I concur with Amy LaDeroute [“Let’s Make It 578,” Jan. 31]: It’s time Asheville went smoke-free in public places. As a working musician of 30 years also, I’ve had my share of smoky bars. I now turn down gigs if there is heavy smoke. As someone with asthma, I don’t have much choice.
I really appreciate those clubs in Asheville that are smoke-free. I must say, though, that on a recent visit to the Orange Peel, the large group of smokers that huddled right outside the door made it pretty obnoxious. My friends and I covered our noses as we quickly entered and exited—getting a few scoffing remarks from some smokers—and we still had to shower when we got home.
Austin went smoke-free right after we left there four years ago. On a return visit, we found that the new ordinances had not affected bar business negatively at all. It was great to be able to go to some of the wonderful music venues and not cough!
You say, “It’s time Asheville went smoke-free in public places.”
I assume you are advocating that the government force private property owners to prohibit smoking for the benefit of some non-smokers (I am a non-smoker and I suffer smokers gladly).
In a free society, business owners make their own economic decisions about the best use of their private property without the interference of the government in the marketplace. In turn, customers can choose to patronize the establishments that suit them the best.