Smoke-Free DC?
It’s back; that is, the question of whether to limit smoking in D.C. public areas. Specifically D.C. city council member Jim Graham has a poll up on his site asking “Should the DC Council act to eliminate smoking in indoor workplaces?” The choices are “Yes,” “No,” and “Not Sure.” Interestingly enough, the votes are currently running 58% “Yes,” 42% “NO” and 3% “Not Sure.”
I voted “Yes,” but it’s a “soft yes.” I understand the arguments on both sides. The main reason for my vote was that I appreciate not having to breath smoke on the occasions that I do go out. Granted, my days in smoke-filled bars are pretty far behind me, but it’s still nice to come home and not reek of smoke.
What I’d like to see is some sort of consumer-led effort to encourage business owners to voluntarily declare their places of business smoke-free. Combine it with an advertising campaign aimed at people like myself, who prefer smoke-free establishments, and it just might be a win-win situation for everyone.
Via Justin Logan.
February 12th, 2005 at 6:37 am
I like anyone else doesnt want smoke in jy face or smelling some awful odor. But having the government being able to enforce such a rule to me is outrageous. If a business doesnt want smokers then so be it, but government authority? Not now, not ever. Even if it was put to a vote I do not see how or why the government on any level has the rights to tell people where they can and cant smoke.