Effect of Smoking Ban in Colorado City

[martyc]

Sorry, I just can't resist. I feel strongly about this subject with several cases of heart attacks in our family (all smokers).

"A smoking ban in one Colorado city led to a dramatic drop in heart attack hospitalizations, according to a new study that is considered the best and longest-term research to show such a link.
The rate of hospitalized cases dropped 41 percent three years after the ban of workplace smoking in Pueblo, Colo., took effect. There was no such drop in two neighboring areas, and researchers believe it's a clear sign the ban was responsible."

This is the beginning of an AP story today.

The full story is at: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081231/...king_ban_heart

[jollyroger]

...and some of us just choose to suck 'em up right through the straw!

My Dad had a stroke and was told if he had ever smoked in his life he'd be dead right now. It's hard to believe that I and others actually inhale solid streams of concentrated carcinogens all day long. Bring on the ban tomorrow...

Well you're goin' DOWN tonight cancer sticks!!!!

[Pizzaman]

Any reason that this thread has survived Jason's axe for a week?

Has nothing to do with SPI.

[mermaid66]

It does have to do with SPI. The Chamber conducted a survey a few weeks ago to see who would support a ban on smoking in eating establishments. I think they were surprised that a large majority WOULD support such a ban.

[RayDean]

By now hundreds if not thousands of towns have a smoking ban. One among them shows a drop in health related problems. Wow, I am blown away by this study.

Shouldn't all of them had a drop?

[lance]

Y'all keep demonstrating why SPI is the way it is. No reasoning power.

[Pizzaman]

Originally Posted by mermaid66

It does have to do with SPI. The Chamber conducted a survey a few weeks ago to see who would support a ban on smoking in eating establishments. I think they were surprised that a large majority WOULD support such a ban.

No, the original post is talking about a smoking ban in "one Colorado city".

Where is the deleted thread with Jason's notation, "Not about SPI"? Just another inconsistancy.

Feel free to start a smoking ban on SPI thread.

[jollyroger]

Originally Posted by Pizzaman

No, the original post is talking about a smoking ban in "one Colorado city".

Where is the deleted thread with Jason's notation, "Not about SPI"? Just another inconsistancy.

Feel free to start a smoking ban on SPI thread.

It's implied dude (but I know what you mean). If there were about 100 more people using this message board simple and petty little small town absurdities wouldn't stand out here so much...

[Pizzaman]

Originally Posted by jollyroger

It's implied dude (but I know what you mean). If there were about 100 more people using this message board simple and petty little small town absurdities wouldn't stand out here so much...

OK, well if I were smoking in "one Colorado city" inside a restaraunt, people would have a right to be upset. Leave it up to the businesses. Some businesses cater to smokers. Stay out of their business.

Maybe we need a "Drinking and Driving in Fort Worth" thread.

[Ann]

You don't live here, Pizzaman, you don't understand that we are a small island and we get labeled by what just one business might do.

Many tourists today come from places that are non-smoking. They are shocked to see smoking allowed in restaurants here. It affects our overall business.

We are selling eco-tourism and natural resources. People who are interested in those things generally do not smoke. It's like we "talk the talk" but don't "walk the walk".

Cigarette butts are harmful to marine life and probably to birds. Yet, we promote Sea Turtle, Dolphins, birding, etc. Then, you go on the beach and it is littered with cigarette butts. Where's the consistency?

[myownboss]

Originally Posted by Pizzaman

Any reason that this thread has survived Jason's axe for a week?

Has nothing to do with SPI.

.....................................new meds?

[Pizzaman]

Originally Posted by Ann

You don't live here, Pizzaman, you don't understand that we are a small island and we get labeled by what just one business might do.

Many tourists today come from places that are non-smoking. They are shocked to see smoking allowed in restaurants here. It affects our overall business.

We are selling eco-tourism and natural resources. People who are interested in those things generally do not smoke. It's like we "talk the talk" but don't "walk the walk".

Cigarette butts are harmful to marine life and probably to birds. Yet, we promote Sea Turtle, Dolphins, birding, etc. Then, you go on the beach and it is littered with cigarette butts. Where's the consistency?

Yeah, yeah, yeah....

South Padre Island will not be labeled "by what one business might do". A pretty fanatical stance you are taking there Ann.

Many people come form where smoking is allowed. You'd better allow for that or do you not want those people on "your" island.

Many people come just to party and have fun in the sun with no interest at all in your "eco-tourism". Sounds like you don't want those people either.

IMHO, it should be left to the business owner. If he or she wants to cater to smokers then the non-smokers will decide if they want to visit the business in question. Simple as that. Of course you will try to tell me that our visitors will never visit the island again because someone lit up while sitting at the bar. It's just not true.

Don't try to push some agenda into this. Smoking in bars and restaraunts will not kill the dolphins or turtles. Not sure how you can spin this, but good luck.

Why in the world do you people think that you get to decide everything for everybody? If you don't like smoking then don't frequent locations that allow smoking. Is that not good enough for you?

Trans fats are bad for us. Wouldn't want to be known as Trans Fats Island, now would we? How far do you want to take this?

[Don]

Funny you should mention transfats........
There was a lot of talk about banning transfats
And being the first city in Texas to do so.
I think too much time has passed now and we've missed that window.
Other cities got there first.
Not necessarily supporting the idea (although I try to avoid'em myself)
Just pointing out that a lot of people don't think the idea is so farfetched

[JohnJ]

I'm definitely on the non-smoking side of this discussion. It couldn't be good for island business when visitors or residents have to make a decision to turn around and walk out of a restaurant when they smell cigarette smoke.

SPI has so much to offer visitors that I can't imagine a significant number of potential visitors deciding to go elsewhere because they won't be able to smoke in our restaurants. In fact, most of the best shore destinations in this country already have similar ordinances, so there may very well be more non-smokers who are likely to come if they don't have to deal with the smoke than there are smokers who would turn away because they couldn't smoke.

[Pizzaman]

Originally Posted by JohnJ

I'm definitely on the non-smoking side of this discussion. It couldn't be good for island business when visitors or residents have to make a decision to turn around and walk out of a restaurant when they smell cigarette smoke.

SPI has so much to offer visitors that I can't imagine a significant number of potential visitors deciding to go elsewhere because they won't be able to smoke in our restaurants. In fact, most of the best shore destinations in this country already have similar ordinances, so there may very well be more non-smokers who are likely to come if they don't have to deal with the smoke than there are smokers who would turn away because they couldn't smoke.

Again, for the third or fourth time, why not let the business owner decide? If the business is a bar that sells burgers, they may want to allow smoking. Who are you to say that they can't?

If a business allows smoking on their deck, why do you think that you should have the right to tell them what they can do with their deck?

For the record, I would never presume to smoke in a restaraunt. Now we get to argue over what you would define as a restaraunt. If it is outside, then I might want to light up if the business allows it. If it's a bar and I am having a beer, I might want to smoke.

For some of you guys, there is no middle ground.