Richmond International Raceway's Grandstands Going Smoke-Free Beginning This Season (NASCAR)

RIR via Jayski ^ | 1/11/11 | RIR press release

[AT7Saluki]

Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz announced today that Richmond International Raceway’s grandstands will be smoke-free beginning this season. Fans who smoke may continue to do so, but in approved areas only. The new policy is in response to fan feedback.

“Beginning this season, smoking will not be permitted in and in front of the grandstands or in portals leading to seating areas,” said Fritz. “Additionally, restrooms, buildings and areas that were already smoke-free at Richmond International Raceway will continue to be smoke-free,” said Fritz. “We are implementing this policy based on comments received from fans. Those who wish to smoke may continue to do so in designated areas.”

[AT7Saluki]

I don't smoke but this is getting OUT OF HAND! First, outdoor stadiums and now Winston Cup venues. Beam me up Lord.

[PUGACHEV]

That’s a deadly little track, smoke or no smoke.

[cripplecreek]

They haven’t been Winston Cup for a good while. 10 years at least.

I used to go to MIS and get free cartons of cigarettes in return for a pack with a couple smokes in it of another brand. I used to make a killing after I quit smoking. I walked out of there with some 30 cartons once and sold them to friends at $2 and $3 per pack.

[FlingWingFlyer]

Phoenix did this when NASCAR was “the next big thing”. With attendence falling off, I noticed that they started to lighten up and back off during last November’s race. The Winston Cup fans appeared to be coming back while “Chip and Muffy” stayed home. Just my observations.

[Domalais]

As long as it’s a business decision and not a political mandate from the government, I don’t see the problem.

Many venues see a vast increase in business when they outlaw smoking. Bars and nightclubs in particular. They say they asked customers, and this is what they wanted. Can’t blame them for trying to give the customer what they want.

[libertarian27]

Anti-smoking agencies strike again.
Now NASCAR fans will be protected from second-hand smoke

When will they ban accidents?
Think of the childrun'/sarc

[Leisler]

NASCAR should be all electric vehicles. Call it the Algore 5OO. ( 500 yards )

[cripplecreek]

Many venues see a vast increase in business when they outlaw smoking. Bars and nightclubs in particular.

Oddly enough, bars in Michigan saw a 30% drop in business. They even held a statewide protest on New Year's eve.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

That was my first thought. They need to be clear on this point. They have declared it a tobacco smoke free zone. I wonder what the consequences are from inhaling the smoke resulting from the vulcanization of the track itself?

[Domalais]

Well, two things there. First, it’s hard to seperate what’s the recession and what is an actual drop in business from that law. Second, I don’t mean all bars. Some might cater to smokers, or have customers that all smoke. They might lose business from banning smoking. Other businesses, though, might have only a handful of smokers which hurt their business by keeping potential customers away. That’s why it should be up to the business to make the decision.

In the area where I grew up in MI, the big winners from the smoking ban were bowling alleys. A couple local alleys were previously ignored/avoided by families because of the smoke.

[Leisler]

"Bars and nightclubs in particular."

Bull. I've live for forty years in a resort area. The bar/nightclub life, business, employment is down by 2/3rd. Maybe more. Taxes, licenses, OUI laws, smoking bans, liquor special bans, have killed off tens of places in the two towns. You used to be able to go out any summer night and see two-three live acts, in the good days, like The Cars, Elvis Costello, etc..Not to mention local state bands, and tens of local bands.

On the plus side, 'everything is 'cleaned up' and you can go to a forlorn bar with few patrons, as quiet as a funeral parlor with clean air and pull the bartender away from the hockey game and get your two drinks you nursed for two hours. ( That'll build a thriving industry and drive employment up. )

[eastforker]

Yeah, but, will they provide free spit cups?

[cripplecreek]

No I’m not going to play idiotic liberal word games. Bars and clubs have been particularly hard hit by smoking bans. If it would have been good for their business they would have done it themselves rather than being forced by the state.

Then there’s the further stupidity.

“Michigan Lottery sales, taxes on cigarettes and casino gambling plummet; Gov. Jennifer Granholm says revenue decline is ‘breathtaking’”

http://www.mlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/michigan_lottery_sales_taxes_o.html

[B4Ranch]

ping

[MarkLevinFan]

Have you ever gone to a NASCAR race and sat next to, behind or in front of a smoker? I go to Dover twice a year and that happens to me almost every time. My son and I have to endure smoke blowing in our faces the entire race! Smokers should have the common courtesy not to smoke around other people. But, since they don’t, I guess a law is required. Sorry it has to be that way, but smokers are pigs.

[Domalais]

No I’m not going to play idiotic liberal word games. Bars and clubs have been particularly hard hit by smoking bans. If it would have been good for their business they would have done it themselves rather than being forced by the state.

You're so busy foaming at the mouth you haven't bothered to read my posts or the article. The business itself (the racetrack) decided themselves (not the government) to ban smoking (without a law) on their own premises (you know, that place that they own).

Oh, and coincidentally, I said this in the post you replied to: That’s why it should be up to the business to make the decision.

Just ignore all that stuff if you want, though, and go all RAWRRAWRSMOKINGBANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH all over me.

[When do we get liberated?]

OK, so the main attraction are 43 cars at 7000 RPM, a total of over 32,000 horsepower with no pollution controls, but my cigarette is the real danger here?

[MichaelP]

NASCAR...Continuing down the path of liberal suckup irrevelance!

Mike

[tubebender]

Are you saying that Pete... oh please tell me it isn’t so

[MarkLevinFan]

The business itself (the racetrack) decided themselves (not the government) to ban smoking (without a law) on their own premises (you know, that place that they own).

Good for Richmond! I wish Dover would do it, too!