The land of the free? Not from where I stand!
By Susan Lavely

The statewide-proposed smoking ban is outrageous.

Not allowing privately owned businesses the option to deem their establishment as smoking or non-smoking is a violation of rights. What is more absurd is allowing those freedoms in "clubs, casinos" and other establishments of the like.

Equality? Where are the rights of the tavern owners, smokers, and patrons? Taverns are social meeting areas for adults; individuals allotted the FREEDOM TO CHOOSE where they go. If adults want to CHOOSE to be in a smoke-free environment, then exercise that right and go to a smoke-free place.

Statistics show that loss of revenue, jobs, and workers earnings in states where smoking bans have been enforced is an extremely high cost.

Can Pennsylvania afford to lose another prosperous industry? Remember, it is LEGAL to smoke so how can the State regulate a LEGAL activity in selected locations? Selecting locations is not providing a health benefit to anyone; it is merely providing a financial benefit to the State? This doesn't sound like "America the Home of the Free" to me!

As in individual whose parents have worked for over 25 years to build a prosperous tavern business, I will not remain quiet while our legislators pass a bill that will force thousands of small taverns out of business.

It is the duty of all patrons, tavern owners, and constituents to fight to protect our FREEDOMS and RIGHT TO CHOOSE.

Please be proactive and contact your State Senate and House of Representative members.

The bill is scheduled to be re-presented again in early September 2007.