Allen County Smoking Ban

[Al Quandt]

Post experiences and Reviews here.

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[Al Quandt]

There is absolutely no public enhancing logic in this ban.

Business owners loose rights.
Citizens loose rights.


City makes money on fines.
City makes money on more DUI's from people driving to the outside of town to enjoy a night of drinking and smoking.


The decisions this town makes appall me. One terrible one after another. Ban smoking from parks, city functions, city buildings. I dont mind, that is their own thing and their call.

I do not even have the right to smoke in my own car while waiting for my food at a drive through. The city has encouraged restaurant owners to take down plate numbers of smokers in drive throughs.

I walked out of Flattop Grill yesterday after enjoying a fine meal in non-smoking atmosphere and lit a cigarette after walking out side, and my roommate nudged me and said "Woah, wait Al, we are still next to the building." then I looked around and felt like an butthead as people watched me put out my smoke until I got into the parking lot.

I don't smoke in non smoking areas, I don't smoke in closed areas with children in it, I don't blow smoke in a non smokers face. I respect everyone else's choice not to do it, but I feel a bit shafted on my own liberties.

[sevesd93]

I am going to save about 400 bucks a month on not going out. This was the first weekend of staying home and i really didn't mind it. The only time I am going out is when my bands are playing. I can't go out and have a good time when I have to walk out to the parking lot and smoke.

Good news for all the creeps in the bar though, they should easily be able to slip sh*t in chicks drinks while they are outside smoking.

[Garr]

We played to a nearly empty house last night, but I was really glad to not have to contest with a fog of smoke, reeking skin, and bogged down sooty clothes at the end of the night.

While I certainly don't agree with the removal of civil rights that this represents, I have to say that I am in favor of the end result.

Economically, I don't think that business will be hurt by this at all in the long run. There will be an adjustment period, then the people who used to go out will return and people who previously didn't go out because of all the smoke will join them and it may actually increase business.

[cwallace]

It will suck for a minute and then people will want to get back out there.

My hood is a party place on the weekends so I don't really NEED to go anywhere...

Hell, there are at least 20 people across the street right now hanging out and BBQing and partiing...

It will even out in time...

I can't imagine how nice it will be not smelling of smoke after I go out next time...

Chris

[Al Quandt]

Make tobbacco illegal and this law makes sense. I do think that things will even out but it doesnt solve the problem that the ban is against our rights.

My hope is that more things like the Tippman Memorial Day party happen again. 10+ bands, BYOB, and Smokers welcome. There were about 100-150 people out there and it was a better time then I have ever had in a bar. I encourage people with land/barns to do the same. They cant stop you from that yet.

[beck]

We played Friday Night at The River. While there were actually about 50-60 people there, we played to about 10-12. The bulk of the crowd was outside. Smokers just stayed outside, and eventually even the non-smokers were outside cause that is where their friends were. The interesting thing to me will be what they will do about peolpe with drinks outside the bar. As poeople got drunk, everyone had their beer in their pocket while they were outside smoking.

I went to 2 other bars that same night, and it was the same scenario. At several bars in town, in order to be 20 feet from any of their entrances, you must cross the street. So now we have poeple all over the place, drinking their beers on the side of the road.

[Al Quandt]

oh i guess i left out more city income from Public Intox

[Oliver's Army]

Al - Did you ever drive drunk? I mean just a little?

Ever flicked a butt out the window of your car?

Ever speed?

Smoke a little weed?

Threaten anyone to kick their ass?

Drive without a seatbelt?

Drink as a minor?

Steal?

Sounds like you better pay up your fines so you can clear your conscience... since you think the rules are in place 'just so the city can make some money'

[Al Quandt]

I am not sure what you were actually getting at with that response. but just to be an ass...

I have driven drunk.
I have flicked a butt.
I did smoke weed.
I did steal.
I did drink as a minor (and paid more then enough dues, about $800).

I do not fight.
I do not speed.
I always wear a seatbelt (which is another stupid law, even though i wear it).




Come on mark, you cant tell me that writing down liscnence plates of people in thier own cars smoking and reporting them is just a bit out of control.

[MrSpall]

Went out to Chevvy's Saturday night for the city's best karaoke. The crowd was pretty typical, no more or less than on a normal night. People went outside to smoke, and came right back in. They've set up a few tables and chairs on the sidewalk under the awning, 20 feet from the entrance.

Most importantly, my girlfriend thought I was hanging out with other friends that night (long story), and since I didn't reek when I got home, she'll never know I ended up going to the bar instead.

[Krieves]

Because of the smoking ban, we'll probably go out more. It's nice to come home and not smell like an ashtray. I know several people that don't go to certain bars because they are too smokey.

[Al Quandt]

Because of the smoking ban, we'll probably go out more. It's nice to come home and not smell like an ashtray. I know several people that don't go to certain bars because they are too smokey.

On the flip side I know several people who went to certian bars because of smoke.

I will not go out as much, I enjoy sitting and talking over a drink or coffee and smoke. Now I cannot do either now. I have been sitting with my friends or by myself drinking coffee at Halls on Bluffton Rd close to everyday (while living here) for over 10 years. Now I just have to stop. Its frustrating. That is where I do my writing,drawing, thinking ..exc.

[Garr]

Because of the smoking ban, we'll probably go out more. It's nice to come home and not smell like an ashtray. I know several people that don't go to certain bars because they are too smokey.

[conley]

The big question is............Is this a health issue or constitutional right issue. Though I personnally love it that bars are now "non-choking", I'm conflicted on whether or not it's ok for the government to go into the private sector and dictate what a business does or does not do. I guess if it's an issue of public safety or health, then it was the right thing to do.

It's funny because a lot of "smokers" will say....."Hey, if you don't like being in a smokey bar, just stay home." I guess now, the "non-smoker" can say, "Hey, if you can't handle a fresh, clean aired bar, then just stay home.....smoker-boy."

Finally, I don't think this smoking ban will hurt the bars, longterm. Keep in mind, you used to be able to smoke in hospitals; now, that sounds kind of ridiculous!!!! Someday, you'll probably hear someone say, "Geez, do you remember when people were allowed to smoke in bars.....pretty ridiculous huh?"