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Just curious to see how effective these smoking laws have been. Do the police actually show up to ticket people who violate the smoking laws? Do they enforce the 15 or 25 ft from an entrance?

I don't think it will hurt us horribly if people can just step outside the door to the patio to smoke, but our patio doesn't reach out to 15ft.

With Illinois changing over to all nonsmoking public places in Jan. I can't imagine how they would enforce it. Geez, like the police don't have enough to do.

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They had one "experimental" bust here in 2 years.  One of the things I like is this I back up to the front door to unload The outside smokers provide security for the whole night.

I really think it gradually turn into a seatbelt type law (secondary bust)

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Is that one bust in your venue or for the whole town?

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They don't even flinch in our town.  It's a small town and as long as you're not smoking inside the establishment the cops aren't going to say a word.  I imagine it's different in more high profile venues.

We've had several bars ticketed & customers fined.  One bar actually charged their smokers $5 & put it in the 'fine' jar & if they got busted, the fines would be taken out of that.  Thing they didn't seem to realize is that if the bar got 3 tickets, their liquor license would be revoked - they now have an outside smoking area.  
Police don't go seeking (at least here) smoking violations, but if they get enough compaints of violators or bars allowing it, then they will hit them - or like said, a secondary bust.

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It was an inside bust I dont remember the law but I think its so much per violation.
It was a different bar. I have known the owner for years I wasnt there but got the impression that everybody played the role but when it was all said and done what a waste. Two cop cars a careful plan Six law enforcement officers And wow!!! $150 in fines!!!

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There will always be an exciting bust going down when your in an establishment....

Yeah, smoking was going to be banned here it never happened. I wouldn't start sweating until the ban actually happens. The only thing that changed here is restruants that do not serve alcohol must be smoke free.

I actually heard something about smoking bans being changed throughout the country, as it should be the bar owners right to choose if the business is smoking or not. If a customer does not like smoking they don't have to go to that bar.

I know from another board the NJ smoking ban is shutting down bars right and left.

As far as I know smoking bans do not effect private organizations Like The PNA, The Eagle, The Moose, The Sons of Italy, VFW. Everyone that smokes will just become members of a private club

In Cincinnati area, a lot of bars are posting the non-smoking signs, removing the ashtrays, then totally looking the other way when people smoke anyway. The way enforcement is structured, it is really hard to do anything about that. It has been three months since enforcement started, and this looks like the way things are going to shake out.

We had been hopeful that we would be able to go see our favorite karaoke host now that smoking had stopped, but no such luck. Our eyes still start burning before we sing our second song....


In Ohio, at least, this is not true. There are almost no private clubs that qualify to allow smoking -- basically you can't have any paid employees.

Dallas banned smoking a couple of years ago.. What has happened is that restaurants and bars have the no smoking by city ordinance sign on the front door. When you go in they still have their smoking sections. They are not supposed to have smoking sections, but they do. The problem is that there are so many places in Dallas, that they do not have the man power to enforce the ordinance, so no one ever gets ticketed unless there is a complaint and then it is the restaurant or bar that gets the ticket.

Of coarse there are a lot of places that built patios with outdoor seating to accommodate and that is their smoking section now. Luckily for us, Texas is fairly mild in climate (most of the time).

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Not true here either.

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We {Michigan} are going "No Smoking" here to {i can't wait}, they tried to introduce legislation to make private clubs, and casinos exempt. The indians had a fit here, because they claim they should not have to obey state laws on indian reservations. Technically all the casinos here in michigan are on an "Indian Reservation". Well that didn't fly either. So, with the pending legislation, there will be no smoking even in the casinos. One of the things the indians up here pride themselves with, are the sale of fine cigars, the $40.00 to $200 range. A Dutchmaster anyone?  Ouch!

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Now that is the one thing here that is different, the tribal bar/restaurants/casinos are exempt.

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I dont think they can regulate them Lonnie. So your stste is right...


link

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You can think as you wish...but here in michigan, there will be no smoking in the private clubs or casinos....they have already warned that liquor licenses will be yanked for repeated violations. Here's another shocker for yas....There has been a bill introduced here in Michigan, which i think they will have a good chance of passing. That will allow the state to put a toll booth in front of the entrance to every indian reservation "casino". The toll will be $10.00 a vehicle. The indians are going ballistic, walk ups will also be charged the 10 bucks. We have a new casino that will be opening in the next month or so. The booth is being built right now. And there is a law suit pending. So you may think these things won't pass. But i assure you, the state means business. The state likens it to the drunk driver sobriety checks. Their theory is it's a privilege to drive, and a privilege to go unto an indian reservation, and a privilege to smoke. Not a law under the constitution. Therefore they are allowed to put restrictions on such privileges.

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Have to a gree with you- it IS a privelidge- not a right to smoke. Especially when there are non smokers in the area who would complain. And frankly...I have always though a no smoking section in a open room is like a no peeing section in a pool. I have always hated smoking- but had many friends who did. Even way back when before all the hullabaloo was raised- they would go outside to smoke. I was grateful and still am when I know a smoker is being considerate. I live in CA and we've been no smoking for so long that it's not really something I even think about anymore- until I end up back home in Atlanta. My god- there is a haze in most places. I was at a table and my eyes wouldn't stop watering. After an hour or so I couldn't take it. I told my table of 10 people I was leaving. They know I sing for a living and when I think my throat my be in danger I either remove the danger- or take myself away from it. When I got home- my clothes stunk. My hair stunk...and for an hour I was coughing up some NASTY grey phlegm. If it could do that to me in an hour- what the hell is it doing to people who are actuyally smoking. It's a terrible terrible thing. And there is nothing cool about it. God knows I love my friends who smoke-0 but I have to hold my breath to hug them. I cant understand why it remains so popular after everything that has been proven about it. It's expensive, dangerous, and ages your skin and body...not to mention the smell. If you're gonna allow smoking- make tobacco ILLEGAL and allow Pot. At least then - they'll feel like staying home(LOL) Just Kidding about that last part.

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Do you have any links for reference?  Would be interesting to read, I couldn't find much about that.

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Which That? the casino toll booths, the amendment to exempt casinos and private clubs that failed?  I will post a news link to both if you wish? not a problem.

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That'd be cool.  Thanks.

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ok.........here's the link to the toll booths outside of the Detroit casinos...they do want to make it state wide as the article states. I see now it will be a seperate bill, that i really think has a very very good chance of passing. We are in a one state reccession here in michigan. We have double digits unemployment, and double digit inflation. We are dependent on the automotive industry, and we need help here big time. Anyways...here's the link, watch the video to the right. It pretty much says it all.

http://www.WOODTV.com/Global/story.asp?s=6912285

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