Bill Seeks to Allow Smoking in Bars
Associated Press - Wed 08:05 AM 05/02/2012
Kansas banned smoking in most private businesses in 2010.
A House committee has approved a bill that would allow smoking in Kansas bars.
The bill approved Tuesday by the House State and Federal Affairs Committee would allow smoking in any private business that has only patrons and employees who are at least of legal drinking age.
Bel Aire Republican Rep. Steve Brunk, chair of the committee, said it's unlikely the bill will become law this year because it was introduced so late in the legislative session.
Brunk, who doesn't smoke, says that he supports the bill. He says it is consistent with state law that allows smoking in state-owned casinos and it protects private property rights.
Kansas banned smoking in most private businesses in 2010.
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Information from: The Wichita Eagle, http://www.kansas.com
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aschosh
Wednesday 2 May 2012 09:09 Report this comment
Darn I rather enjoyed being able to go have a beer with friends and not come home smelling like an ash tray! I understand smoker's don't want to always have to go outside, especially in cold weather, and when going out they are the majority. I know a lot of bar owners want to be able to allow smoking so they don't have to worry about bottles and such being broken outside while people are smoking, I just enjoyed the smoke free environment.
tgsalina
Wednesday 2 May 2012 09:36 Report this comment
Yeah, I think at this point those bar owners might be shooting themselves in the foot if they support a bill like this. Enough people are probably used to going to bars and not smelling like smoke when they come out that they just won't go any more. Smokers, on the other hand, would probably go whether they have to smoke inside or outside.
getumgranny
Wednesday 2 May 2012 10:09 Report this comment
I have always believed it should be up to the bar owner to decide this. If the majority of their customers would rather enjoy a smoke free environment, that's what they should listen to, their customers. I'm certain some of the higher end bars and clubs would rather stay smoke free and I support that. And, I believe most bars/clubs have already added smoking areas for their customers, so why start smoking inside again??!!
WhoCares
Wednesday 2 May 2012 10:24 Report this comment
I am all for this!!!! It's a win for smokers! Smokers rights have been taken, and why should we suffer just to make a non-smoker happy? As always, until you, or the government pays my cigarette taxes, I will smoke any damn where I want.
ShadowCipher
Wednesday 2 May 2012 10:34 Report this comment
I believe it should be the business owner's right to choose. With that said, I think they should choose wisely. I am a non-smoker, and I've enjoyed going to bars more now than ever. I really like that I can go to a place like Maggie May's to grab something to eat (great food if you've never had it) without being overwhelmed by smoke (like it used to be). I personally hate going into a place that allows smoking, but I do feel it is the owners right to chose.
Iamgonnagetu
Wednesday 2 May 2012 11:32 Report this comment
Well if the cost of cigarettes can be raised say double what they sell for now we can get a bunch more money in the state coffers then let them smoke.
missmanners
Wednesday 2 May 2012 11:51 Report this comment
Good, as a former smoker I think if the state owned casinos can have it the why can't the owner of a bar have it?? Some bars were hurt by this contradicting law. They had to spend $$ to have patios put in. Some will choose to stay smoke free I am sure.
RONNIEMUR
Wednesday 2 May 2012 14:38 Report this comment
I wouldn't frequent any place where people without enough personal restraint to keep their second hand smoke to themselves were all but welcomed to make people around them sick and uncomfortable. If you cannot wait until you get home, or be bothered to step outside, you should seek help for your addiction.
SalinaSenior
Wednesday 2 May 2012 18:04 Report this comment
these lawmakers are getting dumber by the day
IamMe
Wednesday 2 May 2012 19:22 Report this comment
Don’t you just love republican Kansas? Capitalism anyone? The smoking ban is just one law that shows that republicans love government control as much as democrats. How about we let private businesses set their own rules and get the government out of it? Smaller government means getting the government out of the way of the business person and letting them decide who they want as a customer and who they do not want.
dnoclaf
Wednesday 2 May 2012 21:50 Report this comment
Why the heck do they want to go and do something so stupid as bringing back smoking in bars??? I have enjoyed going to some places NON SMOKING. One step forward and two steps back??
IamMe
Wednesday 2 May 2012 22:12 Report this comment
Hmmmm, dno, do you love communism? Where does it stop? Can I tell you when to eat? How much? Can I tell you when to go to the bathroom? Where do you honestly believe that government control should stop? Can I tell you buying ethanol is good for you and you will believe it?
RONNIEMUR
Thursday 3 May 2012 06:04 Report this comment
@iamme, you think its okay for people to blow smoke inside buildings and force people to inhale second hand smoke? Did you know that inhaling second hand smoke can stimulate a heart attack within seconds of breathing it in? Communism? No one is forcing you to go to a bar, and you cannot compare smoking cigarrettes to eating, going to thee bathroom ...This are all necessary tasks that don't immediately put anyone in danger. Smoking is a habbit, a choice, nit a necessity. This isn't a matter of wanting to find something to control. Its once again about the gov't having to police people who don't have enough self control or respect to keep their cancer causing habit to themselves.
Iamgonnagetu
Thursday 3 May 2012 07:52 Report this comment
What you are failing to realize it was big business of the cigarette companies that got billions of people addicted to smoking. When it comes to public health issues private business owners should lose their rights. They should never be allowed to run a business that endangers the lives of people.
Lifeistooshort
Thursday 3 May 2012 12:32 Report this comment
Overturning the clean air bill is irresponsible of our legislators! What don't they understand about second-hand smoke causing death in nonsmokers? Epecially the people who have to work in all of that smoke! Smokers have been very considerate to step outside for a smoke, and a lot of them have quit because of the law. I think that they need to ban it on the casinos too. My nephew works in a casino, and reeks when he comes home. He's always got a cough. Over 80% of adults do NOT smoke, and I bet casinos would see more people coming in if they went smoke-free. More money for the casinos, more money for the state! Better health for the people, and less money spent on medical care. THAT's a win-win!
BigKenSucka
Thursday 3 May 2012 14:25 Report this comment
you people are all dumb