By qzy

Nov 3, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this

People also die in drunk driving accidents coming home from the bars they weren't allowed to smoke in. Are we to assume that Groth will soon be closing down the bars as well?

By dudley

Nov 3, 2009 4:46 PM | Link to this

I got it all figgered out.
Move the dumpsters out.
Turn the alleys into smoking lounges.
Deliver your own trash to the landfill.

By Bert

Nov 3, 2009 4:44 PM | Link to this

A business owner should be allowed to make their own rules when it comes to their business.Government,local or otherwise,has no right to ban a perfectly legal product from an establishment they do not own.If you don't want to be around smoke,then simply choose not to frequent that establishment.That is your right.People can coexist.Smoking bars/restaurants and non-smoking bars/restaurants.As far as the tax is concerned,is it outrageous? Yes.Is it discriminatory? Of course it is.If the government is so concerned about the health and welfare of it's citizens simply outlaw tobacco.Once tobacco is run completely out of business they will simply turn to other vices.Soda tax,fast food tax,alcohol tax.All you hypocritical people spew more poison into the air on your daily commute to work than a smoker will in an entire lifetime.Go ahead,research it.Average co2 (among other noxious pollutants) emissions from ONE gallon of gasoline is 19.4 POUNDS of emissions!It's a fact.Do I wish to smoke around people who dislike it? Of course not.I will honor whatever rule is in place.
You have every right to breathe clean air,but do not tell me I cannot smoke in my own home,vehicle,or business.
Leave it up to the business owner.

By KDF

Nov 3, 2009 4:40 PM | Link to this

Smoke, smoke that cigarette! Non-smokers bother me not. It is the folks that are rude and vociferous with their comments. There are dozens of things we eat, breathe and drink that'll kill you. Think you are getting off this planet alive??? <

By Laughing Hyena

Nov 3, 2009 4:08 PM | Link to this

I don't mind a smoky bar when I'm out on the prowl for someone to touch tinklers with.

By David

Nov 3, 2009 4:07 PM | Link to this

To "Ron-Texas":

Spoken like a true addict. You'll show us all right! You'll show us by paying any price for a cigarette no matter how high they get.

Seriously though, I quit smoking earlier back in January when both the state and the federal government were talking about hiking cigarette taxes. I got ticked off the same way I got ticked off the last couple of times cig taxes went up then just decided, "Screw this. I'm not going to singlehandly hold together the state and federal budget." It should be clear to anybody who is still smoking that no matter what party is in power taxes on cigarettes WILL continue to go up (as they did TWICE during republican ownership of legislative/executive branch and as they did at the state and federal level back in January). Raising taxes on cigarettes is the easiest tax to raise because it only hits an already apologetic minority.

Just wait, within 5 years, a pack of cigarettes in Texas will cost as much as it currently does in NYC ($12 a pack). And most you will still smoke it because you're an addict. (Every increase of $1 a pack results in on average 0.5% reduction in number of smokers, still a net increase in state revenue)

On behalf of all Texans and Americans I want to thank you smokers for doing your part to support our state and federal government. Your addiction allows the rest of us to pay lower taxes and for that I thank you.

By Sad But True

Nov 3, 2009 3:38 PM | Link to this

"A nonsmoker, in regards to the Zoo, you should get PETA involved. Faster action can be taken to protect animals then our kids. I hope I'm wrong about that and that our City Council does care about our kids enough to ban smoking in public areas.

If they don't maybe the next one will.

By Smoke-Free Waco

Nov 3, 2009 3:20 PM | Link to this

We as individuals and our children deserve our share of smoke-free air. I agree that this is a free country, however it isn't fair for those of us who smoke to have to walk around with our nose covered becuase someone is smoking in front of us. Example: The Fair
Come out to the convention center tonight and support this cause. Our council members want to see as much support as possible. Especially those from the 76706 area.

By Truth

Nov 3, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

Actually Ron-Texas, we will eventually get rid of smokers since because of your unhealthy habit, our life expectancy is about 5-10 years long then yours.

And no one is treating you like second or third class citizens, we just choose to exercise our 1st Amendment rights by not having to publicly take part in your habit. We have just as many rights as you do, and you haven't the right to force your health hazard on us!

By A nonsmoker

Nov 3, 2009 1:57 PM | Link to this

I support banning smoking in public places such as the ZOO!!! I want my child to enjoy a day in the zoo without having to walk into the nasty smell the "careless" smoker is creating!! Cigarette smell is just as repulsive/offensive as any other body odor, I agree with "nonsmoker" they STINK!! If choose to smoke around your children do it, I could careless... But don't bring it around our children, we care about there health!
Kudos to MCC who has created designated smoking areas (AWAY) from entryways! Now we don't have to rush in past the clouds of smoke!
-Smoking in bars or night clubs is fine with me, because my children will not be there...