Smoking Bans Kill

Smoke Free Wisconsin is "a single issue organization whose mission is to promote effective tobacco control policies that will protect nonsmokers from secondhand smoke; prevent the initiation of smoking, especially among children; and ensure that there is a well-funded, comprehensive and effective statewide tobacco prevention program."

Naturally, the group supports Governor Jim Doyle's push to strip private businesses of their right to determine whether or not to allow smoking in their establishments.

Governor Doyle has called on the Wisconsin State Legislature to pass a comprehensive statewide smoke-free air bill that would protect all Wisconsinites from secondhand smoke. We support Governor Doyle's proposal for a smoke-free workplace law that would prohibit smoking in all indoor public places and workplaces, including restaurants and taverns. It’s Time…to Breathe Free Wisconsin!

A Wisconsin State Journal editorial agrees:

Gov. Jim Doyle has wisely made a statewide smoking ban a priority. A statewide ban would create a level playing field for all establishments. This would prevent the potential negative and unfair financial impact on bars that must compete with neighboring bars located across municipal borders in communities that still allow indoor smoking.

Unfortunately, Democrats who control the Senate and Republicans who run the Assembly refused to send a bill to Doyle 's desk before the Legislature finished his regular business for the year.

That 's why more local communities are expected to approve local bans, creating an even wider and unpredictable maze of regulation across the state.

Wisconsin needs to follow the examples of neighboring Minnesota and Illinois, both of which have banned smoking in bars and restaurants.

Madison has shown that a ban on smoking inside bars isn 't a big deal for smokers, who have accepted the easy courtesy of stepping outside when they want to light up. Many Madison bars also cater to smokers by providing outside patios -- some with heaters in winter -- where smoking is still allowed.

More importantly, non-smoking patrons and especially bar employees inside can enjoy clean air and better health.

If the Legislature needs even more evidence that a statewide ban is overdue, a study last week helps make the case. Researchers including Scott Adams at UW-Milwaukee discovered higher numbers of fatal vehicle accidents involving alcohol in areas with local smoking bans.

Greg Gutfeld acknowledges this research that suggests local smoking bans cause deaths rather than save lives, but he lends a different interpretation.

He writes:

So I was reading the Economist — ha, just kidding, I am barely literate. Actually someone read it to me and told me how American smoking bans have actually killed people.

How so? Well, researchers think smokers are driving farther to places where smoking is allowed — like places with outdoor seating or my intricate system of tunnels near the overpass. And all that somehow leads to more drunk driving and death. To which I add: Phooey!

I read of a far more intriguing theory: That smoking bans make restaurants more attractive to nonsmoking shut-ins — smarmy geeks who can't handle their booze, much less conversation. Finally, they take off their drawstring sweatpants, shave their pimply backs and hit the town, where they get drunk and kill people. See, it's the callous and unthinking nonsmokers who are to blame — those stupid, fat nonsmoking jerks.

Look, I've always hated the smoking ban. I think the health threats from passive smoking are fabricated and books have been written on the faulty data behind the research. Plus, smoking on the street blows: As a worldwide celebrity it's hard to puff when you're constantly kissed and hugged by adoring fans.

It's all just a scam to legislate behavior that people don't like and has nothing to do with science.

Fact is, if you let smokers smoke only smokers die. That's it. Everyone else is fine — which is a shame, because I'd really like to take a few vegetarians with me.

And if you disagree with me, then you sir are worse than Hitler.

Interesting analysis, as always.

I don't think the results of that UWM study should be used to promote a statewide ban. Drunk driving is a separate matter. Are we to believe a statewide ban on smoking would prevent drunks from getting behind the wheel? Why?

I'm not a smoker. Smoke bothers me. Sure, I suppose I would be more comfortable if a statewide smoking ban passed.

The thing is I'm getting along fine without the ban. I choose to avoid places that are smoke-filled.

I think others should have the choice to go to places that are smoker-friendly.

If a restaurant owner wants to allow patrons to smoke, what's the problem? It's a private business.

I support choice. No ban.