Re: Fighting Smoking Bans in Bars and Restaurants


Sailorman Jack wrote:
> I thought ASPers might like to read this "how to" article from The
> Smokers Club.
>
> Fair winds,
> Sailorman Jack
>
> How To Fight
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> PUTTING THE PRESSURE ON THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
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> Most of the hospitality industry is friendly to smokers. However, based
> on the scientific frauds about the "dangers" of secondhand smoke
> exposure, local or national laws and ordinances are intruding in the
> hospitality industry in order to force it to create an environment
> hostile to smokers.
> Since the right of the business owner to choose an either smoking or
> nonsmoking environment for his place of business is denied by both
> anti-tobacco cartel and state (often one and the same), it is important
> that smokers do not patronize hospitality establishments where smoking
> is forbidden, and that includes restaurants and pubs. It is important
> to keep this up: the government is counting on the fact that you will
> get tired, and you'll "get used to" the the unreasonable restrictions
> imposed on you. You must be prepared to keep the boycott up
> indefinitely. The message that economic devastation is the consequence
> of smoking bans must be steady, loud, and clear. Smokers have an
> immense economic power, more than sufficient to defeat anti-tobacco. It
> is time to put that power to work.
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> It is sad that hospitality industry operators have become the unwilling
> battleground between fascism and freedom, and we feel very sorry for
> them all. But certainly, they cannot blame us for having started it.
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> If the hospitality industry in your area is fighting a smoking ban,
> actively support it by letter, phone, and in person, and let them know
> that you will continue to do so for as long as they will defend your
> rights. But they also have to understand that you will be forced to
> change your attitude in case of defeat.
> If your municipality is close to another municipality that allows
> smoking in restaurants and pubs, go where you can smoke even if it
> means walking or driving.
> If the local or state government forbids smoking in hospitality
> outlets, refrain from using the hospitality industry as much as
> possible. You will be surprised how much money you will save by cooking
> your own food, or, in emergency, buying it from a take-out and
> consuming it at home. By the same token, a six-pack consumed at home
> with friends while watching the game is surprisingly much more
> enjoyable than in a pub with noise, confusion, and smoking prohibition
> to boot. And nothing beats an elegant dinner party that starts off with
> cocktails, cigarettes, and a selection of everyone's favorite music on
> the stereo. Let's use smoking prohibition as an excuse to revive the
> pleasures of private social life that are too often neglected in our
> busy culture. Turn your home into an occasional "smoke-easy" and
> encourage your friends to return the favor! How about a
> "Prohibition-era" theme party...?
> Also, remember that fewer sales for the hospitality industry means less
> tax revenue for the government that is infringing on your rights, and
> on the rights of the hospitality industry. If it feels the effects of
> this loss, the state will be forced to raise other taxes. This will
> contribute to a decrease in the popularity of the sitting government,
> and politicians are very sensitive to that.
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> If an establishment has decided to ignore the totalitarian anti-smoking
> laws, and it accommodates smokers, let us remember that it takes
> courage to do so. Absurd penalties are often imposed on operators for
> this kind of "offense" -- as absurd and unfair as the anti-smoking laws
> themselves. Praise the owner(s), keep patronizing the local, refer it
> to your smoking friends. If the owner is hit by the health police, it
> would be a good idea to promote the idea of pooling the money for the
> fine with other smoking patrons as a sign of appreciation for the
> establishment's courage to stand up for freedom.
> In areas where smoking bans are enforced, practicing and encouraging
> civil disobedience is essential.
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> For those who have some time available, some active action would not
> hurt. For example, here is a tested method that puts the pressure on.
> Call a restaurant, hotel, pub, etc. that you know does not allow
> smoking. Say that you have a large party of people, and that their
> establishment has been chosen. Discuss the details. Last request: "we
> want the smoking section, please." At the negative answer, just tell
> them to forget the whole thing. If they say that they cannot oblige
> because of municipal ordinance or state law, then ask if they are
> willing to accommodate you, anyway. The answer will be no, especially
> on the phone, for fear of a fishing expedition by the anti-tobacco
> cartel. Thus, "no deal, thanks."
> This kind of psychological pressure, while it may not yield any
> immediate result, will keep reminding the operators of the size of the
> business lost to the cartel's prevarication, and that will turn into
> political pressure at the first opportunity.
> Finally, in cases where you are are properly accommodated as a smoker,
> tip well and make it clear that you have done so because you were
> welcomed as a smoking customer.
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> > BACK TO FORCES MAIN PAGE <
Good one.. Thanks.
Also, make as much noise to those who you know... it can make a
difference, it has to those around me.
Namaste'
Robert

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