In all honesty, I see nothing wrong with preventing smoking from occurring anywhere EXCEPT in designated smoking locations--and those designated smoking locations should NOT be in the unavoidable path of non-smokers. If a business cannot feasibly create a smoking section or outside location, than in my opinion, that is a business decision and acceptable. Once again, smoking is not a necessity, but an addition and as a smoker, I would like nothing better than to stop. I don't know any smokers that WANT to smoke, although some may enjoy it. I believe in the right to smoke AS LONG AS I DO NOT THREATEN THE HEALTH OF ANYONE ELSE, but let's face it: knowing that smoking is an addiction and a health hazard-who in their right mind would WANT to smoke? It's crazy. Do not make it easier for me. The fact that I will search out smoking locations when in public only proves that I am addicted and willing to put forth the effort to find a location to smoke. If it is 37 degrees outside and pouring down rain, I will simply get an umbrella. That does not mean I want to smoke, but that I am having serious problems stopping. The day you make it easier is the day more people will start smoking again.

>Tracy,
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>Indeed. I think if a restaurant (or hotel for example) wants to take the risk in today's hyper-sensitive society they should be allowed to so do.
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>Personally I'd ask that a seminar be in a smoke-free environment but I am not in favor of forcing the establishment (in this case) to obey smoe (IMO) overly-intrusive set of laws. Let the free market decide...
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>>Pretty soon we will have a 'right to pee' group lobbying... :o)
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>>>Tamar,
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>>>>>We found eating establishments in Portland and Pendleton that allowed smoking in specified areas. However, they used the same the same air conditioning system and you could smell the smoke.
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>>>>My favorite line on this subject is: A smoking section in a restaurant is like a peeing section in a swimming pool.
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>>>>Tamar
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>>>*chuckle*
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>>>Funny, but at the same time there are those who wish to restrict folks from peeing at all. <g> I'd think there's a 'tolerant' balance somewhere, don't you? <s>