Bath houses, burlesque shows, casinos, pet shops, ski resorts are also places the public goes and are clearly labelled as such. Should I fear baths, partial nudity, gambling, animals or ski injuries, I simply avoid them. Why can there be no bars or restaurants clearly advertised as "smoking allowed"? One could simply then avoid them. Or am I missing something. It's the adult's freedom to choose that I feel is at risk.
What I cannot avoid or cannot prevent my children seeing/hearing is advertising that puts a healthy spin on products that have the potential to be unhealthy, such as cigarettes, alcohol, etc. I think it should be banned or limited to non-prime-time adult shows/publications. (I also cannot avoid buildings that have inadequate ventilation systems where chemicals from cleaning supplies and carpets, etc., or cold germs have no where to go, but circulate through my air. But this issue doesn't get a lot of attention?)
Anyway, enjoyed reading & participating in the debate, but my energy is beginning to wane. Alexa, I can't really argue with your point about "the right to breathe smoke-free air". I think the medical evidence is clear that smoking/breathing-in smoke is harmful. But I also think that a bar or restaurant should be able to choose to be a "smokers allowed" restaurant if they clearly advertise themselves as such. It really comes down to a protection of individual freedoms for me. Freedom to go or not go there, or work there, for those so inclined. Freedom to drink, or not to drink, be with those who do or go to an alcohol-free restaurant.
Have a good night--I'm getting tired.
Barb |
