I would like to thank Asheville and everyone who was involved for a wonderful Bele Chere. I saw some great bands, hung out with friends and had an overall pleasant time.
I was downtown for some business on Friday around 11:30 a.m. and I decided to walk my bike through Bele Chere to see the excitement brewing. There were many vendors setting up and people milling around. There was one relatively long line of about 35 people. It was for the air-conditioned, free-tobacco-wielding booth, operated by scantily dressed women. You have to admit, pushing free addictive products, dispersed by half-naked women in enclosed booths with AC while it’s pushing 90 degrees outside is a pretty good business model. Regardless, it was sad to see multiple families lined up for the free tobacco products.
I know we live in America and we have the right to choose, but do those babies in the strollers have a right to choose whether they stand in that line or not? Statistics show that children whose parents smoke are twice as likely to smoke as children of nonsmokers. Smoking is addictive and tobacco use is the No. 1 preventive cause of death in America.
Asheville has adopted many smoke-free zones in restaurants and parks, and recognized the health risks that smoking and secondhand smoke pose. Could we please ban the tobacco booth at all future Bele Chere festivals? I’m sure some other organization would happily pick up their space. Maybe one that’s not hell bent on killing you and taking your money.
— Mark Strazzer
Asheville
Rather than ask, “does the kid in the stroller choose to wait in line for tobacco.” I would think one would wonder, why do so many people take extremely young children out into 90+degree weather, surrounded by loud-mouthed preachers, drunks, and extremely loud music. I don’t care if they give away tobacco, but if you use your baby as a fashion accessory– you’re sick. Go to the kids area, put a hat on them, and for God’s sake, make them wear ear protection. Better yet, leave your newborn with mamaw.
This is what you are talking about?? Article worthy?? Smoking is a choice that people of the legal age choose to do, just like alcohol. You should reall y be outraged that the plastic cups they has us drinking out of werent recycleable!! That is the crime! FIX THE RECYCLEING!!!