Buttercup
01-14-2009, 12:27 PM
KY Senate President Proposes Statewide Smoking Ban (http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/local/story/KY-Senate-President-Proposes-Statewide-Smoking-Ban/IL0GOuC4QUG4co-t6OfOtw.cspx)
Draffenville, KY- Cigarettes are almost as important as an afternoon meal for Danny Crabtree. He doesn't smoke one or two cigarettes, he smokes nearly two packs a day.
"If it was an olympic sport I would go gold medal," Crabtree said.
He and his friends say they enjoy eating at the Majestic in Draffenville because it has a smoking section. And they're not alone. Kentucky leads the nation in smoking. That's something Kentucky Senate President David Williams want to change. But instead of Governor Beshear's plan of raising tobacco taxes, Williams wants a statewide smoking ban.
In a statement to Local 6, Williams says, "A statewide smoking ban would probably do more to send out the message that smoking is not an activity that should be encouraged. I could support a statewide smoking ban that would allow people to be free from second and third hand smoke."
Williams' proposal wouldn't stop at bars and restaurants, it would include all public places. That means no more cigarettes in all public buildings and workplaces too. The American Lung Association says exposure to secondhand smoke is a proven cause of cancer, disease and premature death in children and adults. And new research suggests third hand smoke, or remnants on a persons hair, or clothing may also be hazardous.
Danny Crabtree and even some nonsmokers say business owners, not the government should decide.
"If I smoke and you put a non-smoking sign I'm not going to come and small businesses are going to hurt," Crabtree said.
"Kids do not have a choice but parents have a choice whether to bring their kids around it or not. I say leave it alone," added Justin Hinton.
After 15 years, Crabtree says he has no plans to stop smoking, but he and others should work harder to keep smoke to themselves.
Draffenville, KY- Cigarettes are almost as important as an afternoon meal for Danny Crabtree. He doesn't smoke one or two cigarettes, he smokes nearly two packs a day.
"If it was an olympic sport I would go gold medal," Crabtree said.
He and his friends say they enjoy eating at the Majestic in Draffenville because it has a smoking section. And they're not alone. Kentucky leads the nation in smoking. That's something Kentucky Senate President David Williams want to change. But instead of Governor Beshear's plan of raising tobacco taxes, Williams wants a statewide smoking ban.
In a statement to Local 6, Williams says, "A statewide smoking ban would probably do more to send out the message that smoking is not an activity that should be encouraged. I could support a statewide smoking ban that would allow people to be free from second and third hand smoke."
Williams' proposal wouldn't stop at bars and restaurants, it would include all public places. That means no more cigarettes in all public buildings and workplaces too. The American Lung Association says exposure to secondhand smoke is a proven cause of cancer, disease and premature death in children and adults. And new research suggests third hand smoke, or remnants on a persons hair, or clothing may also be hazardous.
Danny Crabtree and even some nonsmokers say business owners, not the government should decide.
"If I smoke and you put a non-smoking sign I'm not going to come and small businesses are going to hurt," Crabtree said.
"Kids do not have a choice but parents have a choice whether to bring their kids around it or not. I say leave it alone," added Justin Hinton.
After 15 years, Crabtree says he has no plans to stop smoking, but he and others should work harder to keep smoke to themselves.