Smoke-free eateries increase their business
All of the health issues addressed in the article by Drs. Bell and Goff, “Smoke-free debate is about disease, not commerce” (Ideas, Feb. 22), are correct.
Worry in the hospitality industry that going smoke-free will hurt business has proved incorrect. Legislation will almost not be needed because restaurants have found that going smoke-free increases their customer base!
When it’s good business to go smoke-free, it doesn’t take long for it to happen. It’s OK if the legislature finally gets around to making it a law, too.
John Dykers Jr., M.D.
Siler City
Comments (6)
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I don't patronize businesses that stink and it's not my business to force them to conform to what I want. Why do others feel the need to mold others to their image via legislation?
Posted on March 3, 2009 6:42 AM
" When it’s good business to go smoke-free, it doesn’t take long for it to happen. It’s OK if the legislature finally gets around to making it a law, too."
If the first sentence is true, why did you feel the need to add the second?
There is no need for a law for every thought anyone has.
Posted on March 3, 2009 9:18 AM
don't patronize businesses that stink and it's not my business to force them to conform to what I want. Why do others feel the need to mold others to their image via legislation?
We have to have legislation because not everyone wants to avoid an establishment because of smoking but don't want to breathe other's smoke while they are trying to eat. If you don't go to restaurants that allow smoking your choices are quite limited.
I think that if they want a smoking section it should be in an enclosed room away from non smoking patrons. Let them stink themselves up without stinking up others.
Posted on March 3, 2009 1:59 PM
siler city is a dying town. the chapel hill wanna-bees in chatham have lost alot of businesses in their pursuit "the progressive agenda". and like them, this state will become a welfare state.
the more government imposes on business the less business you have.
Posted on March 3, 2009 8:24 PM
Except for Hugh, you guys just dont get it. Why not just get on the bandwagon and legislate some real stuff that will make us all safe.
Severly penalize anyone using a cell phone or texting while driving a car, truck or train. That will make us all a lot safer.
Make the drunks pay a high tax on their various drink. That too should help make us all safer.
Lets legislate some bonified things like unsafe building practices using toxic materials. Pay to have the construction sites checked properly instead of the rediculous inspections given today.
Doc, you live in a deam world and so do the rest of you. You want to legislate for others so you will be more comfortable. If non smoking in restaurants is a successful thing, then it is already having a positive effect on you. Why bother those who pay the high taxes for a product that supports your successful career?
Posted on March 3, 2009 8:27 PM
"siler city is a dying town."
You are correct, lilbean. However, you imply it is due to smoking restrictions. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Out of five major chicken plants, the bread and butter of this small town, all but one has closed. Just last year one closed putting almost a thousand workers out of a job. Considering there are only about 8,000 (counted) people here, that's quite a lot at one time.
Most of them left due to the fact Siler City could not provide them with enough water. The city has almost finished a new reservoir, hoping to meet the needs of it's residents.
No sir, indeed. No problem with smoking restrictions here.
Posted on March 4, 2009 1:10 AM