Loss of Freedom

[Web]

Twice a year a fellow cigar smoker (http://tinytimblog.blogspot.com/) hosts a herf with raffle donations from local B&M's and even some of the bigger names in the industry. This year I actually met and talked with Nick Perdomo. All of the proceeds raised goes to a local women's shelter. It's a great event and you meet some great folks. Well, they have decided to pass a smoking ban and it will affect where the event is held. (http://www.thestate.com/local/story/881033.html) I told him we should look at either a private residence or maybe a local lake or some other outdoor facility. It's getting to the point where you won't be able to smoke in your own house! I'm still not over NY banning smoking in bars, but don't get me started! I'm curious to how my fellow cigar enthusiasts are being affected? I don't always want to smoke on the back deck. I know this isn't a new thread, but it keeps getting worse.

 

[Gsxrman1300]

I am right there with you on the whole NY smoking ban in bars and everything. I am currently living in NY temporarily due to a internship. The whole smoking law is crap though, because where I am at, no lie it has rained atleast 4 times a week. A few times a week we go out to the bars after work to chill, and we all love enjoying a smoke with our drinks. But when it rains we are not able to go out onto the deck to enjoy our night to the fullest. Some of the bars actually tried to set up smoking rooms (which looked sweet on paper), but that got shut down pretty quickly. To make it even worse, we finally had a nice night the other night and decided to have a get together at my place. We all were relaxing, had a few drinks and of course some cigars. Until the cops showed up at the house because the people next door complained about the smoke. free country or not that cop tried his hardest to get us to stop, we were threatened with being arrested for disorderly conduct (which we were not out of control at all), underage drinking (all were over 21), and the neighbors pressing charges for threatening their health and the risk of health problems. Needless to say it got bad, but overall it is a free country, and was my house so we were able to enjoy the rest of the night in peace.

 

[blooz4u]

Wow.... didn't realize it was getting that bad!

 

[Phi Delt]

gsxr1300man...You guys can still smoke on the patio at bars in NY? Can't do that up here in Alberta, Canada, so expect that the anti-smoking people will jump on that soon enough, brother.

As for your neighbour, I'd be hoarding some dog droppings, and leaving them on his front lawn. They sound a little over the top, especially with wanting to lay charges for endangering their health.

I'm honestly surprised that the cops would even have listened to them at all, provided that you guys were not being too loud, or that it wasn't too late out.

 

[Web]

I must admit my opinion is a bit different. I grew up with two parents that smoked cigarettes for years. They both quit decades ago. So, even though I never developed a taste (pun) for cigarettes, I never was one that got bent out of shape for those that enjoy them. I just feel you should have a choice. A bar should say, we allow smoking, we appreciate your business, but if it bothers you do not patronize. Same for the workers in the establishments. I know, this opens up a whole new discussion on "rights" etc, but what about the rights of smokers? That is what I see disappearing!

 

[edogg]

I would be calling cops on them for every little thing they do. Kids party? call the cops! Thanksgiving dinner? Call the cops!

 

[Gsxrman1300]

The problem is with where I am at, the cops have NOTHING to do. There are small towns scattered throughout the catskill mtns. In a small area, there are DEP police, the local town police, State troopers, county sheriffs, and a separate unmarked division. I am usually ok with cops, but to have that many in such a rural area, and then be understaffed in these large cities, that kind of pisses me off. If you want to be a "tough guy" then grow some balls and be a cop where its actually needed. Again I have no disrespect for police and appreciate what they do but anyone would agree with me if they saw the area I am in and the amount of cops here. My friend was pulled over for 58 in a 55 and was slapped with a decent fine and points. As for smoking here, we still can and do smoke on patios. I am sure we will be busted for that soon enough.

 

[Shmear]

This isn't right. WTF is going on?! Seriously.

 

[Moro]

(This shouldn't go in introductions. Check that before ye post new threads)

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

I have been to Tiny Tim's Events on several occassions....excellant time, plenty of freebies and great people....and "all" the proceeds go to charity!

 

[jwintosh]

there are cities in CA that have banned you from smoking in your residence. damn that second hand smoke!!

 

[mcroom]

Chattanooga passed a ban on smoking in public buildings but thank God our local B&M with large billiard room, bar, conference rooms and private club was exempted under a grandfather clause as cigars (not cigarettes) is it primary business. Otherwise you still see a lot of people smoking outside all over the place.