I’m looking forward to July 1, 2009. I’ll admit I would have preferred July 1, 2007, but I guess smokers need time to develop self-control, and businesses need time to design NO SMOKING signs. I wonder if “public entryways” could include bus stops, and bus stop benches, as entryways to buses.
Although studies indicate that business can improve when an establishment becomes smoke-free, I’ve heard this law could put the American Legion Post and the Pub at risk. Unless, of course, they can figure out more creative ways to attract customers.
And sometimes smokers need a little shove on the way to breaking the habit. I once told a woman at Benjy’s Kosher Deli that I’m allergic to smoke and asked if she could please put her cigarette out. A year or so later, she thanked me: that nudge I gave her was the nudge she needed to stop smoking. That’s rare, but it’s possibly one life saved.
I’d think smokers, wearing their addiction on their lips and on their fingertips, would want to puff in hidden spots. I’m not against firsthand smoke; that’s their choice. I AM against secondhand smoke, in fact I'm allergic to it.
There’s an event which all smokers (and non-smokers) should attend that takes place considerably before July of 2009. It’s a discussion of healthcare reform on Sunday, March 18th, 2007, at the Northshore Presbyterian Church, 4048 N. Bartlett. Doors open at 6:00 pm, program begins at 6:30pm.
Here’s additional info from Keith Schmitz of Grassroots Northshore: “On March 18th we are going to start off with a discussion of the three major health plans that are being considered before the State Legislature. This will give you a chance to hear about them, and to come and tell your stories about dealing with our healthcare system. In the coming months we will be presenting more town halls on the healthcare situation in Wisconsin, and talk further about the remedies.”
