New smoking ban has most pleased
By: Dawn-Marie Conaty
Staff Reporter
Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Other Stories
- Page 1 of 1
University of Memphis students are experiencing their first week of the smoking ban that launched statewide on Monday.
Under the new law, restaurants, public and private educational facilities, retail stores and shopping malls, enclosed public areas and outdoor areas are now deemed smoke-free areas under state law.
According to some students, a smoke-free state is the right way to go.
"I think it's a good thing," said Michelle Clements, a former University of Memphis student. "The smoking areas were not very effective, and if the restaurant was busy, they would put you in the smoking area anyway."
Passive smoking has been a major concern, and is still at the forefront in the minds of non-smokers.
"I think it's a good idea. Smoke travels and people are still breathing it in," said Dannika Mitchell, a sophomore nursing major.
Regular smokers will especially feel the pinch when they have go outside to for a cigarette.
"We have noticed the ban, we asked for an ashtray in Chili's and they wouldn't give it to us," said Chris Assandria, a freshmen pre-med major. "Non-smokers have the right not to be around the smoke, but there will be a lot of pollution now that we have to smoke outside.,"
Customers caught smoking in public places protected by the law can be forced to pay a $50 fine.
"I think $50 is a bit steep. That is a lot of money especially if she is a single mom," said Reshae Barrett, human development and learning major. "The person should be just asked to leave, they don't have to be fined."
Mitchell agreed.
"The government has the right to introduce the smoking ban. They are looking out for other people," Mitchell said. "But I don't think they have to give a fine. If they just kicked the person out, I think that would be enough."
Businesses not complying with the ban will be put on probation for 12 months after the first offense.
After a second violation, a $100 civil penalty will be levied.
If a third offense occurs, a penalty of $500 will be handed out.
Boscos has seen an increase in customers since the smoking ban was introduced last Monday.
"Business has picked up. The smoking ban has increased the number of people coming into the restaurant," said Jimmy Randall, a brewer at the restaurant. "Before this, many non-smokers didn't like the restaurant because every time they left, they smelled like an ashtray. Also, many woke up coughing the next morning, and they didn't like that."
Under the new law, restaurants, public and private educational facilities, retail stores and shopping malls, enclosed public areas and outdoor areas are now deemed smoke-free areas under state law.
According to some students, a smoke-free state is the right way to go.
"I think it's a good thing," said Michelle Clements, a former University of Memphis student. "The smoking areas were not very effective, and if the restaurant was busy, they would put you in the smoking area anyway."
Passive smoking has been a major concern, and is still at the forefront in the minds of non-smokers.
"I think it's a good idea. Smoke travels and people are still breathing it in," said Dannika Mitchell, a sophomore nursing major.
Regular smokers will especially feel the pinch when they have go outside to for a cigarette.
"We have noticed the ban, we asked for an ashtray in Chili's and they wouldn't give it to us," said Chris Assandria, a freshmen pre-med major. "Non-smokers have the right not to be around the smoke, but there will be a lot of pollution now that we have to smoke outside.,"
Customers caught smoking in public places protected by the law can be forced to pay a $50 fine.
"I think $50 is a bit steep. That is a lot of money especially if she is a single mom," said Reshae Barrett, human development and learning major. "The person should be just asked to leave, they don't have to be fined."
Mitchell agreed.
"The government has the right to introduce the smoking ban. They are looking out for other people," Mitchell said. "But I don't think they have to give a fine. If they just kicked the person out, I think that would be enough."
Businesses not complying with the ban will be put on probation for 12 months after the first offense.
After a second violation, a $100 civil penalty will be levied.
If a third offense occurs, a penalty of $500 will be handed out.
Boscos has seen an increase in customers since the smoking ban was introduced last Monday.
"Business has picked up. The smoking ban has increased the number of people coming into the restaurant," said Jimmy Randall, a brewer at the restaurant. "Before this, many non-smokers didn't like the restaurant because every time they left, they smelled like an ashtray. Also, many woke up coughing the next morning, and they didn't like that."