Paragon Life

Smoking Ban; So Far, So Good?

Posted on 18. May, 2010 by Debbi in Clinton Twp/Harrison Twp, Kalamazoo, Other, Troy, Westland/Southfield

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As a former smoker I think that I have an interesting outlook on the new smoking ban in Michigan.  I can understand both sides, although I have to admit I am a little prejudiced to the smokers side.   I quit smoking cold turkey in January ’09.  A health crisis forced me to quit, and I haven’t looked back.  Smokers can’t believe how easy it has been for me.  Honestly, I have not had a cigarette craving at all.  Ever.  That is a miracle as I was a very addicted smoker.  What I miss is the social aspect of smoking.  When smokers are at a function that is non-smoking and they all go out for a cigarette, I want to go too.  Usually I do.  I miss sitting outside in the evening with a cigarette or taking a cigarette break from hard work.  Other than those specific times, I don’t miss it at all and I NEVER crave it.  Like I said, I miss the social part of being a smoker.  I have not even been tempted to light one up.

I am around smokers all the time.  My best friends smoke and most of my social activities are with smokers.  I anticipated the smoking ban in the same way as my smoking friends.  Since the ban went into effect I have asked many smokers how it is going.  Most reply that it isn’t a big deal.  They just go out for a cigarette when they are out to a place they could formerly smoke.  Some situations prove a little more annoying than others.  My best friend says she misses a cigarette when she’s in a little diner for a bite to eat.  It’s that kind of place where you sit and visit over a cup of coffee and a smoke.   One friend says he misses smoking in the back of the shop where he works.  The guys used to have morning coffee and smoke a cigarette before they went out to their job sites for the day.  It’s spring so going outside isn’t awful and it’s early in the ban.  So far, not too bad.

My problem with the ban is this.  I feel it’s unfair as to how they decided to ban smoking.  First of all, smokers have rights too.  I think it was fine that restaurants had a smoking and non-smoking section.  I wonder how taverns and such will actually do with this ban and what about the hip places that you wait in line to get into?  How will people go out for a smoke and get back in?   But, the worst miscarriage of justice is that smoking is still allowed in the casinos.  I don’t get the exception here other than big money gets what it wants.  I am appalled that the casinos are exempt from this new law.  The law was written to supposedly protect workers from second hand smoke in the workplace.  It was not written to stop the smoking or protect those who frequent these places.  If you are a smoker and you go to an establishment that has more than one employee, you can’t smoke BECAUSE of the employees.  The law was to make the workplace smoke free.  So are the workers in the casino any less worthy of protection than other employees?  No, they aren’t.  The casinos just have more pull with our leaders than any other organization.  It’s a true travesty and I’m waiting for a casino employee to file suit.  I wish I worked there, I would be seeking legal advice.

As a current non-smoker I don’t mind the law at all.  I am glad to not come home with the smoke smell all over me and my clothes.  I never had any idea when I smoked how bad it really is.  So for that, I am grateful for the ban.  On the flip side, as a former smoker, I am angry that smokers have been regulated to have less rights than non-smokers and I am further angered about the casinos.  I wonder when all the smokers will get on the band wagon and protest for their rights.  Non-smokers have been doing it for years.  It’s time for the smokers to stand up for themselves.  Maybe when smokers realize all the different places they won’t be lighting up, they will start speaking up.  So far, nothing.  So far, so good.

Tags: casinos, cigarettes, employees, former smokers, non-smokers, restaurants, smokers, smoking ban, taverns