Since you were here in Florida, we passed a law (now in effect) that absolutely BANS smoking in businesses (the only exceptions being tobacco shops). Even our Elks Lodge, a *private* organization *not* dealing with the public, must adhere to the law, since we employ bartenders in our lounge, and sometimes in our catering-banquet-size kitchen. Were *all* the workers volunteers, we could have smoking in the lodge; have *one* paid employee, NOBODY can smoke in the building.
This also affected the dealership where I work. If you remember, when you stepped into the office area you were hit by "essence of cigar" (grin!); the owner lived in his office upstairs (near mine) and chain-smoked Cubans (hard to keep 'em lit, and they wiggle, scream and curse in Spanish a lot...). Nowadays, he smokes OUTSIDE, often sitting in his vehicle right near the patio ramp. Even though the smoke nearly killed me, I still think it's WRONG to ban the business owner from indulging in a LEGAL activity in his own business.
ALL the public bars, private clubs and organizations (with paid employees), even the hotels/motels were required to totally ban smoking inside the buildings. It hurt business at first, but the employees -- even the smokers -- mostly agree it's for the best. The bar patrons griped, but since there was nowhere they could go to smoke and drink -- other than their homes -- they've pretty much returned. The restaurant patrons LOVE it, since there's no longer an issue with "smoking or non-smoking" sections.
It's just sad that it had to come down to passing a law to see it happen...
As for insurance companies denying coverage to "risky" groups--- They already do this for people who engage in "risky" sports. I, too, see it expanding to ANY alcohol use, "lifestyle" choices, ALL active sports and activities; in effect, ANYTHING the insurance companies deem to be contrary to their maximum profits.
no subject
This also affected the dealership where I work. If you remember, when you stepped into the office area you were hit by "essence of cigar" (grin!); the owner lived in his office upstairs (near mine) and chain-smoked Cubans (hard to keep 'em lit, and they wiggle, scream and curse in Spanish a lot...). Nowadays, he smokes OUTSIDE, often sitting in his vehicle right near the patio ramp. Even though the smoke nearly killed me, I still think it's WRONG to ban the business owner from indulging in a LEGAL activity in his own business.
ALL the public bars, private clubs and organizations (with paid employees), even the hotels/motels were required to totally ban smoking inside the buildings. It hurt business at first, but the employees -- even the smokers -- mostly agree it's for the best. The bar patrons griped, but since there was nowhere they could go to smoke and drink -- other than their homes -- they've pretty much returned. The restaurant patrons LOVE it, since there's no longer an issue with "smoking or non-smoking" sections.
It's just sad that it had to come down to passing a law to see it happen...
As for insurance companies denying coverage to "risky" groups--- They already do this for people who engage in "risky" sports. I, too, see it expanding to ANY alcohol use, "lifestyle" choices, ALL active sports and activities; in effect, ANYTHING the insurance companies deem to be contrary to their maximum profits.