Smoking Ban = Sad Day in Houston

Saturday, Sept. 1st marked the day that Houston, TX, the 4th largest city in America enacted their city-wide smoking ban.  This ban affects all public places that were not previously affected by the laws that banned smoking in the work place.  Yes, this includes bars and restaurants.

The only places where smoking is allowed are businesses that make a portion of their profits from the sales of tobacco.  Currently this includes the local B&Ms (cigar shops) and cigar bars in the area, provided they meet the standards as set forth by city council.

My take on this is that it’s absolutely ridiculous.  It’s another case of Mother America coddling the seemingly irresponsible people who can’t seem to think for themselves.  This must be the case since our politicians continue to think that they must enact legislation in order to save us from ourselves. 

What’s even more upsetting is that most of the outlying suburbs of this major metropolis have already commited to follow suit.  So, not only will it apply to Houston proper, but now we smokers will have to find other places much farther out to hide and commit our apparent “sins.”

The basic rant here is that people need to start being responsible for themselves and ensuring that the politicians understand that.  Leave it up to the business owner to decide how they want to control their business.  If you don’t want to be around smoke, don’t go there.  Period.  It’s that easy.  Oh, but you have the right to?  Well, so do I!  Grow up Houston!

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