Smoking Ban in NJ

[Mandy]

January 16, 2006 - New Jersey's governor has signed a new law banning smoking in most public buildings.

Richard Codey signed the Smoke-Free Air Act on Sunday.
Beginning April 15th, smoking will be illegal in private office buildings, bars, restaurants, and other public places.

But smokers will still be able to light up in casinos.

Governor Codey also signed separate legislation raising the legal age to purchase cigarettes, and other tobacco, from 18 to 19.


It's nice to see some legislation passed that will actually provide for the general benefit of the public for a change.

But, I wonder why the casinos are exempt?

 

[Grammatron]

January 16, 2006 - New Jersey's governor has signed a new law banning smoking in most public buildings.

Richard Codey signed the Smoke-Free Air Act on Sunday.
Beginning April 15th, smoking will be illegal in private office buildings, bars, restaurants, and other public places.

But smokers will still be able to light up in casinos.

Governor Codey also signed separate legislation raising the legal age to purchase cigarettes, and other tobacco, from 18 to 19.


It's nice to see some legislation passed that will actually provide for the general benefit of the public for a change.

But, I wonder why the casinos are exempt?

They have lots and lots of money.

 

[Cleon]

They have lots and lots of money.

A completely cynical, yet accurate, response.

 

[Ausmerican]

Same reasons they are exempt in Vegas.
1: You are in there losing all your money so they don't want you to take time off to have to go outside to smoke.
2: You are in there losing all your money so the least they can do is allow you to have a smoke.
3: If you did actually go outside to smoke you might realize the sun came up three hours earlier.

 

[Charlie Monoxide]

Same reasons they are exempt in Vegas.
1: You are in there losing all your money so they don't want you to take time off to have to go outside to smoke.
2: You are in there losing all your money so the least they can do is allow you to have a smoke.
3: If you did actually go outside to smoke you might realize the sun came up three hours earlier.

When I lived in Vegas I would go over to Gold Coast to play some of the video poker. There was one bank of video poker machines with lots of 'No Smoking' signs posted. Presumably it was for non-smokers (like myself) to throw away their money without the displeasure of tobacco smoke in your face. More often than not there would be people smoking away and playing these slots. Just a few feet to their left or right were the same machines without the 'No Smoking' signs. Bugged the crap out of me ....

Charlie (hating Florida and missing Nevada) Monoxide

 

[Jitterbuggery]

Hey, in Florida you aren't allowed to smoke in bars that have regular tables, but you ARE allowed to smoke if they only offer stools or have standing only.

Find the logic in that one.

So, of course, the bars all got rid of their normal seating. So not only does my AARP parents have to deal with cigarette smoke at bars, but they are forced to stand when they go to them! (but don't worry, my dad's need to drink overcomes his need to sit down...)

 

[Jesus]

It's nice to see some legislation passed that will actually provide for the general benefit of the public for a change.

Am I the only one here who thinks that indoor smoking bans are tripe? Here in NY, the smoking ban has been in place for a few years now, and I can't understand the government trying to force business owners into operating the way they think is right.

If you don't like smoking (and I don't), then either don't go into a restaurant that has a smoking section, or just deal with it and sit as far away from the smokers as you can. When a bar owner opens an establishment, they have to pony up a lot of money, not to mention taxes.

Many restaurants here in Albany were already converting to strictly non-smoking before the law was passed. I say let the market decide.

 

[Tony]

January 16, 2006 - New Jersey's governor has signed a new law banning smoking in most public buildings.

Richard Codey signed the Smoke-Free Air Act on Sunday.
Beginning April 15th, smoking will be illegal in private office buildings, bars, restaurants, and other public places.

But smokers will still be able to light up in casinos.

Governor Codey also signed separate legislation raising the legal age to purchase cigarettes, and other tobacco, from 18 to 19.


It's nice to see some legislation passed that will actually provide for the general benefit of the public for a change.

But, I wonder why the casinos are exempt?

What benefit is there in usurping the individual rights of free people?

 

[Jorghnassen]

Debate on smoking ban aside, what's up with changing the legal age to buy cigarettes? If you're considered an adult at 18, why would you still have to wait to be able to buy cigarettes (or alcohol, silly US, and Canada outside of Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec...)?

 

[ImaginalDisc]

Hey, in Florida you aren't allowed to smoke in bars that have regular tables, but you ARE allowed to smoke if they only offer stools or have standing only.

Find the logic in that one.

Liquor lisences in florida for establishments with a certain amount of ordinary seating, and food service costs much more than liquor lisences without that. So, a lot of bars have just the minimum seating and food service to A) get a cheaper liquor lisence and B) keep people around if they get hungry.

 

[Tony]

Debate on smoking ban aside, what's up with changing the legal age to buy cigarettes? If you're considered an adult at 18, why would you still have to wait to be able to buy cigarettes (or alcohol, silly US, and Canada outside of Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec...)?

I agree. I say we let dictating how consenting adults conduct their peaceful affairs up to the conservative and reactionary factions of society.

 

[veggie doll]

I agree. I say we let dictating how consenting adults conduct their peaceful affairs up to the conservative and reactionary factions of society.

If one is considered adult at 18, then everything should be allowed at 18. (Everything that is considered eventually legal, that is- such as smoking and drinking).

In Australia we have similar anti-smoking laws. It's illegal to smoke in most public places- one cannot smoke within a certain distance from a public building. People still do though. And nobody does anything about it.