LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

for Virginia Business
June 2007

To the Editor,

I wanted to write in response to Governor Kaine’s attempts to change smoking in restaurants. I understand the reasons some citizens do not like to be around any type of smoking. I do not smoke. However, I feel very strongly that a business has a right to make its own rules and decisions on this issue, just as you have the right to support that particular business.

I’m really tired of people constantly downing smokers. Our state, in particular, has been supported by the tobacco industry. It has become a deeply embedded habit.

I don’t want to be in a country where every little group of citizens thinks they can dictate policies about businesses they have an issue with. You wouldn’t go in a topless bar and demand the girls dress modestly because they may morally corrupt someone. You don’t go to a bar at 10 on a Saturday night and proclaim it’s not a good environment for children.

Please use your head. If you own a business of any kind and people don’t support it, you will fail. I want the business owner who is responsible to be rewarded for knowing and catering to his customers’ needs. If he chooses not to be a smart business owner, then that reward will also be his to bear. He takes the risk and he accepts the outcome.

Until your money to support that business is on the line, then I feel you have no control of how that business operates. You, however, do have the choice to support that business financially. Bottom line: He is there to make money.

Cheryl Lafferty
Mechanicsville

To the Editor,

I have slightly mixed feelings and opinions regarding [a smoking ban in restaurants]. However, I believe it comes down to a few things to be considered.

1) Going to a restaurant for a meal is an individual choice. One could stay home and not go to a restaurant.

2) If people decide to go to a restaurant for a meal, it is their choice to be selective about where they would like to go. There are restaurants that are smoke free. One does not necessarily need to choose a smoking environment.

3) Smoking is an individual choice like choosing to go to a restaurant. Thus, if Governor Kaine’s position is put in place, smokers will not have a choice but to enter smoke-free restaurants. The choice of the smoker will be taken away.

It is my opinion that we, as people, are slowly having some of our rights dictated by government. If a restaurant owner would like to have a smoke-free environment, that’s the choice of the owner. If a restaurant owner would like to have a smoking environment, again, that’s the choice of the owner. Governor Kaine’s proposition now suggests dictating to business owners what they can and can’t do with their business venture specific to catering to the wants and needs of their clientele.

Secondhand smoke is a legitimate concern for many. I understand and respect that. But, perhaps those with this concern should work towards taking care of their needs after being warned of the possible dang ers versus attempting to force their views, factual or otherwise, on others.

Choice. That seems to be the key word. It’s a choice everyone can make at their discretion based on their wants and needs. This choice should not be removed from people. Instead, everybody should be allowed to continue making their choices as needed instead of having it dictated by government.

Ed Norman
Richmond