Jump to full article: Traverse City (MI) Record-Eagle, 2010-03-21
Author: ED HUNGNESS Local columnist
Intro: I am holding my breath because there is still the chance pro-smoking groups could carry the battle into the courts to fight the new ruling. The majority of the state's citizens are hopeful that they won't press the issue.
This past fall, much attention was given to the swine flu. We are always reminded that some 35,000 people die every year from the flu. In contrast, approximately 450,000 people die annually from smoking-related illnesses.
Before I get too many smokers upset, let me confess that I used to be a smoker. . . .
A waitress, when asked, said she looked forward to "not smelling like the bottom of an ashtray." She said that her clothes smell like smoke, her hair smells like smoke and even her purse smells like smoke. Upon her arrival home, she would be greeted by her children with an unflattering chorus of, "Mommy, you smell!"
The majority of business owners are delighted with the new law. They don't feel jobs will be threatened or businesses closed as claimed by pro-smoking lobby groups. In fact, this will likely be a stimulus for their businesses because customers, employees, friends and relatives might actually live longer.
Three cheers for all the restaurant and bar owners who have already made their establishments smoke free in an effort to create a healthy environment for their employees and patrons.
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