Posted on 05/03/2006 5:13:08 AM PDT by SheLion
BATON ROUGE (AP) — Louisiana restaurant patrons who want an after-dinner smoke should be forced to leave the dining room before lighting up, the full Senate decided today.
Senators approved Sen. Rob Marionneaux’s plan to prohibit smoking in all restaurants’ dining areas but allow smoking in bars and casinos, cigar shops, and hotel and motel rooms. Marionneaux cited several polls conducted by anti-smoking groups showing that a majority of residents in Louisiana’s cities support such a ban.
“Let’s afford our citizens the right to have dinner with their families without the bother of second-hand smoke,” said Marionneaux, D-Livonia.
The measure passed on a 36-2 vote. Sens. Heulette “Clo” Fontenot, R-Livingston, and Max Malone, R-Shreveport, opposed the bill, which now moves to the House.
If the bill becomes law, smoking would be outlawed in restaurants beginning in 2007.
Sen. Ken Hollis filed an amendment to allow smoking inside restaurants’ bar areas, if those bars are walled off from the dining area. Hollis said suddenly banning smokers from those areas could drive restaurants out of business, because their customers will go to bars where smoking is allowed.
“This will hopefully keep some of our restaurants from going out of business,” said Hollis, R-Metairie.
Marionneaux opposed the amendment, calling it a veiled attempt to kill the measure, by drawing further opposition from the restaurant industry. Restaurant owners have complained that the bill — even without Hollis’ amendment — gives tavern owners special treatment.
Senators approved Hollis’ amendment with a 23-15 vote, sending it to the House.
The bill was also amended by Sen. Diana Bajoie, D-New Orleans, who added an exemption aimed at helping New Orleans’ convention center attract business. The amendment would allow smoking at convention space during tobacco industry trade shows.
It would also allow smoking during Mardi Gras krewes’ parties held at a convention center.
Marionneaux introduced a similar plan last year that was voted down by the full Senate, partly because it included a provision to also outlaw smoking in casinos. This year’s version exempts casinos, eliminating opposition from the powerful gambling industry and improving its chances of eventually becoming law.
You are right. It is not up to the government to decide what an individual does on their own property, it's up to the property owner. If we let nanny-state dictate this, all freedom will be lost, affecting smokers and non-smokers. And it is really not right to demonize a group of people this way, for using a legal product. America has become a nation of whiners, I think.
You are right. It is not up to the government to decide what an individual does on their own property, it's up to the property owner. If we let nanny-state dictate this, all freedom will be lost, affecting smokers and non-smokers. And it is really not right to demonize a group of people this way, for using a legal product. America has become a nation of whiners, I think.
"This is the beginning of the end for smokers."
The beginning of the end for freedom of choice and individual property rights. Our homes will be next on nanny's list.
What do you make of this? (post 9)
Enjoy your new smoke free restaurants if they come to pass. It becomes useless to get into a pissing contest with opponents on certain issues. Smoking is one of them. JMO.
Yes, smokers continue to win the hearts and minds of others.
Gee whiz folks.. when are you going to face the music? I used to think maybe it would take 5 more years before bans in all restaurants everywhere but now I think it will be within 3 years.
"...a majority of residents in Louisiana’s cities support such a ban."
Mob rule. The tyranny of the majority. If 100 people gather in room and 51 vote to hang you, is that okay? Democracy inevitably evolves into a dictatorship where there is no rule by law, and the rights and freedoms of the minority are trampled by the emotions of the mob.
If these dumbclucks don't get it, look for anarchy and violence in the future followed by a dictatorship.
Kids exposed to SHS have a lower risk of getting lung cancer later on!
Maybe they die of heart disease (which is a bigger killer) first.
Not all states are buckling under to the anti's:
Well, gabz'z description fits me to a tee. Grew up a farm kid, always in mud and cow-pens. Been a welder and mechanic for 17 1/2 years, and there's more toxic smoke at work than any cigarette could offer me,and I am hardly ever sick. Haven't been to the doctor, other than when I broke my leg in the military,(14 YEARS AGO) and for a physical last month. He says I look great all-around. I can easily keep up with my friends 18 year old son, and easily throw 1100 hay bails in the barn on a 90 degree day.I am 6'1 190 pounds, with about 15% body fat. Most sickly people I know just sit around all day doing nothing(and they say they can't do anything because they're sickly). My kids aren't sick either. I have used snuff and smoked since 1986. Make of it what you will.
Oh, I see.
I know the feeling. Even I, as a peace loving female, wish I could slap around a few people in FRee Republic!
http://www.legis.state.la.us/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=374305
This bill prohibits smoking in motor vehicles under certain circumstances.
WHHHHHHHHaaaaaaaTTTTTTTTZZZZZZZZUUUUPPPPPPPPP RAYYYYYYYY!!!!!!
Exactly right, Sarge.
Did someone ask about smoking in cars? I didn't see that here.
You go get 'em Ray! You da man!
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