I have long supported a smoking ban, but I'm very disappointed that the proposed ban does not go into effect until July 1, 2010. Bar owners knew this was coming, so they have no excuse that they need time to prepare. This ban must go into effect on July 1, 2009.
Also, it must include the requirement that smokers must not block entrances and exits. They must be at least 25 feet away and downwind from entrances and exits. Non-smokers also have a right not to have to walk through a wall of smoke outside an entrance and/or exit. Smokers congregating right outside an exit is a safety hazard, besides their smoke. In addition, we do not need ticked-off smokers purposely blowing smoke on non-smokers because they resent being forced not to be able to smoke inside. I have already seen this happen where smoking is banned inside. That will only lead to fights.
Also, it must include the requirement that smokers must not block entrances and exits. They must be at least 25 feet away and downwind from entrances and exits. Non-smokers also have a right not to have to walk through a wall of smoke outside an entrance and/or exit. Smokers congregating right outside an exit is a safety hazard, besides their smoke. In addition, we do not need ticked-off smokers purposely blowing smoke on non-smokers because they resent being forced not to be able to smoke inside. I have already seen this happen where smoking is banned inside. That will only lead to fights.
