December 11- Pet Peeve Monday - No smoking means NO SMOKING

On November 7th, voters in Ohio passed Issue 5 by a wide margin. Issue 5 was the measure that eliminated smoking and second-hand smoke from restaurants, bars, bowling alleys and most public venues. I had encouraged people to support this measure in my November 6th blog. Issue 5 had 67.3% approval in the Cincinnati region.

This week’s PET PEEVE is NOT about the lawyers who are now trying to undo the will of the people, through injunctions, lawsuits, and general double speak.

The State of Ohio, as any bureaucracy, was not ready to provide penalties when the smoking ban took effect on December 7. The pro-smoking lobby and supporters took this as “A Get Out of Jail Free” card. They have instructed people to “smoke ’em if you got ’em” until penalties are defined.

This week’s PET PEEVE is directed at all of the people that are STILL SMOKING in bars and restaurants in DIRECT VIOLATION OF THE LAW.

Here’s a novel idea: how about NOT breaking the law? Do you really need the threat of punishment in order to do the right thing? I believe social scorn should be enough penalty should someone light up.

Since when do we have the choice as to what laws to obey and what laws to ignore?

One of my early PET PEEVES had to do with people who DO NOT STOP at STOP signs. It applies here as well.

You cannot decide which laws to follow. There are parts of our constitution that don’t thrill me, (2nd Amendment). However, I respect it because it is the law of our country. Without law and order, we would have anarchy and chaos.

The smoking ban is IN EFFECT as of December 7. The people have spoken by an overwhelming majority. We voted to take back our personal health, and to eliminate smoking and second hand smoke in public places.

I will not patronize any businesses that do not comply with the “No Smoking” law just because penalties have not been determined. It is the law. If they chose not to follow this law, how can I be assured that they are following other fire, safety, and health laws? Maybe, they will try to squeeze a few more meals out of that expired meat or poultry because no one is looking. If I find someone smoking in a restaurant, I will hand the business manager the following card and quietly take myself and my money elsewhere.

The proprietors that ignore the ban say that they need the smokers for their revenues. What they fail to realize is that their economics may improve when they are smoke-free. They feel they will comply when penalties are in place. What they have miscalculated is that some people, including myself, will not patronize their businesses now or at any point in the future because of their criminal behavior.

When I find businesses that do follow the law, I will leave the below card.

Opponents to the ban are predicting “chaos” because of the ban. They expect enormous business failures, mass migrations to Kentucky, and the downfall of society as we know it.

Here is my prediction. People will once again be able to socialize with their friends and families without having to immediately shower upon returning home. The people provided a clear mandate that they wanted clean air when they dine, drink, or dance.

Bon Appétit

Note: If anyone wants copies of the cards to print out for yourself, please send me an email request.

To report non-compliant businesses: The toll-free number is 1-866-559-OHIO. Otherwise, you can notify them online at nosmoke@odh.ohio.gov