Smoking Ban/County Wide

[Sister Golden Hair]

I live in Akron Ohio, in the county of Summit, which covers multiple communities. A "smoking ban" has been put into effect for the entire county with exemptions to bowling alleys and bars that are considered private clubs. Under the terms of the ban, you may not smoke in any public establishment or 10 feet from its entrance. In a smaller clause attached, you may not smoke outside of your residence if you are 10 feet from another residence that may choose to object. If you are found in violation of the new ordinace, you will be fined $150.00, your first offense.

It is my opinion that the government, be it federal, state or local, has no place in making this mandatory. Businesses should have the right to make that choice and not be required to conform to a decision that they believe will effect their revenues. Many owners that are non-smokers were against this, and find it to be unconstitutional.

I also find it to be quite a political play on the part of Akron. Akron is the largest community in the county, and they are discussing making the downtown area exempt from the law. In that case, Akron has everything to gain. All surrounding communities will flock here on Friday and Saturday night for a funfilled weekend of eating, smoking, and drinking.

There are smoking bans in effect in certian cities nationwide. This will be the first county wide ban in the U.S.

Thoughts?