Smoking at tournaments

[mapman72]

Reno's a city, not a state

 

[nfty9er]

You have 4 problems

A couple problems with what you're saying.
1. If I wanted to play pool, it was the only choice I had. There were NO non-smoking pool halls when I was growing up. By your logic, if a black man in the 1950s was hungry and chose to stop at the nearest restaurant in some southern town, argued when he was refused service, was killed by a mob of white patrons, then it was actually HIS fault for "choosing" to go into that restaurant. Is that what you're saying? Can't you see the problem with that thinking?
2. Although bars and pool halls are private establishments, the fact that they allow the public makes them public places in my mind. They can't discriminate or do other things that are not "right". These establishments are required by law to adhere to other health related policies and procedures, but whenever someone suggests that smoking be banned we hear this uproar. As we are seeing with legislation throughout the country, just because the place is "private" doesn't make it exempt from providing a safe environment to the "public" who work there or patronize the business.
3. My area is LOADED with smoked filled pool halls. This one place in Maryland has so much smoke, you really can't see across the bar. I am happy, however, that you have more and better options in your area.
4. Pool room owners really have no choice but to allow smoking. It's so hard to make money in the business anyway, if the government allows smoking, businesses cannot possibly alienate a percentage of their clientelle by taking a stand with smoking. The smokers will ultimately go to the next pool hall where smoking is allowed. So if the pool hall wants to stay in business, they will allow smoking. Who gets the short end of that deal? Non smokers who just want to play the game that they love in a safe environment.

1. No nothing like that would be his "fault" but if he knows something bad is going to happen to him then stay out. In the 50's they had sections for blacks and whites, just like some pool halls today with smoking. But they changed those laws didn't they?
2. Then if private business must not do things that are not "right" why is there still smoking allowed? Your governing agency just hasn't gotten around to to protecting employees. California did not protect the customers, only the employees, that is how they got around the private businesses rights.
3. That sounds more like bars than pool halls. What is beyond the bar? I think you should open an none smoking room.
4. Gee I owned a smoking pool room for 20 years. Finally smoking was disallowed. I fought it tooth and nail including breaking the law. Then I realized that 75 percent of the population does not smoke. So smokers still come in and now I have tons of new customers from that 75 percent who stayed away because of smoke. So the baloney about going out of business is just that. You just have to adjust. It is only logical that I can survive a lot easier from 75 percent of the population than 25. I cater to the none smoker now. The smokers adjusted and if they are pool players and love the game they accept it.

 

[mapman72]

1. No nothing like that would be his "fault" but if he knows something bad is going to happen to him then stay out. In the 50's they had sections for blacks and whites, just like some pool halls today with smoking. But they changed those laws didn't they?
2. Then if private business must not do things that are not "right" why is there still smoking allowed? Your governing agency just hasn't gotten around to to protecting employees. California did not protect the customers, only the employees, that is how they got around the private businesses rights.
3. That sounds more like bars than pool halls. What is beyond the bar? I think you should open an none smoking room.
4. Gee I owned a smoking pool room for 20 years. Finally smoking was disallowed. I fought it tooth and nail including breaking the law. Then I realized that 75 percent of the population does not smoke. So smokers still come in and now I have tons of new customers from that 75 percent who stayed away because of smoke. So the baloney about going out of business is just that. You just have to adjust. It is only logical that I can survive a lot easier from 75 percent of the population than 25. I cater to the none smoker now. The smokers adjusted and if they are pool players and love the game they accept it.

We're on the same side then. Disallow smoking in pool halls. Thank you.

 

[vader93490]

When I first saw this thread, I had a feeling it would degenerate into yet another smoker vs. non-smoker powder keg thread. Sure enough, it looks like that's exactly what happened. Thus, I'll only say this once and then remain silent about the whole issue.

Personally, it annoys me to no end seeing these rabid anti-smoke crusaders ramming their views down people's throats all over the place. For some strange reason, they seem to feel that their views about "clean air" should take precedence over all else and to hell with what the smoker has to say about it.

I have to wonder however.... if the "foul" air that these people whine about so much is so awful to be in, then why is it they haven't started a crusade to clean up the public restrooms in the world? The smells in a poorly kept restroom are far more worse & annoying than any sort of tobacco odor, not to mention the horrid smell of someone taking a dump in the stall next to you plus keep in mind breathing in methane is as harmful as smoke, if not more so.

I have to admit that I do get mildly amused when I see people like Ted Harris teeing off on this issue. It certainly seems to me that he recycles the same post time and time again with the same old tired links. I certainly hope his ventilation system works well in his cue repair shop with all those chemicals lying around all over the place. Who knows what kind of pollutants are floating around in the air in that place.

Granted, smoking is a bad & largely unhealthy habit, there's no denying that. However, while you anti-smoking do-gooders are out on your proverbial witch hunt trying to extinguish the smoking butts of the world, I hope that you'll try to remember that you're not the only folks that have rights. Smokers have rights & the poolroom owners & tournament directors that cater to them do as well.

One more thing for the crusaders to consider...... there is no such thing as "clean air". If you have pets in your home, then you have things such as pet dander floating around. Dust is ever prevalent in any home, I don't care how neat and tidy a home is kept, there will be dust. When you use items like bug spray, you're spraying contaminants in the air then too. I could go on, but I think most folks around here are intelligent enough to see what I'm saying.

To summarize regarding the anti-smoke crusaders, here's what I have to say: Instead of concentrating all this energy trying to stamp out something as trivial as smoking, how about chiming up when it comes to things that are truly in need of fixing? For some reason, you guys get strangely quiet at that juncture.

Now regarding the Romano's event.... if I were to play in said event, my vote would be to have a non-smoking and smoking room. That to me is the less of two evils IMO.

 

[Harold Smith]

Smokers

I don't smoke anymore, quit in 84. Had cancer of the throat, had to have a vocal cord removed. Cause smoking, just glad to be alive. In response to the smokers who think that smoking isn't bad for your health. What cave have ya'll been living in. You are just too hooked to your addiction to admit the truth. Here is my hope. I will be so glad when all you smokers who want to smoke around non- smokers and make them breathe your smoke get cancer of the lungs or heart problems and die. I know your going to say well you got to go sometime. But some ways of dying isn't easy. Here is the good one all smokers not just some, get to have emphysema . Thats a nice way to go . You drown because your lung are full of fluid and your lungs can't expand enough to get you air. Ya'll have fun with you addiction.---Smitty

 

[Bob Romano]

Hey guys ~ I have received in the past day several questions about the Midwest Expo. It is NOT this year, this post is from last year and was pulled back to the top.

We do have a big event in Niagara Falls, NY this coming November and then The Windy City Open in January. Please contact me direct at windycityopen@aol.com for that info.

Eydie

 

[Bruce S. de Lis]

I voted YES and Please include Cigars, and Pipes.....

 

[jjinfla]

I went to Anastasia Billiards in St Augustine this past Sunday and the place is smoke free. That is the only smoke free room I have ever been in and it sure was a pleasure. Now I am trying to convince my wife that we should move there. LOL.

After a few hours in a smoke filled room I develop a headache, my eyes burn and it sure is not fun anymore. And of course those long thin cuts become impossible.

Jake

 

[mapman72]

Yeah, you're right

When I first saw this thread, I had a feeling it would degenerate into yet another smoker vs. non-smoker powder keg thread. Sure enough, it looks like that's exactly what happened. Thus, I'll only say this once and then remain silent about the whole issue.

Personally, it annoys me to no end seeing these rabid anti-smoke crusaders ramming their views down people's throats all over the place. For some strange reason, they seem to feel that their views about "clean air" should take precedence over all else and to hell with what the smoker has to say about it.

I have to wonder however.... if the "foul" air that these people whine about so much is so awful to be in, then why is it they haven't started a crusade to clean up the public restrooms in the world? The smells in a poorly kept restroom are far more worse & annoying than any sort of tobacco odor, not to mention the horrid smell of someone taking a dump in the stall next to you plus keep in mind breathing in methane is as harmful as smoke, if not more so.

I have to admit that I do get mildly amused when I see people like Ted Harris teeing off on this issue. It certainly seems to me that he recycles the same post time and time again with the same old tired links. I certainly hope his ventilation system works well in his cue repair shop with all those chemicals lying around all over the place. Who knows what kind of pollutants are floating around in the air in that place.

Granted, smoking is a bad & largely unhealthy habit, there's no denying that. However, while you anti-smoking do-gooders are out on your proverbial witch hunt trying to extinguish the smoking butts of the world, I hope that you'll try to remember that you're not the only folks that have rights. Smokers have rights & the poolroom owners & tournament directors that cater to them do as well.

One more thing for the crusaders to consider...... there is no such thing as "clean air". If you have pets in your home, then you have things such as pet dander floating around. Dust is ever prevalent in any home, I don't care how neat and tidy a home is kept, there will be dust. When you use items like bug spray, you're spraying contaminants in the air then too. I could go on, but I think most folks around here are intelligent enough to see what I'm saying.

To summarize regarding the anti-smoke crusaders, here's what I have to say: Instead of concentrating all this energy trying to stamp out something as trivial as smoking, how about chiming up when it comes to things that are truly in need of fixing? For some reason, you guys get strangely quiet at that juncture.

Now regarding the Romano's event.... if I were to play in said event, my vote would be to have a non-smoking and smoking room. That to me is the less of two evils IMO.

Smokers should be allowed to kill everyone.

 

[landshark77]

I didn't read this whole thread and I could care less about the arguing, However, I am a woman thus I have this drive to let my opinion known. I consider myself a smoker but I haven't smoked since April. Since my smoking has halted, I have come to realize just how alwful second hand smoke is. When I am around it I can not breathe and the smell is just wrentching...I have had to leave places because of it. Now when I was allowed to smoke I would prefer to smoke while I played pool....as in when I am at the table my cig is burning in the ash tray....when I am not at the table my cig is in my mouth. But given the enlightenment I have been blessed with, I can refrain from contributing to that mess and I would probably chose to play pool in a non smoking room if I were given the option. Keep in mind if it is a social call and I am having a drink or two then I would want the smoking room for that. But I can't smoke or drink and people make me moody so I am better off in front of the TV............watching Ballbreakers, LMAO.

WWIW, I am looking forward to a totally smoke free VF.

 

[gregory]

Actually, China has the highiest Ratio of people with lung cancer, with the smallest smoking population. So maybe there's something else going on.

i don't know where you get your info.
according to the BBC, the the exact opposite of what you claim is true.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/2504747.stm

Three million people will soon die of smoking-related diseases in China each year, experts have predicted.

Smoking is currently blamed for one million deaths each year across China.

But doctors have warned that the figures will rocket in the years ahead unless more is done to encourage people to quit the habit.

One third of the young men now living in China are going to get killed by tobacco

Two out of three Chinese smoke. China accounts for 20% of the world's population but its people smoke 30% of the world's cigarettes.

 

[Timberly]

on Sunday, they have the ladies tournament and it always seems like 98% of the ladies are smoking, and smoking twice as much as the men.

LOL, too funny! I noticed that at the last tourney. I don't recall who I was talking to about it but I had noticed that almost EVERY woman in the event was smoking. When I did smoke, I noticed all the people that didn't smoke (because I was one of the considerate smokers & tried to be as non offensive as possible) and now that I don't smoke, I notice just how many people do smoke. I still think that the number of non smokers outweigh the smokers but sometimes that can be difficult to tell.

Joey, I'm sorry to hear about your tonsil cancer. I'm not too familiar with that so I'm pretty ignorant on the diagnosis for it. I certainly hope your prognosis is positive, and wish the best for you.

LS, I'm with you... I'm looking forward to a smoke free SBE. They announced that when I was still a smoker and I was glad to hear it. Down stairs was simply unbearable and I felt sorry for the vendors down there. My friends from Reeves custom cues had their booth down there & none of them smoked... they were as miserable as I was down there.

 

[sharandrew]

We are talking about people being addicted. They have a problem with being unable to quite. All the facts and still rationalize smoking. The world is becoming aware of the facts and are doing something about it. it is slow(very slow) in comming. Non-smokers can help the process they should try to help smokers quite, take on the responsibility instead of the attitude "i don't care what he or she does" promote more non-smoking venues

 

[GARY LLOYD]

But this smoking... it's different... right?

Do to the fact I haven't posted much since joining the forum I really kind of hate to start here. But... the range of opinions and excuses I have seen on this topic really kind of has me shaking my head as I read them. All of the following are my own opinions on this topic.

Anyone should be able to do anything they choose AS LONG IT DOES NOT HARM ANYONE ELSE. Some of the references and comparissons made are truly amazing to me. From the "I have no problem not smoking during a match as long I get extra breaks to do so." Right on thru to "More people are affected by drinking related accidents."

Extra breaks.... Who should get extra breaks? Everyone? For what reasons? Do we allow our substance abusers to go reload every half hour? Our OCDs to go wash their hands every 15 minutes? Our alcoholics because we all know those rocks glasses are not going to last a whole set? But this is smoking... it's different... right?

No clean air because of automobiles... Yes we all contribute to air pollution. In todays world we need to be mobile. But, do me a favor, before you start your car. I want you to run a dryer vent hose from the exhaust pipe into the house of your sleeping family. With out waking anyone, start your car, now take a nice walk to work for the day. Same fumes but I'll bet your day ends entirely different than if you'd just drove to work. But this is smoking... it's different... right?

Drinking... All I can really say about this is if someone drinks, willingly drives, and hurts or kills themselves. Your right, their business. Now if they hurt or kill anyone else what do we have? If some one dies what is it, vehicular manslaughter, negligent homocide? Not trying to be specific, I'm sure you all get the point. What ever it is... it is wrong and illegal to knowingly put someone else in harms way by your actions. But this is smoking... it's different... right?

At best due to new information on the risk only 25% of the population now smokes. So should the other 75% have to cater to the few who still chose to? Second hand smoke puts everyone around it in harms way... who should have to adjust? Who should sacrifice? Those doing the harming or those being harmed? For those who ask is this a free country? YES... a democracy where 75% to 25% wins in favor of the non-smokers.

To anyone offended by my post, "I truly apologize!", and again this is only my opinions. Just some food for thought on a pretty worthy topic. Sorry so long winded.

 

[lukeinva]

man I wish there was this much concern about the homeless in the US or the orphaned hungry kids in the US or the people on welfare who abuse the system in the US or about gangbangers in the US. If you all put that much thought and concern into one of those topics then we wouldnt have any homeless, orphaned kids, people on welfare who abuse the system, or gangbangers. Funny how people only care about something when it concerns them or happens to them or bothers them. Funny but happens all the time. People could care less about a disease or smoking or anything until it happens to them and causes them dissatisfaction or messes with thier quality of life. Then and only then does it seem people take action to fight it!

 

[Koop]

To anyone offended by my post, "I truly apologize!", and again this is only my opinions. Just some food for thought on a pretty worthy topic. Sorry so long winded.

No offense Gary and well put.
I'm working on quitting right now and it's a bitch but so would not being able to see my kids grow up.

Koop

 

[Teddy Harris]

Do you drive ? if so then stop i hate going outside and smelling those fumes! <snip> MADISON BOB

I have just two questions for you...
1. How many people will die without transportation?
2. How many people will die without tobacco?

 

[chefjeff]

I vote 'no smoking' at your tourneys, Bob. But my vote means shit cause I don't do your tournaments.

How about simply asking the question on the entry form and the majority wins?

Or, and this relates to the private property issue, how about having the owner of the place decide what kind of deal s/he wishes to make with you and the players? Then if you and the players don't like the way it's done, you don't have to participate.

Once one integrates the property rights paridigm, the answer becomes obvious.

Freedom works....who'd thunk?

Jeff Livingston

 

[CaptainJR]

I have just two questions for you...
1. How many people will die without transportation?
2. How many people will die without tobacco?

Everyone.

CaptJR

 

[DaveK]

No offense Gary and well put.
I'm working on quitting right now and it's a bitch but so would not being able to see my kids grow up.

Koop

You and me both Koop. I hope it works out Dave.

Dave