Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Banning Smoking In Public Places

House Bill 259 is causing quite a debate between smokers and non-smokers, in North Carolina.

There are several sides to this story. On one side…we have the smokers who believe they should be allowed to light up their tobacco products anywhere they wish, including in restaurants.

We have the non-smokers who argue they should be afforded to the opportunity to enjoy a meal, at public restaurant, without having be in a smoke filled room.

And yet, there is a third side…the business owners. Many area restaurants and bars claim that having to go smoke-free will force them out of business.

Now in it’s third edition, the bill is still in the works. The debate over the health risks and implications continue. And today, the House voted to postpone any action on the bill until May 1st, 2007.  So for now, you can continue to smoke in public.

The bigger question is how long will that last?
I wonder, will this bill ever come to a vote? Could it pass in an area that is deeply rooted to Tobacco farms?

I encourage your comments.
Meanwhile, here is today’s webcast.

Jason