Posted: February-05-2009 at 9:05pm | IP Logged	Tweet

Well, after reading some things recently and then seeing tonight on local TV news, it sure appears that the Commonwealth of Virginia is getting ready to be like the state of Tennessee ... no smoking in restaurants.

Myself, living in the state of Tennessee ... I was very happy when the law was passed in 2007 to discontinue allowing smoking in restaurants. If someone can't wait until after eating to get outside to smoke, that's their problem.

I'm not ranting about smokers, that's not the deal. The deal is, I (and many others feel the same way) feel non-smokers are the ones who have the right ... the right to breathe clean air and not cigarette smoke in restaurants. It's a health issue. We all know smoking cigarettes is unhealthy. It's also medically proven breathing second-hand cigarette smoke is unhealthy.

I have friends that are smokers, and friends that aren't smokers. Those that smoke, they have the right to smoke ... in their personal vehicles or in their homes.

But smoking out in public, specifically in restaurants, it's just a much healthier overall environment if smoking's not allowed in restaurants. Some who live in Virginia may think if restaurants are forced to not allow customers to smoke that it will hurt their business, that's not necessarily true. Some smokers may be hard-headed and stubborn and decide to no longer eat out. But some non-smokers who may have chosen to not eat out because of smoky environments in restaurants, they will probably now decide to start eating out again. The no smoking ban in restaurants in Tennessee hasn't hurt business, it hasn't. I know people in the restaurant business, and I've heard what they've said.

But after seeing where it looks like smoking is going to be banned in restaurants in Virginia, I was just wondering how the Virginians who participate on RacersLounge feel about it. 

Posted: February-06-2009 at 8:52pm | IP Logged	Tweet

NOw let me give you all the opposing side...this bill if passed in va will cut out smoking in the prisons.  Now you say who cares about the convicts right...well you take the only vice they have then you are gonna see big trouble for the guys like me who have to walk the floor with 1200 of the states and a few of the nations most dangerous men ...now what happens to the ones in blue when the ones in orange have no outlets what so ever...there are two sides to everything and this bill affects in more ways than one.  I am a smoker but understand the issue with second hand smoke and stay away from people when I do smoke (including my son). I have no problem with the ban in resturants and in public but this thing needs to be ammended desperatly.

King

Posted: February-07-2009 at 10:31am | IP Logged	Tweet

Hey Kelly do they still let them smoke at Wallen's Ridge? I worked at two facilities at the time they stopped inmates from smoking and let me tell you it was not pretty when we shook them down and took them away, also I worked at a regional facility that was smoke free formn the swing of the gate, stress was awfull, and we all blamed it on the smoking ban, they still got in somehow though , magic I guess. All state buildings are really supposed to be smoke free anyway I believe, prisons had been an exception, possibly till now I guess

Posted: February-07-2009 at 4:24pm | IP Logged	Tweet

I smoke. I can certainly understand the law. Heck, I don't even like smelling it when I'm eating either, nor do I smoke while I'm eating.

Smokers (when it was allowed in restaurants) also used to tend to linger longer according to statistics. That only irritates the ones who are still waiting to get a table. They were being indirectly disrespectful and probably didn't even know it.

I will disagree however with RW's statement that the smoking ban hasn't hurt its share of establishments, and once again where is the proof on second-hand smoke? I hear that all the time, but nobody has ever shown me proof. Many have closed over this law. It doesn't hurt the big chains all that much, but the "Ma and Pop" restaurants (that's small restaurant owners for those of you in Rio Linda), typically in smaller towns have closed all over Tennessee.

Here's a prime example. Augustino's, a very popular Italian restaurant in Greeneville closed its doors shortly after the smoking ban. Patrons from the Tri-Cities, TN/VA area to Knoxville came to eat at Augustino's. This place stayed full, and this place also featured a full service bar. When the smoking ban was installed, the smokers stopped coming, the bar business immediately decreased by 75%. The restaurant side lost half of its business.

Damon's in Kingsport also closed, which was really sad because they had really made a comeback after closing once due to...well it's to involved I won't go into it, but you catch my drift.

RW, Johnson City has about 200 eating establishments. They're one big restaurant over there...how in the world could you make that judgement based on what they're saying?

If your business was evenly distributed between bar and restaurant or even weighted more to the food side, you were at a distinct disadvantage. That was the straw that broke the camels back for many. The few that had an older demographic went to the "OVER 21 TO ENTER" loophole while the ones that were more family oriented like the Augustinos' of the world who were unique and had character about them are gone.

The financial and economical impact on smaller communities really hurt when this law passed.

Now I'm really going to ruffle feathers in the name of RACING...

Our government continues to take away our freedoms and liberties at an alarming rate. Yes smoking is considered a bad habit and health risk by many...smoking can kill you and the government wants to impose on you its will to take that right away along with the many others already taken, like its new eminent domain law passed a few years back, while the things the politicians like, ie. ALCOHOL are still perfectly legal and had killed more families than smoking ever will, but what's next?

Well how about RACING? Racing can kill you. Racing is a hobby enjoyed by many, has significant health risks, and can kill you just like smoking. Why isn't racing banned?

Just wait until some crackpot researcher gets millions from our beloved government, and sets out to prove that the second-hand rubber and racing fuel inhaled by racefans can kill them and Uncle Sam or a State tries to ban racing. Ya'll would go ballistic just like I would! If you don't think that could happen, think again.

Folks, this is where it's headed. As the Fed and State Governments get more powerful, more rights will be taken away. They've already tried to take away your guns several times. That's working beautifully in Great Britan btw, so great in fact that a man who shot a home intruder who had broken into his home on TWO other occasions is now in jail for using his "banned" gun to shoot him with while (get this) the intruder is still on the streets!

To me, this isn't really about my choice to smoke in a restaurant, it's about my right to make the choice to smoke without the government telling me whether I can or not.

Now back to alcohol. What's really weird about this is that I don't drink. I used to...if you don't believe me, just ask Woo-Woo and CD-1, lol! To me, banning alcohol should be much higher on the list than cigs, but for some reason, it's not? Why? 

That's all I'm going to type for now...I could go on about this all night.

Posted: February-07-2009 at 5:00pm | IP Logged	Tweet

Bug knows me well, and knows that I am a strict Constitutionalist and card carrying member of the NRA.  HA HA   I'm one of those folks who "clings to my religion and my guns". I certainly believe in individual liberties. And, I believe very strongly in my personal liberties.... like not being subjected to cigarette smoke when I try to enjoy a meal at a restaurant. I was one who voluntarily wore ARMY green to help protect individual liberties. It's not that I think a person shouldn't be allowed to smoke if they so desire. It's just that I am allergic to the smoke..... just can't be around it. I sort of like being able to breathe and being able to see. When I am in close proximity to cigarette smoke I can't do either of those things very well, and I really enjoy doing both. I have never minded at all to go out to eat at a restaurant which can honestly provide me with a smoke free environment while at the same time allowing the smokers to enjoy their "smokes".  A designated area with all the same amenities and proper ventilation is all that is required. What I cannot handle personally is being required to wait for a table while in a congested area occupied by smokers and non-smokers alike, and I can't handle having to walk through the smoke filled smoking section to get to the non-smoking section way in the back.... and then having to pass back through that same smoking section to get out. I have experienced those conditions several times over the years. Doesn't get me overexcited, and I don't file any complaints about it. I don't write my Congressman. I just never go back. Simple freedom of choice. It isn't the smoker's fault that non-smokers are subjected to the smoke abuse. The smokers are in the "smoking area". I just shouldn't have to also be in that area, too.

Posted: February-07-2009 at 7:36pm | IP Logged	Tweet

that's a good point speed I wish they'd look at making the smoking sections more seperated from the non smoking sections before they banit all together, but i am a smoker

Posted: February-08-2009 at 12:14am | IP Logged	Tweet

racingwrench wrote: Up here it's no smoking in any public building so no restaurants no malls, no workplaces and now the new one NO SMOKING IN A VEHICLE CONTAINING CHILDREN.  So  you need to be like 20 feet from a door outside to smoke which means no crowding the doorway.

Hey "racingwrench," in the state of Tennessee ... smoking's not permitted in public buildings (such as restaurants, courthouses, malls and shopping centers, and the workplace).

But, it's currently being tossed around in Nashville (state capitol) by elected officials to pass what you mentioned above, about no smoking in a vehicle containing children. I'm thinking the law being discussed is no smoking in a vehicle with children age 10-and-under).

"BugMan," correct me if I'm wrong about that. It might be 12-and-under. All I know is, it's being discussed.

Posted: February-08-2009 at 12:19am | IP Logged	Tweet

I hadn't read the replies in this topic until tonight, but something I ran into Saturday evening while eating out is ... just outside the entrance doors there's a couple of benches.

People were sitting there smoking and also smokers standing up smoking. I don't know if they were waiting to go inside, or were just chatting and smoking after leaving the establishment.

But the bottom line is, there was no way when leaving that you didn't have to breathe the smoke. It was all around.

I've NEVER sent anything to a public establishment about anything. But rest assured I will sometime over the next couple of days. My suggestion to management is going to request they move the benches somewhere else, and to also put up no smoking signs near the entrance/exit.

Posted: February-08-2009 at 12:35am | IP Logged	Tweet

My point in creating this topic was, to gauge how Virginians felt about what appears is going to be a no smoking law in restaurants in the Commonwealth.

I have a question: Besides no smoking in restaurants, what other public places is smoking not permitted in Virginia?

I know in the state of Tennessee, smoking's not permitted around hospitals. I don't know if that's mandated by the state, or by the medical facilities. I know here in Johnson City at the JC Medical Center, there are signs as soon as you drive onto hospital property stating "tobacco free grounds." You can't even smoke while standing out in the middle of the parking lots.

"ValleyGirl" would know about that, being that's where she works. Can people still smoke in their personal vehicle? It seems I heard on TV news and read in the newspaper that smoking's not permitted period now on the grounds, even in personal vehicles.

Posted: February-08-2009 at 12:03pm | IP Logged	Tweet

RW posted:

"As I previously stated, I'm not ranting about smokers. I have family (one of my sister's, one of my niece's, and cousins) that smoke, as well as a few of my friends, and just because they smoke doesn't mean I don't love and care about them. I consider my sister that smokes to be a considerate smoker, she doesn't smoke around those of us who don't smoke. A couple of my cousins (Donnie & Earl) that smoke, they'd smoke if they were around the Pope. HA HA HA HA ... They think they have the "right" to smoke wherever/whenever they so choose."

RW...I didn't read a post where anyone said you were ranting about smokers.

RW posted:

Posted: February-08-2009 at 12:42pm | IP Logged	Tweet

Bug is correct.....Smoking is ONLY permitted in our personal vehicles....

Posted: February-08-2009 at 3:47pm | IP Logged	Tweet

As usual

Posted: February-10-2009 at 8:39am | IP Logged	Tweet

Hey Forrest its still allwed in population which you all didnt have alot of at the onion...lol.  And we can smoke inside the facility in our offices or outside but this bill if passed will not allow us to bring them past front search.  Not to mention the ramifications of telling my pod that I need to confiscate all tobacco products from them.  And everyone needs to read this harder this is not a ban just on smoking but on use of tobacco products period.  So if you dip or chew this affects you as well. 

King

Posted: February-10-2009 at 10:51pm | IP Logged	Tweet

Maybe me using the word "rant" was incorrect. Without going back to read what I had posted, I don't believe I mentioned anyone specifically had accused me of ranting.

What I meant was, when it comes to any subject I feel strongly and am passionate about, I will express my point(s) of view.  

Posted: February-10-2009 at 10:54pm | IP Logged	Tweet

Hey "BugMan," you reckon that's the first time she's ever been right in her life??? HA HA HA HA

Oh, I guess I had better be quiet before she posts and informs me she's an Angel. Whew, anytime I ever type that, it's kind of difficult for my fingers to hit the right keys. Angel??? LOL LOL LOL

Posted: February-10-2009 at 10:55pm | IP Logged	Tweet

By Bristol Herald Courier Editorial Board

Published: January 7, 2009

State Del. David Englin, a Democrat who represents the 45th District in Northern Virginia, filed legislation Monday for the 2009 General Assembly session in the hopes of banning smoking in restaurants and bars statewide. It’s a measure this newspaper has supported in the past and still advocates unabashedly.

Our support is simple. As Englin noted when filing the bill, the measure is aimed at protecting the health and safety of restaurant workers, as well as patrons.

While a similar measure died last year, the majority of Virginia voters support the effort, according to a recent survey by Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

Some findings:

* 75 percent of Virginia voters support a statewide law to ban smoking inside all public buildings and workplaces, including offices, restaurants and bars.

* 66 percent say they would strongly support a statewide smoke-free law.

* 82 percent, including 58 percent of smokers, believe the rights of customers and employees to breathe clean air in restaurants and bars is more important than the right of smokers to smoke in these places.

* 88 percent of Virginia voters agree that workers should be protected from second-hand smoke in the workplace.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine was in Englin’s district Tuesday and announced his 2009 legislative agenda in Arlington. It includes a proposal for smoke-free restaurants statewide.

This is an effort that gained some momentum but died last year. We are optimistic to see it revived as a statewide plan. It is the only way to see real gains in Virginia on this issue.

Smoking patterns vary by region. As recently noted by U.S. News & World Report, the Bristol-Kingsport region is the second-highest region in the country for cigarette smoking. Not surprisingly, smoking-related illnesses also are sky-high here.

Perhaps other regions of Virginia are more likely to embrace a statewide smoking ban, but this region has been slower to show support. But the smoking ban is not about pitting regions against each other. As Englin and other longtime supporters have noted, it’s about health. Wait staff, bartenders and bussers cannot get away from second-hand smoke on the job. And no matter how smoking sections are designed, the smoke wafts over to non-smoking areas.

We cannot say the health of employees is more important in one part of Virginia than another. It’s not. The ban should be a statewide initiative, so all employers operate under the same set of rules and all employees derive the same benefits.

For adults who choose to smoke, they know they are harming their own health. They must find places to partake without harming the health of others. We expect Englin’s bill will have enthusiastic backers and equally vigorous detractors, some of whom will claim the ban hurts the restaurant business or the tobacco industry or personal freedoms.

We say health is more important, especially for those who cannot get away from the smoke created in their workplaces. And across Virginia, business has grown for restaurants that have chosen to go smoke-free.

Smokers like to smoke. We understand that. But they must find places to do it away from others who don’t want their health affected.

As Englin noted in announcing his bill: “Especially in today’s economy, it is wrong to force restaurant workers to choose between their jobs or breathing cancer-causing second-hand smoke.”

Englin’s bill is for a statewide ban, but he expects other lawmakers to file bills for regional or local smoking bans in restaurants and bars. We do not support regional or local measures, which would likely leave some parts of Virginia with “smoking” restaurants and bars and others with ones that are smoke-free.

We support the statewide ban and hope the General Assembly will reflect the majority will of the people on this issue.

Overwhelmingly, Virginia voters support a ban in restaurants and bars. The time has come for Virginia to take this important step for the health of all.

Posted: February-10-2009 at 10:57pm | IP Logged	Tweet

So, has the no smoking bill passed? Is it officially law?

I've not read anything officially stating the no smoking law has passed.

Posted: February-10-2009 at 11:06pm | IP Logged	Tweet

Man, for you guys that work in the prisons, I definitely feel for y'all. I cannot even imagine the level of stressful situations you all must sometime go through.

A good friend of mine is retired from the State of Maryland Corrections Dept. He worked for 22 years at the prison in Baltimore, and some of the stories Steve's told me, I just shake my head. Unreal, to say the least.

I like watching on MSNBC the prison "Lockup" programs. With Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary located in Petros, Tenn., I really found that show to be quite interesting. Just seeing the outside of that place, and then the inside, that was something else.

The terrain surrounding Brushy Mountain is rugged, and it's widely reported of the State of Tennessee stocking poisonous snakes around the area. Wartburg Speedway is located near Brushy Mountain, and I know racers and fans who attend that track. Several have told me, when I've mentioned Brushy Mountain, the deal about the snakes.

I have a few buddies I grew up with who are employed by the Washington County, Tenn., Sheriff's Dept. One of them told me the first time he ever had to transport a prisoner to Brushy Mountain, when he rounded the bend the prison jumps out at you. He said it's quite an intimidating sight.

Posted: February-11-2009 at 12:48am | IP Logged	Tweet

Funny you all mention Brushy, I live ten minutes from the prison. In fact, I worked for about a year and a half at Wartburg Speedway as the track story writer before the local paper decided to screw me over on printing articles on track results. But that's a totally different story.

My take on the smoking ban is it's a good thing. I don't drink or smoke and I can't stand to be around people who smoke because the smell of cigarettes physically make me sick. If people want to smoke, that's their business, but I don't want to breathe in their smoke.