Pantagraph.com | News | Lawmakers want exemptions to state smoking ban

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Genny Wright wrote on Aug 29, 2007 12:03 PM:

" Surely Iowa and Missouri will soon come to their senses and enact state wide public smoking bans also. I would like to see it be nationwide. Then, everyone would have the same opportunity. In the meantime, my husband and I will be traveling to Quincy to avoid the stench in most Hannibal restaurants. If people refuse to give up this addiction, let them smoke in their own vehicles or homes as long as no children are present. Our health is too important to let this go on. "

WARNING wrote on Aug 10, 2007 8:46 AM:

" Make exceptions as long as it saves the money going into the states pockets but what about the businessman's pockets? They rely on this money to support their families. What's the difference. Free choice? It is your choice to go into a bar or resturant that you know permits smoking. Every pack of cigeretts comes with a warning label and it is the smokers choice to smoke or not smoke so make an exception to this new law for bars and restaurants and have the business put up their own warning label on their doors that (smoking is in progress, second hand smoke is harmful to your health) then everyone has a FREE CHOICE to enter or go somewhere else. These are baby steps the government is taking to take our rights away and if we just sit back and let them one day it will be too late and we'll be left with our heads spinning wondering where all our rights went and how we got there! "

ban it all wrote on May 26, 2007 8:15 AM:

" its for our good. Ban all smoking anywhere. make cigarettes illegal, also make alcohol illegal to (it kills more then cigarettes do). and while your at it, better make cars, guns, knifes illegal to...just for the good of the people. wont it be fun to eat steak withought a knife...wait..steak is fattening..better ban it too...everyone can eat fruit instead, its healthier. "

Enjoy wrote on May 10, 2007 2:38 PM:

" Debate it all you like, but this is going to be law...not just a local law, but a state-wide law and there is not one thing you can do about it, other than whine and moan here. Keep going, I love reading it. Just about as much as I enjoy watching the whiners and moaners hustle outside in cold rainy weather to feed an addiction. This non-smoker could not be happier that my clean air rights are being recognized and protected. "

cedric wrote on May 5, 2007 10:20 PM:

" Most everyone I know will more than make up for the "loss" of smoker revenue when the air is cleared and the other 80 percent of us can go out again. "

Walt wrote on May 5, 2007 10:18 PM:

" Smoking is an ADDICTION, not a constitutionally protected RIGHT. "

Just A Guy wrote on May 4, 2007 10:15 PM:

" There is no connection between this and workers rights. The workers had a choice to be employed by those jobs. They knew the risks going in. This would be like a firefighter wanting fire to be banned, or a highway worker wanting cars banned. The affected employees knew that their employer allowed smoking, and they knew that smoking is possibly harmful. "

Tis wrote on May 4, 2007 5:42 PM:

" Have any of you smoking ban advocates figured it out yet? It isn't about your health, is about who is paying to get a bill passed. As I said several times, I'm not a smoker and I've been dead set against any ban. I have my doubts this will go through without being edited out, but go to any major store in your area and fill those carts and then leave. Leave a note voices your opinion about the bans. I bet it isn't long before they back off any ban since it would affect the revenue. Do it now because soon government will ban transfat which is worse for you than smoking, or finally put an end to gun ownership. Or it won't be long before you have to weigh in before getting served a hit fat meal. "

me2 wrote on May 4, 2007 4:25 PM:

" to Rant: You'll likely get no feedback from others on your "radical" views, so I'll say it: You'll soon be 100% correct. "

Lobby said: wrote on May 4, 2007 2:32 PM:

" A decision on this non-smoking proposal will not be made until all political campaign contributions are received. "

rant wrote on May 4, 2007 2:10 PM:

" Folks, I really have no interest in what some paid propagandist damage control political hack has to say when attempting to whitewash this issue. In the state of Florida this very minute they are removing children from their parents simply because these parents do not wish to inject these kids with newly mandated mercury, chicken embreo, formaldohyde, live virus contaminated vaccines. Parental control is under attack. You may already have heard reports of this same solution proposed for those that smoke in their homes. I guarantee this is little to do with "safety" and much to do with the setting up of further control. Was listening to rbnlive.com last night, (a Constitutionalist based radio program)(I've heard it from others as well), it is simply how it is in this new emerging form of control motivated/based regulation. you "will" see. "

MRS. wrote on May 4, 2007 1:51 PM:

" For what it's worth, IMO they should ban smoking in all buildings except bars, private clubs, and casino's too. The ban should still pass for places that sell food such as restaurants. I know bars sell food but the main reason for a bar is alcohol. If someone has health problems but goes into a bar tough but children and adults that have chronic conditions still have to eat and enjoy smoke free places to do it. That said, if anyone is deliberately blowing smoke toward someone just to tick them off that should be assault and punished in the court. Yes, I am bias, I don’t smoke and I don’t drink. I use to do both and excessively. Today, I am dealing with several chronic conditions and have pre cancer cells in my esophagus. I did it to myself. Take it for what it is worth. I am tired. "

Oh my... wrote on May 4, 2007 1:07 PM:

" such turmoil. I was going down the road the other day and saw a car with a bumper sticker that said "Freedom isn't free anymore". How true are those words. Canada is looking better and better everyday. This is why Americans aren't happy anymore. Too many dam laws!! People with video camera's everywhere, camera phones, it's just ridiculous. Drugs everywhere and that goes for alcohol too. A young man that had an entire future ahead of him, dead! Why? Drunk driving and drugs. This is so sad. Nothing is ever done about alcohol, it is the politicians drink of choice, so they pick at everything else to keep the attention off alcohol and themselves. They just run to re-hab and have the judges in their pockets. How about the judge in Fl. enjoying his dubie by the tree, don't hear about him anymore. Sad world we live in anymore, too many chiefs and not enough indians. "

Hoot wrote on May 4, 2007 12:26 PM:

" Well folks, ever wonder why this state is so screwed up? Here is a prime example. These clowns vote for this ban, then consider the economic impact on the state. Interesting, isn't it? The small businesses have been pleading with their legislators not to pass this ban because of the economic impact on them. So what. But when it comes to state revenues from casinos and race tracks, well...that's different. I say, leave it like it is. If we're going to have a ban, let's have full blown, "Katie bar the door" ban. After all, people that go to casinos and race tracks are likely to be exposed to the deadly, devastating effects of SHS, and this is a health issue...isn't it? "

give me a break wrote on May 4, 2007 12:12 PM:

" Springfield banned smoking in public places several months ago. The restaurants are just as crowded as always. So a few people drive to Iowa. It's not a big deal because a few people in Iowa will drive to Illinois because the don't like the smoky casinos. I have an asthma attact everytime I try to go to the casinos. I'd be more inclined to go if they were smoke free. "

Like Bloyo Cares wrote on May 4, 2007 12:05 PM:

" Between the Gross Sales Tax, and the Ban everything proposal. Bloyo is running Illinois into the ground faster than a class 5 Tornado. New Orleans had it easy, they got struck all at once, where we are in the blender.. - Note, I do not mean to poke fun at New Orleans, just using it as an example "

SMOKER wrote on May 4, 2007 11:38 AM:

" Im a smoker, Im not for the ban, I say hell no, they want the ban, but they want the money going in the slots. Leave it like it is "

It Shouldn't matter wrote on May 4, 2007 11:36 AM:

" whether or not there is a small loss of revenue or not because the nonsmoking ban is for health reasons to protect the nonsmokers. But I for one dispute the premise that there will be a reduction of income. The facts are that 70% of the population is nonsmoking. So some smokers decide they would prefer to smoke while they gamble or eat and go across the state line what is to prevent the nonsmokers over there from coming over to our smoke free establishments? After all it IS a two way street and the nonsmokers are in the majority and we spend just as much as the nonsmokers. Perhaps we just whine a little less. "

It Shouldn't matter wrote on May 4, 2007 11:32 AM:

Flip side of the coin wrote on May 4, 2007 11:25 AM:

" The Illinois casinos might lose some patrons to Iowa, but I'd bet that the non-smoking gamblers of Iowa would come to Illinois to gamble in a clean air environment! It's just a matter of which group outnumbers the other. It will probably even out. "

Life is Good wrote on May 4, 2007 11:19 AM:

" I'm not in favor of any exemptions, that is the very mess we are in now with "where can you smoke, where can't you smoke". Make it an even playing field for everyone. Also, I have said from the beginning that I feel it should be the business owners decision on whether to be smoke free or not, but....that isn't the case and won't be the case. It will be the law July 1st locally and most likely Jan. 1st statewide....I for one can't wait. I (and others) will again be able to go to some places that I have not frequented simply because the smoke is so bad, places that I use to frequent often. Adapt to change, grow with change, be pro-active and you will be successful. Business' that fail will do so not because of any smoking ban law, but because of poor decisions and not being pro-active, adapting to change. "

LittleMac wrote on May 4, 2007 11:01 AM:

" " The unintended consequences of the smoking ban, which I voted for, is to cost the State of Illinois significant amounts of money", says Lou Lang. Really!! Well, nothing like knowing and understanding what you're voting on. The same amount of thought was given to this vote in particular as has been given to shs 'science' in general. "

It's About Workers' Rights wrote on May 4, 2007 10:57 AM:

" Smoking bans in restaurants and bars have been justified primarily based on protecting workers' health, not customers'. It's true that customers can choose not to go to smoking bars and restaurants. Workers on the other hand do not have that same choice - they need to work. Forcing them to choose between their health and a job is wrong. "

Glenn C wrote on May 4, 2007 10:33 AM:

" Exemptions for all liquor license holders that would fix the problem. That would exempt casinos, vet. clubs,bars, and some restaurants. This need be the American way. Let the license holder decide to be smoking or non-smoking. It should NOT be goverments decision. Oh, yes "In God We Trust" Americans stand up NOW!!!!!!!! "

If secondhand smoke were really so bad wrote on May 4, 2007 10:23 AM:

" then everyone who lived in the 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s would be dead. You could smoke in class, in the hospital bed, in everyone's home (even if they were non-smokers), in the office. Smoke was everywhere. "

To: I'll say it again wrote on May 4, 2007 10:20 AM:

" Yes - I will join your revolution - when and where is the organizing committee meeting? Americans have gradually lost all their freedoms. Where has our pioneering spirit gone? I wish we could go back 50 years. "

To Sen Jacobs wrote on May 4, 2007 10:19 AM:

" I guess you care more about the almighty doller then the health of your voters. "

Lucy wrote on May 4, 2007 10:08 AM:

" Show me the money! "

I'll say it again... wrote on May 4, 2007 9:51 AM:

" as I have said many times before; it's time for a revolution, folks. When is enough, enough? "

Just my opinion wrote on May 4, 2007 9:47 AM:

" First,I will admit I am a smoker but....I am 52 yrs old & I know the hazzards of smoking. I can see banning smoking in restaurants due to small children, as I have grandkids, but my grandkids are NOT in bars. I think this is getting carried way toooooo far. If you don't want to be in a smoke filled bar, then don't go there. If you want to drink and relax, do it at home, which is what most non smokers want the smokers to do! I am tired of the government & whiners infringing on my so called "freedom"! I feel the ones they are hurting the most are the bar owners, that should be their "freedom of choice", to decide how to run their own business....since they are paying their taxes & trying to make a living. Leave the tax paying, law abiding citizens alone, & go after the "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS"!! "

Give it a chance wrote on May 4, 2007 9:37 AM:

" This is a health issue. It was promoted as such. To include any exemptions would allow business's to endanger their employees and the general public. Give it a chance. I personally go to casinos somewhat regularly. I am looking forward to the ban. "

hypocrits R them wrote on May 4, 2007 9:20 AM:

" Smoking in government facilites has been banned for a few years now. (I work in one.) Except, of course, smoking IS allowed within the Senators' and Representatives' offices in the Capitol Building. (Maybe also in their local offices.) How's that for hypocritical? "

Freedom is gone in this country wrote on May 4, 2007 9:18 AM:

" Anyone who grew up in the 50s or 60s remembers when America was a free country. Now EVERYTHING is a crime. Entrapment is rampant by law enforcement. The Legislature keeps passing more and more laws that limit our freedoms. Frankly, I hope the citizens will rise up and revolt - I will be out there marching even if I'm 80 when it happens. "

realevergreen wrote on May 4, 2007 8:42 AM:

" Never underestimate the stupidity of large groups of people. And they will get a pay raise, too. "

Land of the Free?? wrote on May 4, 2007 8:29 AM:

" This is not a free country anymore!! Let the business owners make their own decisions. If a business owner allows smoking in their place of business, and you don't like smoke, don't go there. We the people are letting these rediculious politicians and law makers tell us what to do. We have to make them stop. Whether your a smoker or not. We live in the United States of America, we should have the right to make our own decisions. "

broke... wrote on May 4, 2007 8:15 AM:

" illinois has enough real problems to be worried about some smoking ban and i dont even smoke and the first thing that came to my mind is how is this going to affect my pocket! the smokers attitude but yet my taxes will raise and i agree the real issue is alcohol smoking takes long term second hand or not! with alcohol a few drinks can kill someone or them selves! thats the killer! worse yet when a person gets a dui its usually fine offense only the first time!! i personally witnessed that!! lets wake up and see the real killer its called alcohol! not to mention the families it destroys! whats worse a drunk mom that cant hardly function,staggering, slobbering, cursing,mom or a smoking mom... my opinion the smoking mom!!! "

Do you think wrote on May 4, 2007 7:50 AM:

" people are getting a little fed up with this bunch of B.S.? I know I am. Ban smoking here and ban it there, but oh no, not the casinos. We'll loose to much revunue. Not the track, we'll loose to much revune. Either have a smoking ban or don't have a smoking ban. They know exactly what their going to do, exactly what they want to do. It doesn't matter what you or I think. That's the American way anymore. "

My 2 Cents wrote on May 4, 2007 7:41 AM:

" Our elected officials are hell bent on putting an end to smoking because it's bad for our health ! EXCEPT CASINOS ? ? Because they are afraid of loosing income to Iowa ? Did any of these elected officials give a hoot or holler about the bars, restaurants etc that seen the same thing happening to them ? SAME OLD CRAP .... DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO ! PUT THE CASINOS UNDER THE SAME RULES .... if its OK for small business owners to be hurt financially then the state needs to accept the SAME CIRCUMSTANCES ! What good for the Goose is good for the Gander ! ! ! "

Why? wrote on May 4, 2007 7:39 AM:

" Why is Obama allowed to smoke on government owned property and in his office? Seems he should have to step out the required 20 ft off of federal and state property just like everyone else. "

Just the Gambling Places wrote on May 4, 2007 7:36 AM:

" What about the Bars just across the border? They wouldn't be hurt?? Maybe the ban should exlude areas border other states. Edit the bill to state that this bill does not affect areas within 100 miles of a border state. "

What a joke wrote on May 4, 2007 7:15 AM:

" Why doesn't the goverment just let the business owners decide for themselves if they want to allow smoking or not? Why does the government get to decide for these tax payers? Will the government give all these business owners a tax break to compensate for their revenue loss? I HIGHLY DOUBT IT! They can post signs outside their establishment stating they are a smoking facility and to enter at their choice, REMEMBER PERSONAL CHOICE IS WHAT AMERICA IS ALL ABOUT??????????????????????? Our fathers fought wars for this PERSONAL CHOICE WE ARE SUPPOSE TO HAVE NOW YOU WANT TO TAKE THAT AWAY. I don't even smoke but I believe everyone has the right to make their own choice of whether or not to enter a business who allows smoking. I'll bet most of the people voting for this smoking ban ARE EX-SMOKERS!!!!!!!! "

There ya go wrote on May 4, 2007 7:09 AM:

" Now that we know for sure it's all about the money and not your heath let's move on to something for everyone. It's time for these elected goofballs to address sky high electric bills and gas prices. This entire elected system is broke and out of control. This is money we could be gambling with. What a joke. "

taking away rights wrote on May 4, 2007 7:07 AM:

" I don't see any of you whining about Illinois government trying to take away your 2nd amendment rights with regard to the restrictions and outright ban on certain weapons and weapon components. If your focus is truly on their restrictions of your "rights", you'd be all over this abhorrent action. However, you're not. Why???? Because you weak-minded sad-sacks simply believe that you have to impose your vile and disgusting habit on everyone else. You must feel that you have to bring everyone else down to your own level of personal misery. Loosers! "

I quit smoking 10 years ago wrote on May 4, 2007 6:56 AM:

" And I have sympathy for smokers looking for a place to light up without getting dirty looks. When I was a smoker, I lived my life around cigarettes. If I ran out, it was almost a panic to get some more. I could not even consider a restaurant where I couldn't enjoy the after dinner smoke. I'm sure my vehicles smelled like ash trays to non-smokers, and I always had some burn holes on the seats and carpet, not to mention my clothes. It was small price to pay for the joy of inhaling that pleasure filled smoke into my lungs. Years ago, you could smoke anywhere, even in stores, supermarkets, and theatres. Entertainers smoked while performing. Now, considering all the trouble it is to find a place to do it, I am relieved I don't any more. "

pete wrote on May 4, 2007 6:35 AM:

" ALL OR NOTHING! "

Dear Politicians wrote on May 4, 2007 5:49 AM:

" mentioned in this article, if you even read this! HOW HYPOCRITICAL is this? Why should it be right for some public places to be exempt, while others are not? FOR profit public places SHOULD be included, NON for profit places, like the American Legion, and the VFW, should not. The members of these organizations gave their all for our country to protect it and us,, alot of them are smokers, and they are SELF supporting, Leave them alone. When a change like this occurs, there will ALWAYS be a transition period, but it will eventually balance itself out. All for one, or none for all! Could you really live with your consciences, if you knew that you didn't make this an even playing field, and because of that, some businesses survived, and others had to fold? Make up your minds, and DO,, or DON'T!! "

ty wrote on May 4, 2007 5:20 AM:

" If smoking is soooooo bad for us then why not just ban tobbaco altogether? Its not about health or healthcare cost, if it was they would ban fat people. As we all know the studies show that obesity is now the number one killer. "

Mac wrote on May 4, 2007 5:20 AM:

" Bars in border communities will also lose business. Municipalities license and tax these businesses. Why not exempt every place that will lose business if there's a smoking ban? Maybe because that's every place? "

HA! And here come... wrote on May 4, 2007 2:00 AM:

" the exceptions before the Governor has even signed it! Our freedoms are becoming a thing of the past. People - we have ILLEGALS marching in our streets and trying to change OUR laws to accomodate them! They are trying to tell us how to live in OUR country and they are telling US what THEY want! Isn't that just a little bit 'bass ackwards?' The smoking ban is totally ridiculous, but it's done. We CAN still stop this immigration crap IF we ban together and not let our so-called government bow down to illegals. It's not too late to do that - NOT YET. "

FREEDOM HA wrote on May 4, 2007 12:30 AM:

" taking away our rights that is all this is. If you dont like the smoke.. dont go there. If I dont like drunks, i dont go to bars. If i dont like the smell of exhaust i stay out of garages. Before long every right we have is going to be debated and voted against. Dont tell me how to live my life! Dont tell me what I already know about the health issues of smoking. Drinking causes many deaths too, so close all the bars! Come on.. stop trying to legislate our constitutional rights! "

wait! wrote on May 3, 2007 11:26 PM:

" WAIT WAIT WAIT,I THOUGHT THIS BAN WAS FOR HEALTH REASONS AND IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH MONEY OR TAX REVENUE I GUESS THE TRUTH COMES OUT AFTER ALL!!! "

to: If they banned wrote on May 3, 2007 11:24 PM:

" I agree, and I'm a smoker! I hate when people smoke in public, especially at the Par-a-Dice...Even though I smoke, I think smoking needs to be contained in your own backyard and no place else. "

politicians wrote on May 3, 2007 11:23 PM:

" they all bet at the track and go to casinos, so they need someplace to smoke ya know! "

Tis wrote on May 3, 2007 10:14 PM:

" Whoa!!!!!!!! Politians wants a ban except where it might affect their pocket book. Talk about two faced jurks. I'm not a smoker and I think the ban is wrong. But if the nanny playing government wants the ban, then they just may as well hurt like the people the ban is against. Talk about wanting to eat the cake and keep it too. "

fed up wrote on May 3, 2007 10:13 PM:

" is it not amazing that smoking is so bad that we must take away our smoking citizens rights until it going to cost the state money if it is so bad then money should not be the issue!!!!!. keep up the bull!!!! o leaders of this great state and it will be more than a little bit of business going to other states! no one in there right mind after watching blago"s follies would want to move here and contribute thru taxes to support his cause.a lot of blood was shed for our freedom (freedom is not free) and i for one am getting very angry to see our rights slowly slipping away with this and several other issues "

reader wrote on May 3, 2007 9:53 PM:

" Law is whatever you want it to be.Obey what you want I say,the law makers do.They always obey what they want and exempt themselves when they don't want it to apply to them .What a joke.Ha Ha "

lol wrote on May 3, 2007 9:19 PM:

" we seem to be so picky about our morale agenda and what we count as "sin." It's fine to smoke and gamble but don't smoke and eat????????????? And all smokers are evil but gamblers.....well they get a pass. "

yeah wrote on May 3, 2007 9:18 PM:

" the state is going to need those extra gambling dollars since the tax loss is going to push the State into poverty. "

If they banned wrote on May 3, 2007 8:59 PM:

" smoking at the casino's I might actually go back. You need an air-pack to go on the Par-a-dice the smoke is so thick. "

william wrote on May 3, 2007 8:31 PM:

" For a "small" political contribution, "of course we can"! "

moonie wrote on May 3, 2007 7:46 PM:

" you all are so worried about the smoking. one question how long have we been supporting the smoking industries ? now lets do something about the electric bills too. ......... or isnt the idea of paying so much more not important to the people we elected.... "

Ed. wrote on May 3, 2007 7:43 PM:

" I know a great way for the state to make money from the loss of money incurred due to a smoking ban. Pass a CCW bill for law abiding citizens and charge for the license as other state due. A great way to make up lost revenue and benifit the great law abiding people of Illinois. "

I agree! wrote on May 3, 2007 7:23 PM:

" Illinois can't afford to lose all this money, so this is a good idea. They should also exempt bars and taverns; a lot of money is made there too. Keep the ban in restaurants. "

Another exemption... wrote on May 3, 2007 6:58 PM:

" ...That isn't in the ban, but should be added, is theatrical performances. IMO, seeing a play is much more authentic, if smoking relates to the subject of a theatrical performance. And it makes sense to have this exemption too, since several Illinois cities that have smoking bans already have this exemption, such as Normal and Skokie. "

here here wrote on May 3, 2007 6:40 PM:

" i would like to see public outhouses exempt also, they are in the catagory as casinos and race tracks. "

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