Bar Owners Protest Smoking Ban
Bar Owners Protest Smoking Ban Save Email Print
Posted: 11:57 AM Aug 4, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:06 PM Aug 4, 2008
 Reporter: Anna Baxter
Email Address: anna.baxter@wsaz.com
109 comments
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- A group of bar owners spent Monday afternoon protesting Kanawha County's smoking ban.

The group walked from the Fifth Quarter Steakhouse to the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department on Lee Street.

The county's new smoking ban went into effect July 1. The ban prohibits smoking in most public places including bars and gambling parlors.

Since the ban went into effect, bar owners have complained it has devastated their businesses. In fact, some bar owners say their profits are down by nearly 50 percent.

Under the new ban, if people are caught smoking inside the bars, the bar owners face fines.

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Posted by: cheryl on Oct 31, 2008 at 07:11 AM
I can understand no smoking in a family based business, but a bar is an adult choice, this is one more example of our choices being controlled. The most simple answere to this is, to post warnings out side the door like "microwae in use" post "smoking establishment" let the adults make there decision on to go in or not. If there are that many non smokers that like to go to bars, here's an idea for non smoking bar owners. let them build there own non smoking bar. give people a choice, not demand control. It's not a life necessity to go to a bar, it's there choice.
Posted by: Elna on Sep 9, 2008 at 08:33 AM
Who really cares if people smoke in bars? I don't smoke or drink or go in bars; Poeple that go in bars can drink but they can't smoke? Many people work in gambling places that are allergic to smoke..you can gamble without smoking..so I do understand some places for no smoking...Let the people in bars finish the job faster, smoke away!!!
Posted by: joe on Sep 2, 2008 at 09:13 PM
I work at the local pub and yes I smoke but the thing that get's annoying is that the non smokers even come under the smoking area and makes less room for the smokers but it dosen't just end there when i quit smoking when the ban came in i found it very unsociable that i was left inside with no one to talk with I think this is a shame because people are staying in and drinking CHEEP booze from supermarkets and staying home. so people who do go to the pub who don't smoke that do go to the pub you will soon be on your own this winter because everyone will be at home drinking cheep boze and smoking in there front room. so i think it should be up to the customers who decide and the landloards that decide!!!! so if you agree i think that we should all start smoking in pubs again even to what they say!!! so lets start smoking again.!!!!!!!
Posted by: Terry on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:50 PM
WV people is just another example of stupid people. No wonder we are made fun of. If you feel they can do what they want in their business then that means drugs are Ok. How logical is that? Got to come up with a better argument for allowing smoking.
Posted by: Mike on Aug 12, 2008 at 01:09 AM
Municipal buildings, schools and other PUBLICLY funded places are public buildings. Privately owned establishments are just that- private investments and the owner decides what business he or she wants. Outright bans are plain wrong. If you want to smoke, it may not be a God given right but as long as it's legal it's a legal choice. Those who choose not to smoke, go top non-smoking establishments. These anti's crack me up. Some are obese. But I don't take away their choice to eat fatty foods. Many people drive cars. But I don't take away their choice to drive SUV's that pollute. Fact: 100% of all health nuts die.
Posted by: Jim on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I own and operate a saloon in Toledo and the Ohio smoking ban is killing small taverns. We're doing OK, but the smaller guys that are following the law are dying. I pay $6,000 in rent a month for the place, why does some anti-smoking panty-waste in Columbus get to decide if my paying customers smoke or not. Voters should never have been allowed the option of taking away my rights by voting their preferences.
Posted by: Angela on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Well if people don't like the smoke they can leave the bar...Theres always other places, if people want to smoke so what, if nobody could get along they should try other methods such as Crown7 smokeless cigarettes or just quit, im sure there are tons of quit smoking things out there.
Posted by: greatjobhealthdept on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:31 PM
To those who say that smoking kills the lungs, alcohol kills the liver. There is one problem with this, if you drink alcohol you only kill yourself. When you smoke we all suffer.
Posted by: LP on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:37 AM
This is from the EPA website: http://www.epa.gov/radon/healthrisks.html Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, according to EPA estimates. Overall, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Radon is responsible for about 21,000 lung cancer deaths every year. About 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. On January 13, 2005, Dr. Richard H. Carmona, the U.S. Surgeon General, issued a national health advisory on radon. Visit www.cheec.uiowa.edu/misc/radon.html for more on a study by Dr. William Field on radon-related lung cancer in women.
Posted by: GetEducated on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:28 PM
We had a guest speaker at WV State University a couple of semesters ago who shared her story about getting lung cancer from exposure to second-hand smoke while doing stand-up comedy in bars. She was an athlete and although in great physical condition, she had to cut her athletic career short. My hat is off to the Board of Health for protecting those service workers (as well as patrons)that were exposed to the deadly effects of secondhand smoke. THANKS!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:54 PM
I don't understand why places could be smoking only bars and others be none smoking. Employees would know this and it would be posted at the entrance. This would be fair to both parties and offend no one.
Posted by: Older Than Dirt on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:47 PM
Sign in window - "Non-Smoking Establishment" and/or "Smoking Allowed". Is this too simple for folks to understand? You would enter or not enter, it would be YOUR choice.
Posted by: let them on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:20 PM
let them smoke in the bars,whats the difference. Alcohol kills the liver, smoke kills the lungs. If they all want to abuse their bodies then let them!
Posted by: mojo on Aug 6, 2008 at 05:37 PM
as a former smoker i think that smoking should be allowed in bars it just generally goes hand in hand. If smoking offends someone then they should go outside for a quick breath of air.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 05:06 PM
# Does exposure to secondhand smoke cause cancer? Yes. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP), the U.S. Surgeon General, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have classified secondhand smoke as a known human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) (1, 3, 5). Inhaling secondhand smoke causes lung cancer in nonsmoking adults (4). Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult nonsmokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke (2). The Surgeon General estimates that living with a smoker increases a nonsmoker’s chances of developing lung cancer by 20 to 30 percent (4). Some research suggests that secondhand smoke may increase the risk of breast cancer, nasal sinus cavity cancer, and nasopharyngeal cancer in adults, and leukemia, lymphoma, and brain tumors in children (4).
Posted by: cee on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:44 PM
if the government could make more money, say from smoking permits, I bet it would be ok,, anything is ok as long as they make money.
Posted by: Dan on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Smoking is not a "Right". Breathing clean air is a right. The person below said it best..if you really are concerned about the welfare of the bars, you'd keep visiting them regardless and adjust your behaviours as necessary.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:26 PM
I find it very amusing that all of these people are complaining about how this will hurt businesses, but instead of trying to set an example and continuing to go to these bars they're taking their money elsewhere. So all of you that say you won't go into a non-smoking bars are just hurting bar owners. I've smoked for 40 years. When my home (Lexington, KY) banned smoking I didn't throw a fit. I kept going to my favorite bars and simply walked outside for a quick smoke. Last time I checked Lexington was actually having MORE bars start up, and a friend of mine down there that owns a bar has had increased attendance. People will always go for a drink. So you people that are "showing the man" that you won't stand for this are just wasting your time and money.
Posted by: dotty on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:20 PM
After reading most of the comments the only thing I can say is "Poor Allen". How many acquaintances or relatives have every died from "second hand smoke"? Can you honestly say that you have ever heard of a doctor diagnosing anyone with cancer caused from "second hand smoke"? I didn't think so.
Posted by: dotty on Aug 6, 2008 at 03:05 PM
I am a smoker but I've always tried to be considerate of non-smokers. However, we breath 'blue haze' that no one can identify, so why doesn't the health department stick its nose into that? If the legislature had enacted the no smoking ban, I would not have near the problem as I do with it being passed by the health department. Some one please tell me what right do they have to pass laws. Danny Jones is taking $2.00 a week from my paycheck that I consider "taxation without representation" and now the health department is passing laws.
Posted by: Cassie on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:32 PM
I don't get it either, banning smoking in particular in Bars is definately going to cause them to lose business. Resturants I can understand. I do smoke and I have always gone outside to smoke and I don't mind. But, what I can't understand that you can go into a Bar or Resturant and drink way too much and climb into your car and drive home, most times undetected. You are risking your self and everyone else on the roads, it's only a problem if you get caught or have an accident, god forbid. I can't remember the last time I read or heard about an individual causing a deadly crash and killing people just because he was smoking one??? go figure??
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:10 PM
I'm rich enough that I can afford to drive to another county to smoke. Yea, I'll show the Health Department. I'll use $50 worth of my own gas to go drink and smoke. Why should I have to walk outside? Non-smokers should just stay home if they don't want to inhale smoke. It's not their right to fresh air. I quote the constitution, "Life, liberty, and the right to do whatever I want with no concern for anyone else." SO I'm going to another county to drink while firing my gun randomly. Someone gets shot? It's their fault for being around me.
Posted by: Voter on Aug 6, 2008 at 02:08 PM
To Anon @ 11:31 8/5, Do not DUH me. Most of these gambling cafes have 2 doors. If all of the smokers are at the back door (heaven forbid we are too close to the front door), that leaves pretty easy access to the front door and the cash register. Any dimwit (including you) can figure that out.
Posted by: GARY on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:57 AM
WELL LOOKS LIKE I WILL BE GOING TO HUNTINGTON NOW TO PARTY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE I WILL NOT GO TO CHARLESTON ANYMORE AND EVERYONE ELSE AGREES WITH ME TO GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. SO EVERYBUSINESS DOWN TO HOTELS SUFFER
Posted by: non-smoker on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:33 AM
I don't smoke, never have and I don't like being around it. But I think some things might be taken a little bit too far, if I owned a business and I am paying for it myself along with all the taxes and fees you have to pay, I would not like the state or anyone else telling me what I can and cannot do in my own business.
Posted by: Clyde on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:14 AM
When the EPA realized that factories were putting out toxins and pollutants in the air, the factories had to have a system put in to clean up any waste that was harmful to the environment and people. I say do the same thing to smokers. Fit them with a device that will help them keep all the toxins and pollutants to themselves!
Posted by: LP on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:44 AM
What we are facing is little by little the 'government' and other powers that be are taking away our rights to everything legal. I am like a lot of you, i can agree to not smoking in restaurants and youth activities. But thats it. Everything else should be left to the individual and to the establishment owners. I know when i am around someone that doesn't smoke i ask them if it is ok if i smoke near them and it doesn't offend me if they say please don't. Furthermore, let me enlighten some of you. The "government" has said that statistically, smoking is the number 1 cause of lung cancer, and Radon is #2 and second-hand smoke is #3. So why is it NOT required that our homes, schools, government facilities etc are not ventilated better instead of air tight. And since the smoking ban is to 'protect' ppl from 2nd hand smoke why is it that we don't do more to get rid of the radon risk first? Don't believe me? Do online searches about radon causing cancer and you will see what i am saying.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:56 AM
Well let me make this a simple as I can. You have two bars identical in every way. One on each side of the street. One bar has a 4'x8' sign above the door that reads NON-SMOKING ESTABLISHMENT. The other bar has a 4'x8' sign above the door that reads SMOKERS WELCOME. Now do you need the govenment to protect you? Are people this igornant or has society became so selfish they would rather take away others rights and freedoms than to make a decision on their own.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:31 AM
Are we in China ???
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:24 AM
Ok, RoaneCo just seems to be using crazy emotional arguments. He's not making sense anymore.
Posted by: Elaine on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:13 AM
I am a smoker.. but I am a respectful smoker.I go out side away from people who dont smoke.But if I go to a bar to have alcohol..then I should be able to smoke.where I live the bar has a sign. this is a smoking facilty..if you dont want to be around it dont come in..And I agree.We can kill ourselfs with booze but not cigarettes..everything is always up for banning..I pay taxes on my cigarettes & the state uses it for road repairs..I agree with going outside of buisnesses t smoke..but a Bar!.. Get off my back already...
Posted by: Allen on Aug 6, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Ok RoaneCo, obviously you're not capable of comprehending the economic model I've tried to explain to you. As soon as an owner allows one smoker inside his or her building the breathing air inside that building is no longer their property. If it still is their property, then why don't they tell the smoker that they have to keep all of their smoke within 3 cubic feet of them. That'd solve the problem, and allow the owner to retain his air. However, this doesn't happen. Owners have no control over where the smoke goes, therefore they no longer "own" the airspace. We live in a democratic country where the majority rules. The majority of legal age americans DON'T smoke. So the MINORITY is MONOPOLIZING the airspace. Nothing communist about it, its simple economics and democracy in work. Look it up sometime. And the last time I checked smoking was not something people depended on to live like electricity or food sources. Your attempt to generalize everything is conservative bantering.
Posted by: Lisa on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:32 PM
Yes! Call the health department and tell them you support the ban! I can't believe the extreme comments posted by smokers on here. You are SO ADDICTED and OBSESSED with smoking you act like you can't function normally because of the ban. My husband smokes and he hasn't complained once. If we're out and he can't smoke inside he just goes outside. It's actually helped him cut down on how much he smokes a day. Smokers have rights. They have the right to smoke in places where it doesn't affect other people.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:31 PM
In response to To Tara's comment This is about letting the OWNERS of BUSINESSES choose what they want to allow in their establishments - plain and simple. OK if this is the case then why didn't you hear all of the bi!(#!*^ when the health dept. put the same sanctions on retailers? Duh Voter, if everyone is out smoking whose left to be ripping off the register? For ANONYMOUS on AUG 5, 2008 at 10:40 AM TOURETTE'S or WHAT???
Posted by: Marlboro Man on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Call the Kan-Chas Health Dept at 348-8069, the Kanawha County Commissioners at 357-0101, and Charleston's Mayor's office at 348-8174 to complain along with posting your comments here. The Health Board is appointed by the Kanawha County Commission and the Charleston City Council. Thanks!
Posted by: John on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:12 PM
The air inside my building is mine. It came with my purchase of the real estate. If the air had not been there, then there would have been a vacume and the building would have collasped in on itself. I also pay the Great State of W.Va. a fee of $1150 per year to have a "private club" with entry only allowed to persons of the age of 21 or older. I should choose wether or not there is smoke curling about my head or not. Smokers should vote against Hardy, Carper, and Jones and the members of the City Council for changes!!!
Posted by: Former Smoker on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:59 PM
I really think it should be up to the owner if he or she wants to allow smoking in their business. Bans are not going to get people to quit smoking. Inconvinences are not going to make them quit. They have want to quit and they're not going to until they're ready. If you can't take the smoke, stay out of the bar. Myself, I stay out.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:46 PM
Ok, Allen you are right. We should just make it a communist state. We should just give up all our rights and freedoms. Why should a business owner or a lodge hall (Moose, VFW etc.) have the right to operate as they see fit? Heck we should bulldoze everything. Let the govenment put everyone in tents. We don't need cars or electric because they pollute your air. We don't need cell phones, they cause cancer. We don't need McDonalds they promote obesity. Let's take away freedom of religion too, we should only worship what our government tells us. If anyone doesn't conform to these rules then the government shall put them to death. HEIL ALLEN!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:28 PM
RoaneCo: Exactly. If a person is operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner then their license is taken away and they have to walk or take the bus. However, I see what point you're TRYING to make, and all of you arguments are simply diversions and poor comparisons. Smoking is bad for you and those around you. Deal with it. I didn't choose for you to smoke, therefore I shouldn't suffer the consequences and should not have to adjust my life to fit you bad habits. Thats a very egocentric viewpoint you're presenting.
Posted by: ME on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:22 PM
THERE SHOULD BE SMOKING AND NON SMOKING FACILITYS
Posted by: Allen on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:19 PM
To RoaneCo: So gun owners are being discriminated against because they cannot take their legal firearms onto schools. Breathing air is communal property whether it be in the mountains or in the local bar. The minute the bar owners allow smokers to monopolize the air of their establishments they no longer own that breathing air, the smokers own it. As with any monopoly of a good (in this case fresh air), it is the duty of the government to intervene on behalf of the over-looked consumer of this good (non-smokers). In theory, you smokers are just like big oil companies. These bar owners shouldn't be protesting the regulation of airspace that they forfeited a long time ago.
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Ok Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM., you made a very good point. So, let's draft a law that makes it illegal to eat, drink, put on make-up, brush your hair, use a cell phone, listen to the radio or talk to a passenger while driving. After all driving a car is a privilege, so operating it in an unsafe matter should be grounds for taking that privilege away. I shouldn't have to walk to my destination just because you want to drive unsafely and put my life jeopardy. You should be the one walking.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Smoking is not a right. It's a privilege just like driving a car. I don't like your smoke, but since I'm not polluting the air I shouldn't have to stay away from you, you should have to stay away from me.
Posted by: Amy (100% non-smoker) on Aug 5, 2008 at 04:30 PM
As a non-smoker, w/ a child w/ asthma, I, personally do believe that the smoking ban in bars is taking away a freedom. I can't stand the smell of the smoke, and although I don't go to bars, I have been to one or two in my lifetime, and I know that most people who go to bars don't care if someone is smoking; usually they are doing the same thing. Like another person said, what's next, the bad foods being banned from restraunts. Big Brother, people...
Posted by: charleston on Aug 5, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Hey Lou, why dont you try and read a book instead of smoking, then maybe your comment wouldnt look and sound so stupid. Just go outside whats the big deal. No one is taking away your right to smoke just go outside and dont kill us too.
Posted by: charleston on Aug 5, 2008 at 03:59 PM
just go outside you crybabies.
Posted by: Heather on Aug 5, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Make fun of Ohio!: You took what I said out of context. I said, and I quote, "Yet another reason for the rest of the 48 states to make fun of WV." Where did I say that the lawmakers are specifically trying to make other states make fun of WV by creating these absurd laws. I am not a resident of Kanawha County so no, I didn't vote in this election. There are PLENTY of other states aside from WV who have smoking bans in effect. And if you're going to make a point- do it properly. Those politicians DO go to bars. Why else would they want it banned? Because you can't smoke on government property and when they go meet up with their mistresses, it takes forever to get the smoke out. (Oh yeah, that was a joke-since you take everything WAY to seriously) :)
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 02:06 PM
Well Allen it is my RIGHT as a human being not to be told where I can use a legal product!! It is also my RIGHT not to be discriminated against by placing unfair taxes on a legal product!! It is also the RIGHT of the business owner to decide if he/she wants to allow smoking of a legal product inside their place of business. It is also my RIGHT to tell people with your attitude to KMA!!
Posted by: RoaneCo. on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Sure Mary Belle, we smokers should put on our Depends and stand outside. My question for you Mary Belle, why can't we have both? Why not let the business owner decide if he wants a smoking/non-smoking establishment. I guess if the Charleston Moose Lodge was smoker friendly and the Nitro Moose Lodge was non-smoking you would still be crying.
Posted by: KY on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:42 PM
I read a bunch of comments about having a beer or a meal without the smoke...well, honestly, drinking in public should be banned, too, especially since the immediate impact of fatalities while driving intoxicated outweighs smoking. Sure, if you inhale a lot of smoke after YEARS and YEARS, you may become adversely affected. However, drunk drivers going home late from a bar can kill instantly. I vote that we do away with it all. If a smoker can't smoke in a public place, then alcoholics need to stay home where they can pass out without taking the chance to kill others. After all, don't innocent drivers have the "right" to feel safer on our roadways? HMMM...think about that one.
Posted by: Jim on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:52 AM
I remember when Worthington Ohio banned smoking inside and the bar owners said that their business suffered because their customers went to other parts of town where they could smoke. Now that the whole state's non-smoking it's not a problem. Seems to me the solution is to help make the neighboring counties non-smoking!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:45 AM
I like the comment, "a few non-smokers". Last time I checked non-smokers outnumbered smokers by a huge majority. Then again, who ever cared about protecting the majority. Smokers are so persecuted. We should cater to their bad habit and the rest of us should just adjust. Please. Non-smokers have more of a right to fresh air than smokers do. If you don't like not being able to pollute our air, then stay out of the bars.
Posted by: Jack on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:23 AM
We're talking about bars here. Not exactly the places people who are concerned with their health frequent.
Posted by: Non Smoker on Aug 5, 2008 at 11:00 AM
To Jason @ 1:53 a.m. Yes there is a ban in Ohio and I've been to the bars in Columbus before and after the ban. I don't know what bars you've been to, but there is a huge difference in bar attendance since their ban! Many bars have closed because of the ban and people have lost jobs and wages! So, yes it does hurt bar owners. Even if it caused just 5 bars to close that is 5 bar owners lively hood and now they are without! Again, I state..I'm an adult and can enter a smoking establishment using my own brain and my right to do so. If you don't like smoking, choose not to enter! That simple!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:54 AM
went to play the games in the bar the other night. started to hit it good and had to give up my game to go smoke. came back and somebody hit it for a small fortune. thanks health dept. i'll just stay home and drink and smoke before they ban that to.......
Posted by: Daryl on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:51 AM
The smoking ban does not hurt me in any way, I lost one of my lungs and now I have reduced my smoking in half!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:40 AM
People go in BARS to DRINK,EAT,& SPEND THEIR MONEY to MEET &,RELAX after work in the evening & night-time! You should STOP people from DRINKING in BARS,IF you STOP Smoking in BARS, one is as bad as the other!This STATE makes MILLIONS off of SMOKER'S and DRINKER'S.They need to stop the Cocaine,Crack and Selling of Drugs in BARS & CLUBS,paying for Meth Clinic's to REPLACE their HABIT with another DRUG with STATE MEDICAL CARDS!SOLVE THE PROBLEMS!JUST STOP IT ALL,SMOKING, DRINKING,DRUGS and METH CLINIC'S!Have the DEATH PENALTY for MURDERERS! Life in PRISON for ATTEMPTED MURDERERS who COMMIT BRUTAL VIOLENT CRIMES that SEVERELY INJURIES AN INNOCENT VICTIM To the POINT THAT THE VICTIM CAN"T FUNCTION IN LIFE,and LIFE as THEY KNEW IS TAKEN FROM THEM FOREVER! Give LONGER! Prison time to People who Commit CRIMES! Do we have STUPID Dumb AS&$%S who COMMIT CRIMES,DRINK & SMOKE THAT MAKE LAWS,that let Murderers and people who Commit SERIOUS CRIMES OFF FREE! FIX THE MESSED UP SYSTEM!
Posted by: annie on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:32 AM
If the Bar owners would move out of the city limits and stop paying the B&O and city TAX they would hurt the city. What about drunks that take out entire familys and children. I am a smoker but i dont drink. I'm 50 years old and have never had a ticket. How many drunks can say they have never had an accident? I would rather drive out of town to smoke. People would drive a little out of town than be told WHAT AND WHERE they could be comfortable. WAKE UP PEOPLE this is not a communist country. HOWUCH MORE ARE YOU WILLING TO GIVE FOR THEIR LIFE INSTEAD OF YOUR'S????
Posted by: Laney on Aug 5, 2008 at 10:20 AM
I think if a government office is going to impose such a law, then the county should not be allowed to profit off of the sale of cigarettes. The smokers in this county should buy thier cigarettes in a different county, hit these agencies in the pocket, then when they can not be funded for lack of revenue, then they may look at the big picture.
Posted by: Voter on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:35 AM
I don't have a problem with non-smoking restaurants, but the bars and gambling establishments is just too much. This ban is making it easier for pot smokers and thiefs. If everyone at the bar is outside smoking, how do you tell the cigarettes from the joints? If all of the gamblers and workers are outside smoking, who's watching the cash register?
Posted by: Gail on Aug 5, 2008 at 09:00 AM
OK All you NON-Smokers now you are free to head to the bars and clubs, you couldn't wait to get all the smokers out to step up to the bar.
Posted by: Teresa on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:59 AM
Why not have bars that people can smoke in and have smoke-free bars? It should be up to the ownner of the bar. Restraunts that serve more food than alchol should be smoke free but Bars should have a Say!!
Posted by: Smoker on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:59 AM
The simple fact is this: People do not enter bars for their health. What happen to this being America land of the free? I still find it very hard to believe that anyone would have the right to take away someone else’s livelihood. Small business owners should absolutely have the right to say what is allowed in their establishments and it should be grown adults that make the decisions if they want to enter that establishment. I say, THIS IS STILL AMERICA and NO ONE SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO RUN SMALL BUSINESS INTO THE GROUND!
Posted by: To Tara on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:24 PM on Aug 5, 2008 at 08:35 AM
Tara, the Vault is an upscale bar that caters to Charleston's snooty upscale crowd. Go a few blocks down to bars like Sam's Uptown Cafe, the Blue Parrot, Julie J's and The Sound Factory and see how their business is doing. I know all the owners of these bars and their business has suffered GREATLY since the ban. This is not about people's rights. This is about letting the OWNERS of BUSINESSES choose what they want to allow in their establishments - plain and simple.
Posted by: against protesters on Aug 5, 2008 at 06:46 AM
Have you protesters listen to yourself 1st you go to a bar for what? to drink. that offends me that you may drink than drive on our roads taking a chance of killing someone what diffrence does it make if people smoke your more likley to be killed by a drunk than a smoker so shut the mouth if you dont like smoke dont go to a bar we will all be safer fewer non smokers drinking means lot more lifes saved because the smokers are confined to a area and your not
Posted by: Jason on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:53 AM
Smoking bans DO NOT hurt business. Take a look at bars and clubs in Columbus OH and Lexington VA...their business got BETTER with the smoking ban. There are more non-smokers than smokers.
Posted by: Mary Belle on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:48 AM
This is not about taking away a freedom. Why is it so hard for smokers to step outside and smoke? Don't complain about this, just go outside. I have breathing problems, and enjoy attending clubs on occasion for the live music. I also on occasion to go the race track, but before the ban I couldn't do this. It is giving people like me more freedom. It might be a minor incontinence for smokers, but they can step outside to smoke.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 01:29 AM
i think it should be up to the owners wether or not they allow smoking. i think its so stupid that a few non-smokers are trying to take away our rights as a smoker! everyone is going to die someday over something & if you dont like the smoke stay away from us....
Posted by: Lou on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:31 AM
Since the smoking ban went in effect, Were is all our non smokers at. We have no customers, The health Department need to send us the non smokers to play the machines. And the 2-3 non smokers we do have is Bi***ing cause the machines not paying out. What the H*** do they expect when our smokers left and went to Putnam County to gamble.I'm tired of hearing why don't the machines pay out. There the reason smokers left went to Putnam County. Health Department Thanks alot cause our jobs are hurting and looks like lot of us be without jobs soon and get paid to sit home draw welfare checks & food stamps every month. Gambling,Smoking And Drinking that goes togeather,Take the smoking away the gamblers left. Wonder what bright ideal the Health Department going do next to damage Business's Owners. Smokers has no rights that is discrimanation to us smokers. At least smokeing dont cause vehicle accidents. Have people leave places drinking and kill kids and adults by driving intoxicated.
Posted by: Allen on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:29 AM
Smokers choose to participate in a lifestyle that shortens their life expectancy as well as the life expectancy of those around them. As a human being it is my right and the right of every other patron to be able to go into a bar or restaurant without the fear of being bombarded by a hazardous environment. The minute smokers enter a bar they immediately "own" the air inside the bar simply because there is no way to contain cigarette smoke. Since this smoke has been proven hazardous, and the bar owner has given up his/her rights to the air inside the establishment, it is the duty of the government to stand for the basic human rights of the non-smokers. Don't like it? Stop smoking. It won't kill you if you do.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 5, 2008 at 12:28 AM
In responce to *About 95% of people that goes to bars smoke, so looks to me like the bars are going to be closing.* Finally, a way has been discovered to keep drunks off of the road. For anonymous at 4:29, nobody is disagreeing that you smoke, I could care less. I just don't want to breathe your smoke. I'm just curious, how many people on here that's complaining smoke around their kids? They don't have a say huh?
Posted by: Anon on Aug 4, 2008 at 11:30 PM
Second hand smoke is not the only thing that causes cancer, what about cell phones, I don't see anybody banning those. There are certain foods that cause cancer, I don't see anybody ceasing production on those products. What about the pollution that plants, trucks and cars put into the air, you think that is safe? If we're going to segregate then let's go all the way, I know people who can't eat without being sick when they see heavy set people, should we stop them from eating in public? I know christians who don't like to hear foul language, should we make a law for foul language? There are worse things in this world that we should be worried about for example "GAS PRICES". Taking away a certain freedom only allows the government to take away more, and when that freedom affects nonsmokers then maybe they'll see where smokers are coming from!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:32 PM
and where were all the Kanawha Co protestors when this was taking place in all the other counties? Too bad you couldn't have used your voices to support other counties. It's a done deal. Scream and cry if you want but the ban will stand. Personally, I love being able to go out without being suffocated with smoke.
Posted by: Tara on Aug 4, 2008 at 10:24 PM
If smoking is destroying business then can someone explain the Vault in Charleston? That bar has been smoke-free since the start and their business has been booming. Smoke outside if you want but don't force cancer on the rest of us. Non-smokers have rights. It's not fair for you to force smoke down our throats while we're out in public.
Posted by: derrick on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:56 PM
I went to the bar this weekend and it was very crowded. It was very nice not to have to inhale all the smoke and not have my eyes burning from the smoke. The same patrons were at the bar as well as a whole new crowd that I haven't seen at the bar. I go there frequently so I know who comes to the bar. Keep the smoking ban at the bars. This particular bar doesn't seem to be losing business. Actually some of the regular smokers that stepped outside to smoke came back in after two puffs and commented about how bad the smoke was outside. They couldn't believe how bad it smelled and choked them up.
Posted by: John on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:47 PM
Hey Dave @ 6:29PM, non-smokers do have rights, you have the right to business somewhere that caters to you as a customer, but please don't try to tell me how to operate my business. If non-smoking bars are such a good idea, why did it take the Health Board to bring them to Kanawha County? Where have the owner/operators of such establishments been for all these years.
Posted by: John on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:29 PM
"We have the right to enjoy a beer at a bar or have a nice meal at a restaurant without inhaling smoke" -- Only if you happen to OWN the restaurant. Otherwise the right you HAVE is to not to enter a business that provides an environment you don't like. WHY do you people want to take away right for a business to run as its owner chooses. What's it to you? Just go somewhere else!
Posted by: Valerie on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:24 PM
I just think that appointed peolpe that passes these bills should focus on the illegal drugs. If they spent half as much time on cleaning up that mess, everybody would be happy. All it takes is to raed this web site everyday at least twice a week someone has dies because of illegal drug. I just wished that the people that run the state would get off the smokers butts and figure out that there are a lot better issues that they should be concentrating on. Next they will want to make buying and selling tobacco products illegal, they are just adding another reason to up the crime rate. wake up West Virginia smoking should be the least of your everyday worry. Second hand smoke may be bad for you but is walking outside your front door any safer?
Posted by: Kent on Aug 4, 2008 at 09:00 PM
We probably wouldn't have smoking bans in the U.S. or in Europe if Senator Thomas Bliley's testimony about his Oversight Committee's investigation into the EPA had received media coverage... but it didn't, so the fraud continues. The public would realize that the alleged danger of secondhand smoke was a fraud perpetrated by anti-smoking activists working within the U.S. government as EPA employees. By 1986, the EPA had been deeply infiltrated by them. Sen. Bliley's testimony completely outlines the Committee's two-year investigation, and the fraud that was uncovered. And there's still no media coverage even now because the media was conned into being a blind spokesman for the fraud -- media must protect itself from the appearance of guilt by association. Media honesty dies a quick death. http://www.pipes.org/Articles/Bliley.html
Posted by: brad on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:29 PM
next they will ban our cars if they are older models due to pollution and health issues FREE COUNTRY MY A??
Posted by: Dave on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:29 PM
IT's obvious that these smokers are exagerating the truth. I ate at a popular restaurant on Sunday and it was really crowded. We had to wait 25 minutes for a table. Doesn't look like the ban is hurting their business. Smokers can go outside if they need to light up. Smokers keep saying their rights have been taken away. But what about the rights of non-smokers? We have the right to enjoy a beer at a bar or have a nice meal at a restaurant without inhaling smoke.
Posted by: Jen on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:23 PM
I 100% support the smoking ban. I went to a bar with a group of friends after work Friday and we all said how nice it was that the bar didn't smell like smoke. I also want to point out that the bar was PACKED so the ban isn't hurting everyone's business.
Posted by: Pete on Aug 4, 2008 at 06:17 PM
Business owners don't can't make the decision not to refridgerate food properly, or have staff handling food wash their hands. They also can't decide to sell alcohol without a liquor licence or to sell alcohol or tobacco products to children. Secondhand smoke is a proven health hazard to both non-smoking customers and staff. It's about time that the majority didn't have to go around avoid indoor air pollution emitted by the minority. Most of the country already has a ban, and more are being passed all the time. The Kanawha County smoking ban is here to stay so get used to it.
Posted by: Marlboro Man on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:31 PM
Call the Kan-Chas Health Dept at 348-8069, the Kanawha County Commissioners at 357-0101, and Charleston's Mayor's office at 348-8174 to complain along with posting your comments here. The Health Board is appointed by the Kanawha County Commission and the Charleston City Council. Thanks!
Posted by: Laney on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:06 PM
I went out for dinner and drink Friday evening, placed our order, went outside to smoke and when I looked back into the restaraunt there was not a person in it. Everyone was outside smoking. The discussion was how these laws were put into affect to protect non-smokers rights, yet they violate ours.After dinner we went to the casino and that place had very little business, the bartender said it had been like that since the smoking ban.I wonder if there are any smoking area located in any of the capitol buildings?
Posted by: annoymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 05:02 PM
In time it will be the same with menu's in restaurants. Because it can be considered a health issue, foods high in fat and cholesterol could be banned. No individual is perceived to be smart enough to make these choices on their own. Thats why an APPOINTED, not elected body, will be making these decisions for you. I always thought a democracy was based on majority rule. Would it be too much to ask for a popular vote on these issues?
Posted by: samm on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:58 PM
So they really passed this utterly stupid ban? I simply cannot believe people in WV are this dumb. They are way too smart to sit back and take this. Even Castro let you smoke in a bar. well I wont go to a resturant nor a bar that is non smoking. If I cant sit and enjoy a beer and a smoke that isnt the place for me, what next forbidding prayer in church? About 95% of people that goes to bars smoke, so looks to me like the bars are going to be closing. All you non smokers that got this passed pat yourself on the back but keep out of MY life!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:29 PM
The people who are puffing away pay taxes too. Why should we be forced out of everywhere just because some folks disagree with our decision to smoke.Drinking and smoking go hand in hand.if you are in a bar you really shouldn't complain, if you drink you destroy your liver, and most folks in a bar couldn't care less.It's the people who don't go and want to control everyone else is the problem.Im sick of you people running my life!
Posted by: Anon on Aug 4, 2008 at 04:11 PM
I totally agree with Scott - it should be a business owner's decision to allow smoking. If I don't like smoking, then I can choose to go somewhere smoke-free - if there are no smoke-free bars, then it's my bad luck and NOT something that should be legislated. People who don't like alcohol can choose not to go to places that serve alcohol. It should be the same for non-smokers.
Posted by: GARY on Aug 4, 2008 at 03:34 PM
bar the police dont let them in lock your doors make them show Id to get in. make it private.
Posted by: Non-smoker on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Went to my favorite bar this weekend and no one was inside. Everyone was outside including the bartender! This ban is ridiculous. As an adult, I can choose to enter or not a smoking establishment of my own free will. You whining adults can do the same! Get rid of this stupid ban! It is not the Health dept's business!
Posted by: NON SMOKER on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:49 PM
these smoking bans are stupid to say the least i mean in a bar especially, i live in ironton our V.F.W. isn't even allowed to smoke these are the people who fought for our freedom. private clubs not being allowed to smoke people pay dues to belong to these clubs they have meetings and vote on house rules if they don't want smoking they have the right to vote on the issue in each club. i don't smoke but i do go out to bars and clubs and if it offends me i can choose not to go it's that simple so to all you smokers i say "smoke em' if ya' got 'em!!!"
Posted by: Jeanine on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:40 PM
If there are those that do not like smoking or do not want to be exposed to second-hand smoke, they should leave the establishment and go to a non-smoking establishment. Sounds to me like smoking establishments are more fun. I thought legislators were the law writing body not the health dept.
Posted by: randy on Aug 4, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Kanawha bar owners should contact Putnam Bar owners - they successfully got smoking ban rescinded by "paying off" Health Board members!
Posted by: Make Fun of Ohio too! on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:53 PM
Heather, Ohio's smoking ban went in to effect last June with the same regulations. It has nothing to do with WV or people making fun. It's a bunch of folks who don't even go do to bars deciding on what the general public does or doesn't want. It's our right to choose and those rights are slowly dwindling away. I hope you are a registered voter that voted either for or against the ban.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 01:18 PM
These bar owners are either a) lieing or b) creating a false correlation between the smoking ban and poor business. In Lexington, KY (big tobacco's back door) a smoking ban actually increased bar attendance over the long run. If their business is actually suffering I would look to increasing prices and poor economic growth. Smokers create a negative externality for non-smokers which, just like pollution of drinking water warrants government intervention. So stop trying to complain your way out of this and do some research.
Posted by: NO SMOKING on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:49 PM
I GLAD THEY CUT OUT KILLING THE REST OF US WITH THEIR CRAPPY CIGS!!!!! WHOO HOO
Posted by: oscar weidenheimer on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:49 PM
people don't go to a bar because they are concerned fortheir health. it's the one place theyb should be allowed to smoke.
Posted by: Ashley on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:46 PM
I am not a smoker and fully supported banning smoking from restaurants. However, banning smoking from bars? Come on! Leave it to the owners discretion.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:39 PM
who wants to sit around a bunch of people puffing away...
Posted by: Scott on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:32 PM
These smoking bans in establishments are nothing short of dictatorship. If I own a business, I should have the right to let my customers do anything (within legal limits) that they want! Smoking, while bad for your health, is legal. If a bar owner wants to let people smoke in his bar, then let him. Since the ban, has anyone noticed Capitol and Kanawha Streets on the weekends? The streets are littered with cigarette butts, and all the people outside smoking crowd the sidewalks, and it leads to more fights and more headaches for an already strapped police force. C'mon, Kanawha County - do the right thing and repeal this ridiculous ban.
Posted by: Heather on Aug 4, 2008 at 12:23 PM
Yet another reason for the rest of the 48 states to make fun of WV. How ignorant? As Eddie Izzard said, "Soon we'll have to go down to the library for a wild time."
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