I am a resident of downtown Asheville and have been a professional singer for over 30 years. Most of my life was spent singing in smoky bars, six nights a week, inhaling other people’s secondhand smoke. Asheville is a music town filled with many musicians wishing to perform their music. Since musicians need a venue in which to play, unfortunately most get stuck playing in smoky bars. I would rather not play music [now] than play in a bar filled with excessive smoke.
Also, when dining out, I prefer to smell and taste my food. To me, there is nothing more disgusting than the foul odor of cigarette smoke while I’m eating. I’m also concerned about the health of bar and restaurant workers who must choose between putting up with this health hazard or face unemployment.
According to a new report from the U.S. surgeon general, secondhand smoke is a health hazard at any level. The 700-page report cites “massive and conclusive scientific evidence” of the “alarming” public-health threat posed by secondhand smoke and finds smoking bans are the only way to protect nonsmokers. “The debate is over,” Surgeon General Richard Carmona said in issuing the report. “The science is clear. Secondhand smoke is not a mere annoyance, but a serious health hazard.”
According to Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, seven states and 116 communities enacted tough smoke-free laws last year, bringing the total number to 22 states and 577 municipalities. Amy Winterfeld, health policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures based in Washington, D.C., said smoke-free legislation is pending in at least seven states.
I don’t have any problem with people who wish to pollute their lungs, the lungs of their families, and their own homes. I don’t think I should be subjected to other people’s passive smoke.
It surprises me that in this progressive, health-conscious, spiritually aware community, we still allow smoking in public places. I think Asheville should be a nonsmoking town. It’s a wise decision all the way around.
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