Hawaii is a smoke-free state
A couple of years ago Hawaii became the 14th state to enact laws prohibiting smoking in public buildings and places. Not only is smoking prohibited inside the workplace, but also within 20 feet of the entrance or windows. We all know that second-hand smoke is harmful, so it seemed like a good idea to make a more pleasant experience for visitors. All hotel rooms are now smoke free.
What happened to some of the businesses though, who cater to cigarette smokers? Lately I have heard that some bars and restaurants have decided not to enforce the law. They comply by posting signs as required, but don't punish their patrons who prefer to light up while enjoying their beer.
What are the rules in your state? Do you think this is a good law?
I think it's a good thing, especially since Hawaii has a climate that encourages people to be outside a lot. If you must smoke, why not step outside and enjoy the fresh air!
Aloha from Maui - Georgina M. Hunter R(S) e-Pro - EMAIL
Georgina,
But it's still legal to chew tobacco and spit in Hawaii. Just not on the sidewalk. LOL
Mike in Tucson
Georgina- Here in Florida there is NO smoking in any of the restaurants. And in Disneyworld there is no smoking even standing in line at rides, there are special smoking spots set aside for smokers and I stay way far away from them. All the hotels in Disney are smoke free.
It was funny, we went to NAR and stayed at Shingle Creek Rosen, a luxury resort next to the convention. They told us there was no smoking and I said I did not smoke. I asked her what happens to the people that do smoke and she told me there is a $350 fine. PER DAY. She has actually had guests say, charge it to my room!!!!! Can you imagine being SO addicted that you would be willing to pay $350 on top of your room charges to smoke in your room?????
Arizona is similar, no smoking in most places, I am not sure about all hotels. It goes back and fourth. I think you still can in the casinos. It's a good thing!
Mike - what sidewalks?
Katerina - that's crazy! I think we have a lot fewer smokers here in Hawaii, but the Japanese visitors sure like their cigarettes.
Johnathan - so glad we don't have casinos here!
Georgina- I remember that very well! Japanese smoke everywhere too! I was a young smoker in Hawaii and so it did not bother me so much but when I was closed in, it still bothered me. I also quit smoking while living in Hawaii. When I went to Japan on my modeling jobs, I would get so sick from them smoking everywhere! They eat healthy but then smoke. It is the same in Korea too. All the taxi drivers were smokers and I would get car sick and then more sick from their second hand smoke.
Katerina - it's all a sad result of agressive marketing. those cigarette companies need to get so many new people hooked each day to replace the ones that die off.
Awesome! Florida is about 90% smoke free, but there are some areas that still need to be handled. But when I leave the state, I totally forget that not all states are smoke-free! It sucks when I go in a restaurant in a smoking state, and forget to ask for the smoke-free section.
Lisa - you know it! Smoky air sucks!
Georgina ~ Fabulous, this must help with cigarette butt pollution as well. Iowa went no smoking this year as well. However I don't think businsses have a choice as to whether or not to comply as several bars were very upset about the law.
Kathy - It's a hard law for bars and restaurants to handle. Here some just post the signs and go on doing what they always did.
We have been smoke free for several years in British Columbia. At first the bars and restaurants complained saying that they would lose so much business that they would have to close down. Funny, business seems to the same as before and the establishments are still there.
People adjust and make do. A non-smoking policy doesn't prevent them from going out and enjoying themselves... they just have to change their attitude at bit. At least in your part the world they don't have to stand outside in -22f and in snow to smoke ;)
Arizona followed California on this one. There was an uproar at first and some renegade actions but now... after several years of this ... I think people have settled in to the rules. If it causes a few more people to quit it is good for them... mostly it's good for all those who won't have to put up with the second hand smoke. As for creating a law against public smoking- I'm for personal freedoms, but we're talking about a cancer causing substance in this case. So... I applaud the places that have taken the stand to keep the public places smoke free.
Uta - You're right - it must be hard to stand out and smoke when it's freezing out! Time to quit.
Chuck - AZ is pretty forward thinking.. and it's a beautiful place.
I think this is a good rule - some people have serious allergies to second-hand smoke. At least outside, it gets dissipated.
We have the same law here in MN and I love it. My daughter and I are very sensitive to cigarette smoke and get migranes.
We have had 2 family deaths in the past year from lung cancers they feel were due to smoking.
Another just found out her cancer has returned and spread.
Rob and Camille - I agree - all states should follow along
Kathleen - That's tragic about your family - glad to hear you're a non smoker.
I wished it was a national law. I hate walking through the smoking section to get to a non-smoking section. YUK!
Cindy - I can't even remember what that's like! Going to a bar or nightclub is now a whole new experience and so much better.
The Hunter-Poet Laureat of JSR Inc.