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The Smoking Ban Dilemma
posted 01/07/09 11:26 pm
ABC 13 - The Smoking Ban Dilemma
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Roanoke, VA - It's the third time lawmakers have tried to determine where you should be allowed to smoke. Governor Kaine is again supporting legislation to ban smoking in public places like bars and restaurants. Growing support for this, but also lots of resentment among smokers.

Change isn't easy.

Andy Schlosser, Owner, Metro - "It's difficult when you've done something for years to tell your customers no."

That's exactly what Andy Schlosser has said to customers accustomed to smoking at Metro. There's now no smoking at the Roanoke restaurant until after 10:00.

Schlosser - "I think by listening to our customers, we did what was right."

It's a balancing act for restaurant owners, trying to please a growing number of customers who don't like eating in a smoking environment, while not losing smokers and business in the process.

Ray Jones, Customer - "If I come out to a sports bar on a Saturday to watch college football, I want to have a drink and smoke a cigar."

That won't be an option, if the governor's bill is approved. Many agree to some limitations, but not all believe cigarettes should be put out for good.

Del. Morgan Griffith, (R) 8th District - "For those who want to go to a cigar bar or to a sports bar, where everybody knows that there is going to be cigarette smoke there, that's a consumer choice."

Griffith - "The government can't regulate, nor should it regulate everything that may be harmful to you."

Giving customers the final say.

Schlosser - "Ultimately, us keeping the doors open at this place is what matters."

So what do you think? This is the third time the bill's been proposed. Do you think the state should ban smoking in all restaurants and bars? Click here to take part in our web poll.

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