(Delaware)Smoking law worries bar owners

Wilmington (DE) News Journal via AP ^ | September 26, 2002 | RANDALL CHASE

[Gabz]

Enforcement of Delaware's new Clean Indoor Air Act, one of the toughest anti-smoking measures in the country, will pose a hardship for small-business owners, critics said at a public hearing Wednesday.

The hearing on proposed regulations establishing standards for the enforcement of the act drew about 35 people.

[Gabz]

I do plan on being at tonight's hearing.

[Gabz]

Hey she - I could really use your ping list here!!!!

Thanks

[SheLion]

Here I am!!!!

[Gabz]

Fran Dalgarn, owner of the Hi-Ho tavern in Newport, said he expects some business owners to close because of the new law, which he also fears will cause safety problems because of people leaving drinks unattended or dropping lighted cigarettes in bathroom trash cans after a few furtive puffs.

Someone that knows what is going on. Delaware is way too small and it is very easy to cross state lines.

[Gabz]

You sure move fast - Thank you!!!!

[Gabz]

Charles said officials have received several calls as to how the law affects private clubs, which are not mentioned in the law as being covered under the smoking ban or exempted. "We are consulting with the Attorney General's Office on the matter," he said.

It seems to me this should have been looked into long before they railroaded it through the Senate in June.

[SheLion]

Failure to comply with Department of Health and Social Services orders carries fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.

Boy, don’t THEY look good with all that power, eh?

"You're asking us to basically enforce your laws," he told a panel of public health officials Wednesday.

With an IRON FIST!

Some business owners have speculated that bars and restaurants might convert to private clubs to get around the smoking ban.

A representative of Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children read a letter from chief executive officer Thomas Ferry, asking state officials to consider waivers for separate, enclosed facilities set aside strictly for smoking, such as the "smoking hut," on the hospital campus.

Now, now! Can't play favorites, can they?!

It also exempts private social functions to which the public is not invited and when seating arrangements are under the control of the sponsor of the function, not the owner or operator of the facility.

Why can't the Casinos and Bars and Restaurants "be under the control" of their owner?  Double standard, maybe?

[SheLion]

I do plan on being at tonight's hearing.

There is a meeting tonight? Boy, let us know how it goes. I sure hope the people fighting for their rights outnumber the anti's for a change. That would be wonderful!!!

Business owners are fighting to stay afloat in hard times, and along comes the NANNIES telling them they have to take an even BIGGER hit!

[SheLion]

It seems to me this should have been looked into long before they railroaded it through the Senate in June.

Exactly! And what about the Smoke Hut asking for a reprieve! And what about the private parties "under the control of their sponsor." Well, what about the owners themselves? Why aren't THEY allowed to control the way they run their own business? Something smells bad here, Gabz.

[Gabz]

The Casinos, Bars and Restaurants are not permitted to close to the general public for private functions.

I can not rent out my favorite bar or restaurant for a private party if I only want invited guests. But I can rent the ballroom at a hotel or the local Moose Lodge or Fire Hall. Thats part of the reason that holiday party bookings are already falling off in restaurants this year and we're still 2 months away before it takes effect.

[Gabz]

Same type of hearing as was last night from this story.

In about an hour or so I'll be heading out to talk with some owners I know that plan on being there so we can finalize our plan of attack.

Just because I've been kind of scarce of late (you know what I'm talking about) doesn't mean I haven't been keeping on top of things (VBG!!!)

[SheLion]

I can understand that. What I am saying is, why didn't they just let things go along the way it was? Why couldn't all business owners take their own stand and go with the voice of the people? I am just saying this is wrong for Big Government to go in and force a business to it's knees.

[SheLion]

Just be sure to fill us in on what all happens. And how many people are there to represent our side. I sure hope it's a lot!!! They don't think it will happen to them,,,,,but, we all know it will if they don't express displeasure now!

[Gabz]

What cracks me about about the smoke Hut is that it is on the grounds of a Hospital, and it's the hospital that is making the request.

There is a clause in the bill for seeking exemptions. If AI's request is granted, the guy who owns the place I told you about yesterday should have no problem getting one either as he already has the blue prints for completely enclosing one section of the restaurant that already has it's own seperate ventilation system.

[SheLion]

What cracks me about about the smoke Hut is that it is on the grounds of a Hospital, and it's the hospital that is making the request.

I wish they had done that for the hospitals here in Maine. But the Nico-Nazi's took over, and now no smoking on their complete lots! Not even in your car. But we have been over that before.

Well, I think every swingin' Casino, bar and restaurant better get out to the meeting and request that exemption!

[concerned about politics]

Because there is no medical proof second hand smoke hurts anyone, that argument is just facism. Not one person, ever, has ever died from second hand smoke.
If a woman has a right to tear the child out of her womb because "it's her body", shouldn't smokers have the right to do what they want with their bodies, too? What if they wish to gather their bodies together in a bar and smoke and have a beer?
How dare these niconazies tell others "what they can do with their own bodies?"

[concerned about politics]

Bars , restaurants, etc. do not accept government aid. They are private property. What right does government have there? What's the difference between one mans private property and another? Like a private home? Will private homes be next, or held under these laws becausae a member of the public may be invited to dinner and wine?

[Just another Joe]

PUFF

[Gabz]

You are going to get no argument about any of that from me.

What really bugs me is many of these nico-nazis are pro-choice for a lot of things that others find repulsive.

[Gabz]

Will private homes be next, or held under these laws becausae a member of the public may be invited to dinner and wine?

There are some of the ruly off-the-wall antis that believe even your home can be considered a work place because you may have workmen come in.

The Delawaare Ban does include private homes if the owner offers private day care or homeschooling, also if you run your business from your home and have employees smoking is forbidden because it is a "workplace."