These smoking bans will probably go down in history as one of the greatest marketing scams ever by having drug companies using tax exempt political action committees calling themselves "charities".
Here's the beginning of the ban movement in the USA.

www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?ia=143&id=14912

Here are the instructions from Johnson and Johnsons' (makers of cessation products) RWJ Foundation for their tax exempt political action committees. (charities?) Note on page seven the "inside-out" provision, banning smoking on patios AFTER business owners spend thousands to build them for their smoking customers, clearly showing that they have ABSOLUTLY NO CONCERN for local issues or businesses.
Also note on the last page, they are instructed to keep returning every year until ALL exemptions, are gone.

www.no-smoke.org/pdf/CIA_Fundamentals.pdf

You say these folks have ABSOLUTELY NO CONCERN for local issue or businesses. Where is the concern for local people who cannot go to those businesses because they allow smoking.
I feel if you wish to smoke, you have every right to do so. I think it's silly for people to gripe about smelling smoke when you're out walking, or if you're in your car, at a light, and the car next to you has a smoker in it, and you catch a faint whiff.
It's a completely different matter when people smoke, in public, in enclosed areas. Why do smokers think they have a right to foist the byproduct of their habit on other people? If it's a bowling alley, a skating rink, a restaurant, etc.....people don't want to smell your cloud!!
If you want to smoke, take it outside, do it at home, or in your car. Keep it to yourself. There'd be fewer problems if that were the case!!
This comes down to smokers having zero consideration for others.

For those who say "it can't happen here", you must realize that a well funded "war on smokers" is underway.

http://www.rwjf.org/pr/product.jsp?ia=143&id=14912

And what the 99 million dollars was going to. Note on page seven the "inside -out", provision going for patios later, AFTER business owners spend thousands of dollars to build them to accommodate their smoking customers, clearly showing that the tobacco control activists have ABSOLUTLY NO CONCERN about local issues or businesses. You may need to CTRL and scoll to enlarge it.

http://www.no-smoke.org/pdf/CIA_Fundamentals.pdf

The main thing I would like to point out is that it should be up to the businesses to make there own decision on whether to allow smoking or not . Most of the small hometown businesses respect a persons privilage of being in a smoke free area and do not allow smoking in the customer area but they have a area where smoking is allowed, if a person does not want to be around the smoke they can chose not to be in that area. Family type places like restaurants, yes it would be hard to have an inside area for smokers that would not effect non smoking area.

The primary target seems to be the bars, these are not family type areas adult people go here to relax and enjoy themselves it should be up to the owners to decide whether to allow smoking or not. If one chose not to be around smoke or not to work in a smoke filled area that is their chose not to go there.

The largest part of the group for smoke free maryville at the meeting monday night seem to be young adults below the age of purchasing tobacco , alcohol and entering alcohol establishments.
They should be reminded of the dangers of alcohol use whether it is in a smoke filled bar or where ever

All I am wondering is why a town of 10,000 thirty minutes away is getting front in a town of 75,000? Is there NOTHING in Saint Joseph more important going on than something in Maryville?

I live in a smoke-free state and you can't imagine how nice it is to go to any bowling alley, restaurant or bar and not smell cigarette smoke. When I come to Missouri to visit I really notice it when I go out.

I'm sick of the all the smoking bans. Pops, if you don't want to be around the smoke, then don't go to a restaurant that allows smoking. There are plenty in town that are that way. If you do decide to visit a place that allows smoking, don't sit in the smoking section and then bi*@h about the smoke. I've had that happen to me by non-smokers to many times.
It's funny how a lot of people do not smoke and complain about it in the bars, and then after a few drinks they're the first ones to ask for a cigarette and say they only smoke when they drink. I look at this issue as black and white. You're a smoker or non-smoker. If you only smoke when you drink, then you are a smoker.

As far as the businesses, I feel it's there constitutional right to decide what there business will allow and not allow. They own it, it's their choice. Just as it is a customer’s constitutional right to choose to go there or not.

If you don't what to be around smoke, then don't go. If it's a location of entertainment, such as a bowling alley, and you don't want to be around smokers, they start a non smoking league and join it.

Go Maryville Go!!

Here come the fools again with their, "smokers have more rights" nonsense.

It's got nothing to do with smokers' rights and everything to do with the business owners rights.

If they allow smoking, who in the hell is ANY government to tell them they cannot? They opened the business, they run it. If you "can't got there" because they allow smoking then excercise your right to contact the business owner and ask them to reconsider.

If they don't, too bad. IT"S NOT THE GOVERNMENTS PLACE TO TELL BUSINESS OWNERS HOW TO RUN THEIR BUSINESS. Courthouses, police departments, etc. are places people have no choice but to visit - in those cases I'm glad smoking isn't allowed.

But when it's your choice to go or not who the hell do you think you are to tell a business owner how he is to run their business?

If you have a habit, you shouldn't force other people to participate in it!! I'd also like to point out that smoking isn't something you can just "shut off". If smokers are at a bowling alley all week, the place STILL smells like a bar! Even if you have a non-smoking league, you're still smelling the heavy smoke.

By the way, I, personally, think bars should be exempt from an anti-smoking law. Entertainment areas (such as bowling alleys, etc) and restaurants should NOT.

What I want to know, is why don't Heartland enforce their no smoking ban. Go outside any entrance/exit to the hospital and you are met with smoking patients or employees. They should not be allowed to smoke at the entrance/exit doors of a hospital no less.

Pops,

So it's the smell you don't like, not the smoking itself.

SuzyQ,

Heartland does enforce it when security notices anyone near the door. They do allow you to go to the parking lots and smoke.

Look it seems as both sides have rights and both sides need to work it out.People cannot have their rights taken away or that would be a little comunist.Smokers should respect the rights of non-smokers and non smokers should respect the rights of the smokers and find a middle ground.Where does it end with nobody having any rights?

I guess the key is if they "see" it. You go by the main entrance or the labor and delivery doors any day of the week, you will see.

Maybe there is a "blind eye" phenomenon at work.

Besides, you need to brush up on the policy. The policy is no smoking ANYWHERE on Heartland's property. That includes parking lots!

Actually, I am quite concerned over the apparent illiteracy there. Because you can see them, patients, employees, pregnant mothers, all sitting out there within touching range of at minimum four "no smoking" signs that they literally can reach out and touch with hands or feet, yet there they sit...and puff away. Just curious...is there a link between illiteracy and smoking?

It is just ignored while others try and dodge the billows of smoke clouds just to get into the hospital.

pops, again i am all for your post. l.o.d., again with the fools statement, why are all who you disagree with have to be labeled fools? anyway ,we are not going to change you are we? i smoked 4 packs a day when i smoked and more when i drank. i haven't smoked for 34 years now and don't miss it a bit. i think smokers have a right to smoke, in the back yard at my house, not in my house. i go to casinos and smell smoke, i don't like it so i don't go anymore.we non-smokers don't have to be where it is, just choose not to go. is that right to make others limit where we can go because you cant go outside to smoke? i think it is great that Maryville is considering no smoking in the city. i have been to states where it is not allowed and it is nice. we all have rights , we don't have a right to take away another's rights just because we don't agree with them. goes both ways also.if it is the law, abide by it. if not , infringe on mine. Susy-Q , i agree with you also, walking out of the hospital isn't pleasant either.

To all the smokers....no one wants to take your right to smoke away from you. You have a right to do that....at home, in your car, or outside, where the free air dilutes the smoke.
It's not just the smell I object to. I think cigarette smoke is obnoxious and vulgar and gross. However, the main concern is the health issue. Regardless of what some may think, smoking is bad for your health. Secondhand smoke is MORE dangerous. Why? Smokers have a filter in their cigarettes...non-smokers who breath the secondhand smoke do NOT!
Look....I think all public places should be open for EVERYONE to enjoy. If you smoke, burn one before you go and after you leave. Don't force non-smokers to breath your nasty habit while we're trying to enjoy the bowling alley, restaurant or bar.

Once these ban advocates (lobbyists) find gullible lawmakers and get a foot in the door, there's no stopping them. They'll be peeping into your windows at home.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1M9ENyWXIA

Don't care what your personal take on smoking is.

It is not your place to tell ANYONE how to run their business. If a restaurant wants to allow smoking, who the hell are you to tell them otherwise? It's their freakin' business, not your or the governments!

You have NO place to tell someone how to run their business, don't like how they run it, don't go! NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO GO ANYWHERE.

And I label you a fool because you are one. IT IS NOT YOUR CHOICE NOR THE GOVERNMENTS - NO ONE IS FORCING YOU TO EAT ANYWHERE... FOOL!

So, if a nonsmoker wants to go to a business that allows smoking, then we should just have to deal with it? I feel as though that takes away my right to clean air to breath. Smokers, it would be like someone spraying hairspray in your face while you were eating, or letting out a big fart every few seconds while you were trying to enjoy a nice evening with your friends or family or every time you are leaving a building. It is not pleasant. It is not like you have to quit, just do it in your air space, not mine please.

LibertyOrDeath,
A natural byproduct of the smoking habit is, of course, the smoke. It's disgusting and I hate the smell. However, if we were to use your logic, I should either "suck it up" and deal with it when I go to a restaurant or a bowling alley, or just not go!!

I have this nasty habit of eating. Sometimes, a natural byproduct of that habit of mine is....well....gas. Now, to use your logic, it would be perfectly acceptable for me to just....um....break wind, in a restaurant, bar or in the bowling alley. I'm guessing if you were seated at the table next to me, you'd be OK with that?

I also have this habit of drinking liquids of various types......

So now you're telling me you're incapable of finding a place that doesn't allow smoking? (Cheddars).

And you're going to tell me you're incapable of making your own food?

IT'S NOT YOUR BUSINESS. SUCK IT UP, DON'T GO OR OPEN YOUR OWN JOINT. It's simple.

I was wrong, this country is incapable of taking care of themselves, all you fools definitely need every bit of the government you can get.

It's not your right to force a business to allow or ban smoking. They opened the place, not you. By the way, if they were so concerned with your business, they would ban smoking without the law requiring it.

Seems to me these places don't want or need your business. There is no shortage of smokers to fill up bars around here.

In any case, it's not your business to manage. Deal with it, don't go or open your own place.

Pops, you must be kidding me. "Secondhand smoke is MORE dangerous. Why? Smokers have a filter in their cigarettes...non-smokers who breathe the secondhand smoke do NOT!" Do you think that secondhand smoke just magically appeared? No, it's the same smoke that was drawn through the filter that the smoker is taking in. On top of that, the smoker is taking out most of the toxins from that smoke and keeping it in their lungs, i.e. tar, carbon monoxide, cyanide, etc... We all have the same byproduct from food. I say we get together sometime over drinks after a big pot of chili and have a byproduct competition. LOL

Noodlegranny-
Leave your can of Auqanet in your purse and take some Beano before you go out to dinner at Cheaders and drinks at the Taproom. Both are nonsmoking establishment, and everyone's problem is solved.

gocubbies,

I was making a point. And cigarette smoke is bad no matter how you breath it! With the filter or without.

So the end of the cigarette does not burn off smoke unfiltered into the air? Otherwise known as "sidestream smoke". Smoke that is exhaled is known as "mainstream smoke". Secondhand smoke (or environmental smoke/passive smoke) is a combination of the two. This is known for a fact to contain human carcinogens.

If there are smokeless cigarettes out there then problem would be solved if people would use those.

Although it might be funny to get together for a fartfest, and even though it would cause your nose to wrinkle, maybe a gag or two, induce laughter for some, anger for others- it won't kill you.

If the general masses of smokers would be considerate with their nasty habit, there wouldn't be much of a problem. Unfortunately, the majority feel their right to smoke is more important than others health or comfort. Me-mentality.

There are a few considerate smokers that I know, I have no problem with those types who are respectful of others' space and health.

The smokers aren't the ones who are opening businesses that allow smoking!!!

It's the business owners! If they're smokers, so be it, but they are the business owner FIRST.

It's not your place to tell them what they should and should not allow - this is a free country, excercise your right to not patronize the establishment.

I really don't see how this is so hard to grasp. Fools! If every establishment decided to allow smoking, excercise your right to cook at home! No one is forcing you to eat anywhere and businesses aren't opened to cater to SuzyQ. They are opened to cater to their potential market - if that market is smokers WHO THE HELL ARE YOU TO TELL THEM HOW TO RUN THEIR BUSINESS?!?!?!

FOOLS!

When you fill your car with gas, does the cashier force you to buy a pack of cigarettes? NO!

When you're driving down the street, does someone force you to go into a smoking establishment? NO!

So what next, businesses won't be allowed to sell cigarettes because the people that buy them are "rude with their nasty habit?"

No one is forcing you to do anything you don't want to. Don't want to breathe it, then don't go. This isn't rocket science.

Just like that ride at Worlds of Fun that spins you around and makes you stick to the wall. That thing makes me sick... SO I DON'T RIDE IT!!! What, I'm supposed to tell Worlds of Fun to remove that ride because it makes more people sick than it doesn't? How freakin' retarded is that???

Same damn thing. Fools!

SuzyQ...

"There are a few considerate smokers that I know, I have no problem with those types who are respectful of others' space and health."

How about...

"There are a few considerate (black, Mexican, Arab, Muslim) people that I know, I have no problem with those types who are respectful of others' space and health."

You see how especially retarded that statement is? I bet not...

Fools!

I see a "theme" with "Liberty's" posts....

Liberty, your lack of intelligence is showing....

You're going to challenge me on intelligence?

Let us in on the secret Einstein, what's my theme?

Fool.

For your theme, how 'bout "American Idiot"

Whatsa matta LOD? Did your sphincter flinch???

I warned you about eating the spaghetti once before.

Beep Beep. Microchip installation complete!

Who...Who's that?

Thanks for the daily laughs dude.

Ummm Uh-oh. Now I did it. I got LOD all fired up. Ron Paul must be a smoker. Crap.

I think we, as smokers, have the same rights as the non-smokers. If they don't like the smell of smoke stay out of the business.

thumpers mom said if you cant say something nice , don't say anything at all. idiots, now that is not a nice word. you can disagree without name calling. how do you know someone is an idiot , they disagree with you? oh well, we know what your beliefs are, they have been flooding these posts so much that we would have to be a little dumb not to know you! the business owner doesn't have the right to allow smoking in his place of business if it is against the law. i guess we could fine the pants off of him till he went out of business. smokers, I'm sorry if i offend you,
it doesent seem to bother you when you blow your smoke in my face!so be it, some think i am an idiot. i don't care. just please don't call me an idiot.

set myself up there didn't i?

Hey Donaldo, at least you are not a "FOOL"!

This is where it is headed folks, like it or not, but more and more will have smoking bans.

Then you can choose whether to patronize a particular establishment or not.

So LOD you want a theme eh...

How about:

FOOL is as FOOL does

Smoke that.

Many smokers are considerate and cognizant of the effects of their habit on others. Many ask for permission before lighting up, and many will voluntarily take their habit outside.
There are others who feel they should be free to light up anywhere, in any situation, no matter what others may think. THESE are the insensitive, inconsiderate clods who feel that EVERY establishment should be a "smoking allowed" place, and that those of us who don't like it can just not go there!! If THEY had their way, ALL restaurants, stores, bars, entertainment establishments, etc. would allow smoking. I, on the other hand, would have the choice to either not go to those places or put up with the smoke. That would, effectively, make it impossible for many people to go out at all....ANYWHERE! I think, when the public is involved, smoking should be banned. If you want to smoke, do it outside (away from the building entrance!!), in your own home, or in your own car.
I'm old enough to remember when smoking WAS allowed....EVERYWHERE!! In grocery stores, all restaurants, bars, busses, and even on airplanes! I remember when they first started having "smoking and non-smoking" areas in restaurants, and I remember when planes had "smoking and non-smoking sections". I remember the huge outcry when the airlines went smoke-free. I remember the outcry when restaurants began to go smoke-free. I remember people being up in arms when grocery stores and other public retail outlets went smoke-free. It only makes sense. If you want to partake of a disgusting, dangerous, unhealthy habit, do so. YOU take the risk yourself....but it's terrifically crass and inconsiderate to force everyone around you to participate against their will....or, otherwise, to force them to all stay home.
As I've said before, I have no problem leaving the bars open to smoking. When you have places where people typically go, as families, I DO have a problem with it. It's bad enough to foist your nasty habit on other adults against their will, but to do so to innocent kids....that's even worse.

Hey, LOD....have a wonderful day, my friend!!! :-)

Sorry - this post should have been first before the previous one.

You crack me up suzyq. Looks like you stepped on LOD's twinkies. Do you think some meds need to be adjusted???

I personally don't want to be around any smokers. It's a nasty, filthy habit that encroaches in my space. That goes for all you farters out there...nothing worse than walking into somebody's gaseous cloud of methane and necrosing intestines.

I was at Walmart the other day and had to swim thru a cloud of smoke at the front door. Then, the 1st aisle I walked down was evidence that a fartfest had just taken place. The winner must have just eaten an bag of cabbage and an E.Coli Supreme Grande from Taco Bell.

OMG- Speechless froggy, speechless...

I suppose one (even a nonsmoker) could spot you a cigarette to top off that ordeal.

necrosing intestines? LOL.