SENATE BILL: The Protection of Personal Choice Act (Law'd)

[bgwah]

I'd be open to loosening restrictions on privately owned properties that are also public spaces. I don't care for the original bill or the amendment, though. Hmm. Nay on the amendment.

I basically agree with BK. What if we let restaurants and bars (and smoke shops, or other businesses we can think of like casinos) make their own decision if it's an 18+ establishment? I think that would be a good compromise. Here's what I'm thinking:

Amendment to the Protection of Public Health Act
1. Clause 4 of the Protection of Public Health Act is amended to read as follows: Restaurants, bars, casinos, establishments that derive at least 40% of their revenue from selling tobacco or tobacco paraphernalia, and are not open to minors, may apply to the federal government for an exemption from Clause 1. Any other business located on a privately-owned property may also apply for the exemption as long as minors are prohibited from entering. Should their exemption be approved, a "Smoking Establishment" sign shall be in plain view near any entrance into the establishment, and a valid identification shall be required to enter to ensure minors are not allowed in.

[bgwah]

Uh, okay, I added "Any other business located on a privately-owned property may also apply for the exemption as long as minors are prohibited from entering" to it. Is that sufficient?

[bgwah]

The only way I will support this Bill is if the exclusions extend ONLY to over 18 venues and that smoking is permitted only in clearly identified areas where ventilation has been assured etc etc.

So in other words, smoking is not to take place in general areas - but in areas that have been specifically assigned for that purpose.

Could the entire establishment be assigned that purpose?

[bgwah]

Can. Someone PLEASE describe how a business must apply for exemption? It seems unfair fro have laws so vague that even our legislators don't understand what it means.

Does it really matter? It's a fantasy world---it's not like we'll actually have to deal with bars applying for exemptions. Just pretend some part of the federal government is dealing with it, etc.

[bgwah]

abstain

[bgwah]

I'll change my vote to nay to be helpful.

[bgwah]

aye