?
Posted by: Scott W.
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 10:07 PM
I am glad to see that TV-13 has now updated the story to include the voting records. Now it is up to us to ensure those who voted against our wishes (whatever they may be) are voted out of office.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 08:32 PM
It is about time and long overdue. Smoking simply makes no sense whatsoever. You might as well eat rat poison.
Posted by: Mike
Location: Eau Claire, WIS
on Mar 26, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Its a great thing that the city of Eau Claire finally is thinking straight and finally passed a good law. I am a NON- Smoker and don't enjoy breathing in smokers second hand smoke.... Why do you think our health care costs are sooo outrageous? Its because of the enormouse amount of people that have to be admitted to the hospital due to health problems. Alot of this is from Smoking related problems. 85% of people that are diagnosed with lung cancer in this country, comes from people smoking.! Maybe now less people WILL smoke and our health care costs will go down! Boo-Hoo to the businesses who lose these smokers as customers!!!! Thats a positive thing for us non-smokers who want to go to the bar and finally now won't have to breath in hazardous smoke..!!! Now hopefully our high health care costs will drop!!!! NICE JOB EAU CLAIRE CITY COUNCIL BOARD:)
Posted by: Sarah
on Mar 26, 2008 at 06:10 PM
I say vote yes, It will up the economy in Chippewa Falls and Hallie, and just think of all the drunk drivings there will be, and don't forget the car accidents. Vote yes, NO WAY!
Posted by: me
on Mar 26, 2008 at 05:55 PM
Cool , Now the people that are allergic to smaoke can go get drunk in the bars instead of in their closets. Oh....and drive!
Posted by: pete
Location: ec
on Mar 26, 2008 at 05:53 PM
Um, you can still smoke children.
Posted by: Jefferson
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 05:48 PM
"The best minds are not in government. If any were, business would steal them away." -Ronald Reagan "The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter." -Winston Churchill "When facism comes to America it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross." -Sinclair Lewis Americans don't really care about freedom at all, obedience to authority is much more important to them. America is slowly gravitating towards FASCISM, little by little, and this is just another step. All these people congratulating the ban are small-minded nazi's, plain and simple. If you don't like smokers, then go somewhere else. That's essentially what you're telling smokers, "If you want to smoke, go somewhere else." Nothing but a bunch of fascist, ignorant hypocrites running the show. I can't wait for the inevitable economic crash due to gov't wasting time and money trying to play god for every spineless, whining, fascist christian with a complaint.
Posted by: Why
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 04:55 PM
What's the point of comparing smoking with obesity?? When was the last time you had to "breathe in" obesity? What does that have to do with smoking???? Ignorance is bliss.
Posted by: E.C. Res.
Location: E.C.
on Mar 26, 2008 at 04:23 PM
I agree with the Ban 100% For those of you who don't think so then that is your own problem. For those of you who are soo angered by this, then why don't you stand up or make the effort to go and be a counsil memeber? What's to say you couldn't do some research of your own and present it to them? If you think someone else if trying to run your "life or speak for you" then stand up for yourself and quit complaining becuase it didn't get you very far. As for the smoking in establishment, you think that not somking in an establishment(i.e. Bars) is turning business away? Then think of what your saying when you stop going to them because you can't smoke inside? Well there is where the business is going down because people are being stubborn and selfish when they can't smoke in them and instead to decide not to go there anymore! Come on now lets are use our heads!
Posted by: Travis
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:35 PM
Now they should ban all fast food places in Eau Claire because This can lead to Obestity. Obestity also leads to Heart Disease. Lets ban this also in Eau Claire while we are at it.
Posted by: Austin Vogler
Location: Mondovi, Wisconsin
on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:15 PM
This is such an amazing topic! I am going to use this as a speech for my English class.
Posted by: B.P
Location: wisconsin
on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:14 PM
I do not think its right. Well now since they banned smoking they should ban drinking. Then it would be a lot more pleasant to go out.You would not be in fear of your life just heading to the store. But the board and a lot of other people think smoking does more harm.
Posted by: Mary Rinzel
Location: WEAU
on Mar 26, 2008 at 02:07 PM
Thanks for your comments. I added a section in the story about how each council member voted.
Posted by: Tim
Location: Kohler
on Mar 26, 2008 at 12:34 PM
Way to go Eau Claire! Smart choice. Hopefully, the rest of the state will follow your lead.
Posted by: Anne
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I think the ban is a step in the right direction for the health of our neighbors and families. My sister in law lives in the twin cities with a similar ban and guess what, people still patron bars and restaurants just like they did before the ban. My mom is trying to quit smoking after 30 plus years. She was diagnosed with heart disease, due to all that smoking, and has been avoiding places that have smoking because it makes the cravings worse. Hopefully this will help those who want to quit be able to and still enjoy going places with friends and family.
Posted by: NiceGal
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Helllllo people!!! Somebody somewhere will always find something to argue about. Your opinions are weighted on the shoulders of the few who make our decisions for us. I have no opinion. It doesn't matter anyway, it's up to the city council to decide. I guess people just need to make more educated decisions about who they vote into the city council next time instead of compalining about the decisions they make for us!
Posted by: John
Location: Chippewa falls
on Mar 26, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Thank you! Hopefuly Chippewa county follows soon. Or better yet, lets level the playing field and do this on a state level like our neighboring states. I know this feels like you are loosing a right, but many are gaining one. You CAN still smoke. Now I(and many others) can go see a band in a bar in Eau Claire and not be forced to involinterily smoke just because I feel the need to breath. While you can step out side for a bit and still smoke.Thanks again Eau Claire for having the guts to do what the state should have done first!
Posted by: Matt
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 09:25 AM
I second Scott W's request. How did the vote fall for each councilmember?
Posted by: Philo
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 26, 2008 at 03:30 AM
Congratulations Prohibitionists!!! Once again you have rammed your "moral authority" down Lady Liberty's throat. Keep it up. Maybe someday soon we won't have to worry about making ANY choices for ourselves, since our all-knowing, all-powerful city, state, and federal governments seem to have all the RIGHT answers, and are willing to conveniently write them into law. Freedom comes with costs, and one of those costs is giving ALL others the same Freedom to choose their own path. Simply put, if you own a business, YOU own it, NOT city council. Whatever. Once again, a great big warm fuzzy congratulations to our wonderful band of Eau Claire Prohibitionists!!! Bravo!!!
Posted by: Jennifer
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:24 PM
They're calling us second class just because we smoke. non-smokers already have places to go and now this then the county is next what are they going to do next give us a "CURFEW". Why don't they ban other types of hazards llike Alcohol, People who drink and drive are bad for the public when theres an accident that fammily and who ever else is involved gets hurt just as much. It should be up to the owners. There are more importent things in the world.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Just one more thing to drive businesses from Wisconsin. In response to Jeff from Eau Claire as to "let the state decide this to make it fair". You need to take a closer look at your tax bill and then HONESTLY tell me that you think the State has half a brain to decide what's fair for the citizens of Wisconsin. Dave from Eau Claire has it right "America: The Land of the Free (with stipulations)..... Everyone should have the RIGHT TO CHOOSE! I'm still undecided and can't wait for the ruling telling me what RELIGON I am. My wife (smoker) and I (non-smoker) do not live in Eau Claire but USE TO spend quite a bit of our money there. Hello Rice Lake.
Posted by: Todd
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:00 PM
In response to the above new I just wanted to say that as a person I do not smoke and I do not like the smell of smoke, but as a business owner I wanted to say that by passing this smoking ban you have severely hindered a persons right to decide how to run their private business. In Eau Claire there are already smoke free bars and if the demand is high enough then other bars will go smoke free in a free and open market. The Council has greedily taken away the right of a business owner to make his own decision of how to run his business and for the free market to function properly.
Posted by: Jeff
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 09:05 PM
I do not smoke and I have lost relatives to smoking. It is a terrible addiction. I also do not own any public property, bar, or eating establishment. This issue is not about smoking, it is about rights of business owners. I do NOT want the government dictating laws regarding legal substance use on business owners' property. It is up to the business owner if they want to allow smoking or not. This is a very slippery slope. The government is not there to babysit and provide. If you don't like smoking and think that just being near it will "kill you", open your own bar, or go to any of the establishments that currently do not allow smoking. The more power you give to the government, the less rights you'll have. We've already given the government too much.
Posted by: Scott W
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:52 PM
Is there some reason that WEAU failed yet again in its responsibility to correctly and accurately report the truth? Where is the list of who voted what way?
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:20 PM
See ya in Chippewa!
Posted by: Mama
Location: Calgary
on Mar 25, 2008 at 07:29 PM
AMAZING AND LOTS OF LOVE
Posted by: Josie
Location: eau claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 07:12 PM
To the smokers to tell the non smokers to "stay away from it if you don't like it"-- yeah, if it were entirely possible I would. How many inconsiderate smokers are constantly puffing away in front of business establishments? If you feel the need to poison yourself, do it so no one (and especially children), has to breathe it in.
Posted by: cindy
Location: NEW AUBURN
on Mar 25, 2008 at 05:22 PM
THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR ANY BUSINESS VOTE NO! TO SMOKING BAN!
Posted by: Otis
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 03:56 PM
(RE: Carol) I am a college student in Eau Claire and I do visit the bars on Water St. on occasion. I, as well as any other college student, am aware of the danger of second hand smoke. My parents brought me up very well with a good sense of judgment. Are you suggesting that we do not know whats good for us? The future of our country must be in great danger if our college students dont know whats best for them. I dont know whos kids you are speaking of, but my parents, as well as my piers parents have raised me to choose which establishments i enter. I suggest that if your sons and/or daughters are being forced to go to the bars to converse with their friends, they find new friends instead of taking away rights of people who can make educated, responsible decisions.
Posted by: crossfingers
Location: chippewa
on Mar 25, 2008 at 03:11 PM
well Diane location from chetek, must be nice to decide what you want and others don't. don't cross your fingers to hard because you might break them after you relize the loss of jobs and revenue. So if this ban passes get ready to dig deep with those fingers because that will happen. I quess you have not check out other states what is happening already with smoking ban.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 25, 2008 at 02:54 PM
Smoking bans do not work. The businesses suffer, for all the people who say that they don't go to bars because of the smoke, they don't go when they are smoke free either. For the employees who this is supposed to protect, they typically can't afford to work in a smokefree bar as most of the business is lost. For the smoking drinkers, they continue to smoke and drink. All it does is provide clean air for the bar owners to breathe in their empty, bar until they go out of business.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 25, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Who Made You God??? To Think You Can Tell People What Thay Can And Can't Do. Where Thay Can And Can't Go. What Are YOU THINKING??? GET OUT OF MY LIFE... What's Next My Car,My Dog, My House, My Job, And So On. YOU DON'T LIKE SMOKING THEN STAY AWAY FROM IT.....
Posted by: bobby
Location: wisconson
on Mar 25, 2008 at 01:54 PM
it is sweet
Posted by: Jack
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 01:10 PM
The issue is not about the right to smoke. It's about the right for all to breathe clean healthy air. Your rights are not being infringed upon. You still will have the right to smoke, just not in public indoor places. People are saying we should ban fast food because of obesity. Obesity harms only the person's health who is obese; it doesn't affect the health of those around the obese person. Those who don't smoke should have the right to breathe clean air. I agree with the first anonymous writer about considering an outdoor burning ban in city limits. We also have several people who burn in our neighborhood, and it is almost every night. We have the right to breathe clean air in our own homes. If others are polluting the air with noise, the city does something about that. Why not do something about air pollution? Turn on the AC? Are the people burning going to pay for the electricity bills of their neighbors? If you want a campfire, go camping. Vote yes to keep our air clean and safe.
Posted by: Bev
Location: Location
on Mar 25, 2008 at 01:05 PM
I would like to know what these people that say "YES" to the ban are going to be doing different if the ban passes. ALl Eau Claire restaurants are smoke free, all public buildings are smoke free. So when the smoking cusomers leave the taverns in Eau Claire, are all these people who say "YES" to the ban going to patronize all the local tavern/bars to help supplement the income lost from the smoking patrons they have had for years!!!!
Posted by: Becca
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 12:10 PM
If smoking was banned in bars I would defenitly go to them more then I go now. I am alergic to the content of cigarette smoke, I can't be within a smoking area for more then a few minutes or else my eyes water, have a hard time breathing, and my skin starts to itch. So when my friends want to go out for a couple drinks on water st or any other bar for that mater I have to sit at home and do nothing. I say vote Yes
Posted by: Dave
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Vote Yes?!? What freedom will we lose next? How about the Constitutional Right To Bear Arms? The Supreme Court has recently heard arguments for both sides and a ruling is probably only months away. I am a non smoker, and I have the RIGHT TO CHOOSE the establishment that I frequent...but I have not been able to find anything that gives me the RIGHT TO IMPOSE OTHERS TO CONFORM TO ME. A simple solution is "If you don't like it, don't go there." If this passes we will also have to change one more thing: The United States of America: The Land of The Free (with stipulations), and Home of the Brave. Doesn't that sound nice....not really!
Posted by: Diane
Location: Chetek
on Mar 25, 2008 at 10:03 AM
I'm crossing my fingers that the ban will be approved!!!
Posted by: KAYS
Location: NEW AUBURN
on Mar 25, 2008 at 09:54 AM
If Eau Claire really think this is going to be a good thing. Check out Minnesota and see what is really going on. HOW MANY JOBS LOST DUE TO SMOKING BAN
Posted by: Carol
Location: Lake Hallie
on Mar 25, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Please consider our college students,our sons and daughters,who frequent the bars on Water Street. Many of these young adults choose not to smoke but still suffer when socializing with friends in local establishments. Please vote yes on the ban. Where your rights end anothers begin.
Posted by: Anonymous
on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:40 AM
I guess we shouldn't go outside either, the sun will give us skin cancer, don't get into your car..you may get into an accident, don't use lotion, have you looked at all the chemicals or milk or beef, there are plenty of other things that will also effect your health, if you don't like smoke, don't go to the bar or sit in a non-smoking part of the restaurant..AND to anonymous, keep your windows shut when there are campfires, they definetely don't happen every night! And is it 20 feet from your window or a 6 block radius?! 6 blocks away is a big differnece, Turn on your air conditioning in the summmer, or open your windows when you don't smell smoke. Stop whining
Posted by: Jeff
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 08:09 AM
Freedom of choice is being taken away.What is next??? If this is to be done it should be done fair ( state wide ) as what about the bars people can just go acrosse the street?? It will hurt the guy on the other side.Let the state decide this to make it fair.Please vote NO! It is a choice to work or come in to a smoke place.Maybe look at changing how many bars can be smoking annd how non.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 06:46 AM
As the wife of my late non-smoking husband, who died from second hand smoke after years of having to breathe it, I would urge you to put the smoking ban in place. Those who wish to subject themselves to those dangers can do so in areas that don't affect everyone around them
Posted by: Barry
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 25, 2008 at 12:10 AM
I watched some of the meeting on T.V. this evening. On behalf of the bar owners I hope this ban does not go throught. I feel for people like the owner of the Mousetrap who is a friend of mine. I support freedom of choice. We all breathe the same air and should focus on global air quality rather than spend tax dollars on policing such a foolish law. In my opinion they should propose laws about doing more to tax the major contributors of air pollution. To preserve our unique culture downtown they should not enforce this smoking ban, and spend money on enforcing laws on violent crimes. People will still smoke, as well as do various illegal activities, no matter if it is legal or not. I found many of the speakers who compared the smoking ban to prohibition interesting. I speak on behalf of many of my friends on this issue and we need to stop laws like this from going through.
Posted by: John
Location: Chippewa Falls
on Mar 24, 2008 at 07:02 PM
PLEASE vote yes.
Posted by: Anonymous
Location: Eau Claire
on Mar 24, 2008 at 05:13 PM
Since the city council is considering the health of the residents of Eau Claire, it would be appropriate for the council to contemplate banning recreational burning within city limits as well, as the pollutants from burning wood also pose a health risk to residents. We have seen a large increase in the number of air quality alerts in recent months, which are caused by pollution, including outdoor burning. I'm not so concerned about what's happening indoors at places I don't frequent, but it's quite troublesome to not have the right to keep my windows open because every other neighbor in a six block radius is burning a pile of wood. We have a son with asthma, and despite several calls to city officials and departments, there is nothing happening to change the ridiculous ordinance that allows people to have a campfire in their backyard, 20 feet from our windows. If the city council truly has clean air as a priority for health, let's think about all the ways to keep the air clean. |
Prev
WEAU.com most popular
- Man accused of beating woman to death pleads no contest
- Suspect in high-speed chase speaks out
- Brothers sentenced to prison for burning down bar
- Woman who got caught up in scam also participated
- Oprah Winfrey's talk show will end in 2011
- Wisconsinites paying more for health insurance than the rest of the country
- Jackson County courthouse evacuated Friday morning
- Hunters encourage to shoot deer with green ear tags
- Families celebrate special birthday
- Harley-Davidson may be official Wisconsin motorcycle
- Suspect in high-speed chase speaks out
15 Comments - Wardens asking hunters for help during the hunting season
14 Comments - Oprah Winfrey's talk show will end in 2011
9 Comments - Wisconsinites paying more for health insurance than the rest of the country
9 Comments - Ten worst toys
8 Comments - Jail committee meets to choose site for new justice center
6 Comments
wi jobs
Check out the latest job postings from the WEAU Job Board!
View More Jobs.
I dont like this ban
The only people who think a smoking ban is a plus are people who like excessive government control. I do NOT smoke, but think a comprehensive ban, such as what 7 Eau Claire councilmen unnecessarily voted in favor of in March, go way too far. NOT ONE person in history has ever died from secondhand smoke, and OSHA ruled years ago that secondhand smoke levels in enclosed environments are thousands of times safer than their permissive air quality levels! Finally, smoke-free bars already existed in Eau Claire before the city ban took effect in July, and all thanks to this ban, no longer have the competitive niche over smoking bars they once held. Thankfully as opposed to EC, the Chippewa Falls council did the right thing when this issue came up before their council this past fall, and voted against adopting a ban!
I truly believe that the smoking ban is a plus. For those of you who are smokers, really, come on smoking is not good for your body! It could ruin your whole future whether its biking, canoeing, a high paying job, or sky diving smoking can make you take your last breath. I strongly suggest that you quit while you still can! I am a prime example of this smoking phenomenon. When I was of the age of 6 my unlce forced me in a small corner with a giant cigar and jammed it in my face. From then on he met up with me every tueday night when my parents were at their tupperware parties. After a few weeks I grew addicted to the drug. I believe that if we ban smoking in public places it will make it a pleasant place to roam.
QQ smokers. Cling to your cigarettes and continue to be a slave to your own addiction. Don't tell me the taverns will have less income. People who smoke will still go, and people who do not smoke will now go.
ATTN Non-smokers: You really think the government cares about your health. Let me respectfully point out the obvious. Not only does this give the city/government more power into every persons personal cjoice, but revenue and gullible supporters - just like this war! Could this get any better for them, of course it can. When people do not see the "big picture". When a precious freedom of yours is taken away you will start to feel the bitter taste of resentment in your mouth. And there will be people just like yourselves to oppose your wishes/rights. You will in turn experience how you have made us feel. We are the people and oppose this measure and it still passed. We are one of the last down-home good 'ol towns in the country and you are steadily helping move us toward WORLD ORDER and conformity. Open your eyes people.
I am disgusted with how our rights are chipped away every single day. We are adults who buy cigarettes, pay taxes on cigarettes, pay for health care, are very much aware of the risks (and benefits)of our choices. Those who do not smoke should build non-smoking bars and non-smoking restaurants. Instead the rights of smokers are infringed and we must take it! There needs to be some sort of appeal. Stand up people...even if you do not smoke, this is just another weapon we are giving the "powers that be" to control us. See the pattern that has been implemented. This is so much bigger than smoking. Read some history.
I agree that smoking is essentially bad for your health, and I would never smoke nor enjoy being in a facility filled with smoke clouds, but I still stand by the idea that tavern and restaurant owners should decide for themselves whether they allow smokers to have a cigarette in their business or not. They are the ones who are going to be affected the most by this economically. I will also say that I am arguing this in a paper, so if anyone has opinions on either side that they would be willing to let me use, send me an email. Thanks everyone!
Stop whining i say, you can't smoke in public. Focus on the word public! You can still smoke...just in place where you won't kill other people. My family and i would love to go out to some bars that have really good food, but we can't because the smoke makes me sick. I understand the frustration of others, but it's inconsiderate to smoke where there are families. Luckily, i work at a smoke free restaurant, but i couldn't imagine working somewhere with smoke. I wouldn't be able to quit because i need the money. Thank you Eau Claire for banning smoking.
The band ? Its the prices that keeps me out of the bars. I can smoke at home. $30 for $10 worth of drinking no thank you
they for that matter should ban smoking in moving vehicles.. it would make sense because it distracts driving, plus all those people that throw their ciggs out the window...even in the dry season.
Well You liberal do gooders now ya done it! My grandma lives near a gas station in hallie and I have never seen it so busy lately. Wonder why! People are fed up and they will go to other areas out of Eau Claire citie limits. You wait and see when the big businesses starts lossing revenue because people will fight back because they do not like to be stomped all over. To bad You liberals need someone to control your lives.
I think that it is riddiculas to tell people that they are not allowed to smoke where they want. The public belongs to all of us, not just the non smokers. This is the United States of America! Where is our freedom? huh?
Imagine you have a 16 year old daughter or granddaughter who is working at a restaurant. While cleaning up table, a smoking customer lights up a big cigar blows his exhaust right in her face. She's an athlete and can't stand the smoke but needs the job because she's saving for college. Whether the smoker acted knowingly or not, does she deserve this day after day? NO. Could she develop lung cancer from working in these conditions? YES. Think about it smokers!
The whole purpose of the constitution is to protect the minority from a majority who thinks they have a "god given" right to tell others what to do. If a business owner wants to put a sign on the front of his business that reads, "NO NON-SMOKERS ALLOWED," he has EVERY RIGHT to do so. A non-smoker does NOT have the RIGHT to put a gun to someone's head and say "SERVE ME!" But that is PRECISELY what happens when citizens use government to pass laws in order to PHYSICALLY COERCE CONFORMITY to personal preference. This is nothing more than fascism, plain and simple, and we're going to have to fight a war over it. We no longer live in the land of the Free. We live in the land of the uneducated fascist control freaks.
Fight back everyone that is for this ban. go to banthebanwisconsin on the internet. sigh the petition and fight back. There is allot of info for everyone there.